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In today’s digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. One piece of information that is particularly sensitive is our Social Security Number. This unique identifier is used for a variety of purposes, from opening bank accounts to filing taxes. Unfortunately, this also makes it a prime target for cybercriminals on the dark web.
Signs That Your SSN Is On The Dark Web
If you have not yet read our article on the threats linked to using the Barbie filter, read it here. At the company level, employees should be properly and regularly trained, security standards should be at a high level, and the tools that the company uses should be compliant and effective. Cybersecurity threats arise consequently with technological advancement, but it is undoubtedly the COVID period that boosted identity theft incidence. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the number of consumer complaints relating to identity theft lodged with the US FTC between 2018 and 2020 multiplied threefold to over 1.3 million reports.
- There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
- Our team of technology experts can help you reach a truly elevated level of IT strategy, security, solutions and support.
- A dark web monitoring service can plug in your personal, vulnerable data and run surveillance across dark web sites and pages to see if it’s being used or sold.
- There are cases of projects which propose money in exchange for your iris scan.
What is the Dark Web?
How Can Someone Steal Your Social Security Number?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines like Google. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as selling drugs and stolen data. Due to its anonymity, it has become a hub for cybercriminals looking to buy and sell personal information, including Social Security Numbers.
How Can I Protect My Social Security Number?
How Do I Get My Social Security Number Off The Dark Web?
- Be cautious online: Be mindful of the websites you visit and the information you share. Avoid entering your Social Security Number on unsecured websites.
- Use strong passwords: Make sure your online accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor your credit: Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity that may indicate identity theft.
- Consider freezing your credit: By freezing your credit, you can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission.
They’ll also assist you in setting up fraud alerts to help protect you in the future. Both services are free, so it’s worth checking even if you don’t suspect your info has leaked onto the dark web. CreditWise even offers extra features such as credit reports and scores. A compromised social security number is much more problematic than when other types of personal data hacked. If your credit card number is stolen, your bank can issue a new one within days. If your passport or driver’s license is stolen, you can get a replacement issued with brand new numbers.
That’s why it’s crucial to be cautious about sharing your social security number and other personal information, and to monitor your accounts and credit reports regularly for any signs of suspicious activity. Additionally, being informed about data breaches and following best practices for online security can help reduce the risk of your social security number being compromised. Debit and credit cards, social security numbers, and banking information are just a few examples of the personal data that is stolen and posted on the dark web.
You will probably end up giving them all sorts of personal information so that they know what to look for and act on your behalf. They can’t scan for release of your social security number if they don’t know what it is. They’ll need to know your credit card numbers to scan the dark web to see if they are available for sale.
Protect Personal Information And Safely Store Sensitive Documents
Contact the three credit reporting agencies and ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts. Similar to getting a credit card, an identity thief could use your SSN and other personal information and ID to open a bank account. They may use it to deposit illegal funds or make big withdrawals that you’ll be held responsible for.
FAQs
How do I know if my SSN is being used?
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Q: How do I know if my Social Security Number has been compromised?
A: If you notice any unusual activity on your credit report or receive notifications about accounts you didn’t open, it may be a sign that your Social Security Number has been compromised.
Q: Can I change my Social Security Number?
A: In rare cases, the Social Security Administration may issue a new number if you can prove that your current number has been misused. However, this process is not easy and should be a last resort.
By taking proactive steps to protect your Social Security Number and staying informed about potential threats on the dark web, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud.
What if my Social Security number is on the dark web?
Inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your SSN has been found on the Dark Web and ask to file an identity theft report. Even if your information hasn't been used maliciously yet, filing a formal claim with the FTC can help you if you need to dispute fraudulent charges, accounts, or crimes.
