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Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
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You might have to provide your Social Security number, but you don’t need your physical card to do this. Because an SSN is unique to every individual, it is a very useful identification tool. But since it’s difficult to use on its own, criminals get quite crafty when it comes to using your Social Security number.
Your social security number (SSN) is one of the most important pieces of personal information that you possess. It is used to identify you for various purposes, including employment, taxation, and credit applications. Unfortunately, your SSN can also be a valuable commodity for cybercriminals 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. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and avoid falling into legal trouble. An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to US citizens, dark web shop permanent residents, and temporary residents granted work authorization. It is important to note that not everything on the Dark Web is illegal. The Dark Web also serves as a platform for political activists, whistleblowers, and journalists to communicate anonymously and share sensitive information without fear of reprisal.
What is the Dark Web?
According to Bloomberg, the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack that led to gasoline shortages on the East Coast was due to a compromised password in a system that did not have multifactor authentication. Cybernews reported that a file with 8.4 billion passwords, which have presumably been combined from previous data leaks and breaches, was posted on a hacker forum. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is free to place and remove and is the best way to protect against an identity thief opening new accounts in your name. Alternatively, place a free fraud alert on your credit to make it more difficult for an identity thief to get new credit in your name.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through regular web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen data, drugs, and weapons. The dark web is used by cybercriminals to buy and sell personal information, including SSNs.
How Does Your SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
If you know your email account is exposed, first scan your computer for malware, change the email password, and then sign up for IDStrong’s identity monitoring to check for other exposures online. The deep web is a collection of non-indexed web pages deliberately hidden from conventional search engines like Google or Bing to protect sensitive or private data. Examples include cloud data, government websites, online banks, credit cards, and website services. However, the dark web is a different animal from non-indexed websites often used for dangerous, illegal, and criminal activities. In addition, the dark web is difficult to navigate and operates much slower than the deep web.
There are several ways that your SSN can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to databases containing personal information. Another way is through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick you into providing your personal information, including your SSN.
As alarming as these scenarios may seem, they are signs of a surprisingly common crime — identity theft. Change your passwords often, and use a password manager if you tend to forget passwords or don’t know how to create strong options. Check links you receive in email before opening them and providing darknet dating sites sensitive information. For example, your bank will almost certainly never ask you to email them your account information and will never ask you to share passwords or a one-time passcode. Typically, if your credit card number gets stolen, the issuing company will offer fraud protection.
What Are the Risks of Having Your SSN on the Dark Web?
If your SSN is on the dark web, it can be used for various illegal activities, such as identity theft, tax fraud, and credit card fraud. Cybercriminals can use your SSN to open new credit accounts, apply for loans, and file tax returns in your name, causing significant financial and reputational damage.
How Can You Protect Your SSN from the Dark Web?
- Regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity.
- Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and never provide your personal information in response to unsolicited emails or phone calls.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
FAQs
Can you remove your SSN from the dark web?
No, once your SSN is on the dark web, it cannot be removed. However, you can take steps to protect yourself from the risks associated with having your SSN on the dark web.
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How can you tell if your SSN is on the dark web?
You can monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity. You can also consider monitoring dark web using a dark web monitoring service to alert you if your personal information is found on the dark web.
What should you do if you suspect your SSN is on the dark web?
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, you should contact the credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You should also consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Additionally, you should file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and contact your local law enforcement agency.
How can you prevent your SSN from being stolen?
You can prevent your SSN from being stolen by using strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, being cautious of phishing scams, and monitoring your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity.
How much do SSN sell for?
Hackers sell stolen SSNs on the Dark Web for as little as $2. Here’s what to do if your Social Security number was found on the Dark Web.
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).
Is it safe to enter your SSN online?
Don't enter your SSN into your phone, laptop, or other devices. It would be rare for you to need your card. Typically, reciting the number is all that's required. Keep the number in your head and the card locked up at home.