It can be the improper disposal of personally identifiable information in the trash or a sophisticated cyber-attack on corporate computers by criminals. Each plan below combines dark web monitoring with a wealth of other features. Comparing ID protection plans, you’ll see that some include $1,000,000 in stolen funds insurance with no deductible. The best plans also guarantee expert US-based help 24/7 in case your identity is stolen. There are databases online that can scan the web for leaked personal information. If you need to share your Social Security number digitally, you should use a password manager to safely send it.

Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know

How To Lock Your Social Security Number

In today’s digital age, identity theft has become a significant concern for many individuals. One of the most valuable pieces of personal information that can be used for identity theft is a social security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs are often bought and sold on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers.

What is the Dark Web?

It requires specialized skills and software, so you’ll probably need professional help. If you think you’re the victim of a data breach — for example, if there’s a string of unauthorized purchases using your credit card — you should act right away. Using a VPN, such as PureVPN, can ensure your online safety at all times and keep your online traffic, data, and activity hidden from hackers, scammers, and prying eyes. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your sensitive information online. Changing your passwords is the first and last line of defense against cybercriminals. If you think your data has been compromised, update all your passwords on online platforms with complex, unique, and long passwords and enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

How To Find Out If My Information Is On The Dark Web FAQ

The equifax data breach along with several other major breaches (linkedin, target, etc…) Have leaked all of the private information. If you find out your details dark market were sold on the dark web, you might be wondering exactly how they ended up there. Discover is the only major credit card issuer to offer such an alert for free.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities, including the buying and selling of personal information such as SSNs. The dark web operates through a network of servers that use encryption to hide the user’s location and identity. This makes it an attractive platform for cybercriminals to buy and sell stolen data.

The most that a typical scan can do is determine the date your data may have been exposed. Still, there’s always the chance that more of your data is out there than can be detected. If you notice any such activity, contact the three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experin), to have any credit activity in your name frozen. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name. Keep reading to learn about the risks, how to spot suspicious activity and how to stay safe when your information is compromised on the dark web.

Your CreditWise score can be a good measure of your overall credit health, but it is not likely to be the same score used by creditors. The availability of the CreditWise tool depends on our ability to obtain your credit history from TransUnion. Having your Social Security number on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to identify theft. In fact, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, identity fraud cases amounted to $28 billion and impacted 27 million Americans in 2021. There are some simple actions you can take to protect your identity and pocketbook from this national “identity crisis.”

How is a Social Security Number Stolen?

There are several ways that a social security number can be stolen, including:

• Phishing scams
• Data breaches
• Physical theft
• Malware attacks

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Phishing scams involve cybercriminals posing as a legitimate organization, such as a bank or government agency, and tricking individuals into providing their personal information. Data breaches occur when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a company’s database, which often contains sensitive information such as SSNs.

Physical theft can also occur when someone’s wallet or purse is stolen, and their SSN card is taken. Malware attacks involve cybercriminals installing malicious software on a victim’s computer, which can then be used to steal personal information.

What to Do if Your Social Security Number is on the Dark Web

If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, there are several steps you should take:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration to report the theft.
2. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
3. Consider freezing your credit.
4. Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity.
5. Consider identity theft protection services.

FAQs

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities, including the buying and selling of personal information such as SSNs.

How is a social security number stolen?

A social security number can be stolen through phishing scams, darkmarket url data breaches, physical theft, or malware attacks.

What to do if your social security number is on the dark web?

• In the next section, we will examine the potential risks and consequences that come with buying an SSN on the Dark Web.
• Once the security freeze is in place, you’ll be able to verify its status through your myEquifax account.
• Tim’s blogs aim to protect people and businesses against cyber threats and teach them the importance of password security.

If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, you should contact the Social Security Administration, place a fraud alert on your credit reports, consider freezing your credit, monitor your credit reports and financial accounts for suspicious activity, and consider identity theft protection services.

Can a social security number be changed?

No, a social security number cannot be changed. Once it has been issued, it remains the same for life.

How can I protect my social security number from being stolen?

To protect your SSN from being stolen, you should be cautious about giving out your personal information, use strong and unique passwords, keep your computer and antivirus software up to date, and shred any documents containing your SSN before disposing of them.