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How Do I Get My Information Off The Dark Web
Other Nefarious Activities
Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
Other Security Alerts
Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most important pieces of personal information you have. It’s used to identify you for tax purposes, how does the dark web work to apply for loans and credit, and to access government services. Unfortunately, it’s also a valuable piece of information for identity thieves.
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
In this article, we explain how you can check securely whether your personal details have been leaked. Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts, criminals will slip through the cracks and manage to open new accounts in your name and/or run up unauthorized charges on your credit cards. In this case, you should contact the card issuer as soon as possible. You’ll also want to notify the credit reporting agencies and the IRS as quickly as you can as well. With your Social Security number, criminals can not only make charges in your name but take over your whole identity, even filing a tax return in your name to gain access to your refund.
- However, bear in mind that this feature only prevents employment-related identity theft, insurance fraud, and future identity thefts.
- Keep in mind—there is no foolproof way to know if someone is using your Social Security number.
- This data is unreachable by authorities and is stored on unregulated marketplaces.
- Credit card data are considered by security experts to be the most commonly traded commodities in the underground economy.
To prevent threat actors from abusing your Social Security number and avoid the damaging effects of identity theft, you need to protect your Social Security number. Here are the ways you can protect your Social Security number from getting how to surf the dark web stolen. When filing your taxes, you may get rejected because someone has already filed them without your permission. You may also get notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding any suspicious activity regarding your taxes.
There are a few ways that your SSN can end up on the dark web:
- Data breaches: If a company or organization that has your personal information is hacked, your SSN could be compromised.
- Phishing scams: If you fall for a phishing scam and give away what does dox members mean darknet markets your personal information, your SSN could be at risk.
- Malware: If your computer is infected with malware, it could be used to steal your personal information, including your SSN.
Bagwe previously worked at CISO magazine, reporting the latest cybersecurity news and trends and interviewing cybersecurity subject matter experts. “The SSNDOB Marketplace has listed the personal information for approximately 24 million individuals in the United States, generating more than $19 million USD in sales revenue,” the DOJ says. But a separate domain, found by Information Security Media Group, also claims to be the SSNDOB Marketplace and appears to be both active and accessible on the open internet. The image below shows a redacted version of the domain name and its Onion link. Bundles called “fullz,” containing an individual’s full set of identifying credentials such as SSN and date of birth can sell for as little as $8 on the Dark Web. The Social Security Administration has more information on identifying scammers impersonating the agency here.
The best way to protect your SSN is by taking preventative security measures now. Many of the sites that claim to get you a legal CPN are doing no such thing. They are playing a guessing game and trying to find social security numbers of minors that have no credit bureau. The website was created by a historian who was actually trying to help people to find historic records to trace their family history.
Banking services provided by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. See if your address, email and more are exposed on people finder sites. Some thieves will even go through the trash to look for documents containing personal data.
What Can You Do If Your Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web?
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, there are a few steps you should take:
- Check your credit report: You can request a free credit report from each of the three guns on dark web major credit bureaus once a year. Look for any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
- Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name.
- Consider a credit freeze: A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report without your permission. This can be a good option if you’re concerned about identity theft.
- Report the theft: If you’re certain that your SSN has been stolen, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
FAQs
What is the dark
Can I change my SSN online?
To change your Social Security number, you’ll need to: Contact your local Social Security office. Schedule an in-person appointment to apply for a new number. Gather all the necessary documents, which must be original or certified copies.
Who should you not give your Social Security number to?
That’s right. Most of the time, it’s OK to say no to schools, doctor’s offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
Can I change my SSN online?
To change your Social Security number, you’ll need to: Contact your local Social Security office. Schedule an in-person appointment to apply for a new number. Gather all the necessary documents, which must be original or certified copies.
Who should you not give your Social Security number to?
That’s right. Most of the time, it’s OK to say no to schools, doctor’s offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
How do hackers find SSN?
1. Data breaches at companies storing your SSN. Scammers rarely steal Social Security numbers by targeting individuals. It's much more efficient for them to hack large corporations or government agencies that store hundreds, thousands, or even millions of SSNs in customer databases.