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How Does Personal Information End Up On The Dark Web?
Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
How Does Information End Up On The Dark Web?
Your social security number (SSN) is one of the most sensitive pieces of information about you. It’s used to identify you for tax purposes, accessing dark web to apply for loans and credit, and to access government services. Unfortunately, it’s also a valuable commodity on the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a network of websites where people can share information anonymously. Sometimes the activity there is harmless, like when journalists, law enforcement officials and whistleblowers gather and share info without revealing their identity. But it can also be a popular place for identity thieves, who can use the dark web to trade and sell your personal information.
Sign up for Aura and be alerted in near real-time if someone uses your SSN or if any unauthorized activity is detected on your financial accounts. If you’re a victim of fraud, it’s vital that you report the crime to the relevant agencies. By reporting fraud, you help to protect yourself and others from further damages. If your SSN or other personal information has been discovered on the Dark Web, you need to monitor your finances to ensure your identity isn’t stolen. Freezing or locking your credit accounts helps ensure that hackers cannot open accounts in your name — even if they have all of your credentials. Identity theft and fraud protection for your finances, personal info, and devices.
Once you know that your Social Security number is available on a public forum like the dark web, it may only be a matter of time before someone tries to use that information against you. In addition to blocking new accounts from being opened in your name, a good strategy is to closely monitor the cards you already have so that is there a subreddit for darknet markets no one begins racking up charges on your legitimate accounts. From there, it’s a simple step to get an additional card sent to an address of their choice so they can run up charges in your name. If fraudsters are using your stolen SSN, it will most likely show up on your credit reports and bank or credit card statements.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web is used by criminals to hide their identities and avoid detection by law enforcement.
- By accessing to the popular online marketplace operated by Rescator, users can easily buy dumps using its friendly interface.
- This chart indicates the approximate cost of popular goods and services on the dark web.
- A two-year study reveals the cost of fake passports, compromised bank accounts, and DDoS attacks on the dark web.
- IDStrong will also offer tips to secure your data better and mitigate the risk.
- A bad guy can easily see what sites your employees are visiting and what login credentials are used to access accounts.
How Does Your SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
You are victimizing a child and potentially creating identity theft problems for them for many years. Free Dark Web scanners aren’t comprehensive enough to give you a complete and accurate picture of whether your information is on the Dark Web. Rather, using a Dark Web monitoring service is the only way to check if your more sensitive information has been leaked. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out if you’re at risk and what to do if your personal information has been leaked in a data breach. Did you know that when you search the internet, you’re only seeing 5% of the web?
There are several ways your SSN can end up on the dark web:
- Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to databases containing personal information, including SSNs, through data breaches.
- Phishing scams: Criminals can trick you into giving them your SSN through phishing scams, such as fake emails or websites that look legitimate.
- Social engineering: Criminals can use social engineering techniques to manipulate you into revealing your SSN.
- Physical theft: Thieves can steal your wallet, purse, or mail containing your SSN.
To learn more about reporting fraud, visit the OIG’s Resources for Other Types of Fraud page. You will find information about misuse of SSNs, elder abuse, Direct Express accounts, fraud, and more. Also, watch their video “How to Report Social Security Fraud” for more details about the fraud referral process. Identity theft happens when a person illegally uses your personal information to commit fraud. Someone illegally using your SSN and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems.
What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN:
- Never give out your SSN unless it’s absolutely necessary darknet marketplace and you’re sure the request is legitimate.
- Keep your SSN in a safe place, such as a locked safe or file cabinet.
- Shred documents containing your SSN before throwing them away.
- Monitor your credit reports regularly for signs of fraud.
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
What happens if a scammer gets your SSN?
With your SSN and other personal information easily found online, scammers can commit credit card fraud, open new accounts, and receive medical care in your name — as well as siphon away your Social Security benefits.
How to find out if someone is using my child’s Social Security number?
Contact the three credit bureaus.
The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. You can find out if your child may be a victim of identity theft by contacting the three major credit bureaus.
