Unfortunately, there’s no way to remove your SSN from the dark web once it lands there. However, there are numerous ways to prevent it from reaching the dark web and to reduce the damage should it fall into criminal hands. It’s certainly unsettling to discover your Social Security has fallen into the wrong hands and is now available to any cybercriminal for a nominal fee. Alina is a history buff passionate about cybersecurity and anything sci-fi, advocating Bitdefender technologies and solutions. She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling. Unfortunately, there are only specific situations in which you can change your SSN.
This way, personal information held in “safe” databases can escape into the dark web where cybercriminals trade and exploit it for personal gain. Data leaks are by far the easiest and most common way to acquire peoples’ SSNs and other personal information. A threat actor can use your Social Security number to commit fraud to falsely receive services and benefits under your name. In that case, you need to contact each of the companies that the threat actor may have used your Social Security number with. Go through your messages and financial activity to determine which companies the threat actor contacted, including banks, utility companies or employers. Contact those companies notifying them of the identity theft and the fraudulent activity under your name.
In today’s digital age, personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. One of the most sensitive pieces of information that can be stolen and misused is a person’s Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs are often sold on the dark web, putting individuals at risk of identity theft and other forms of fraud.
Signup for PureVPN to get complete online security and privacy with a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic. You can create a “my Social Security account” on the government website to monitor the use of your SSN. The account will let you manage and track your current benefits, which includes verifying if someone has filed a claim. You should also contact local law enforcement to file a report there separately. Here’s how to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus. We never like to use the word “impossible,” but unlike information found on Google and other indexed search engines, data on the dark web has no distinct process of removal.
What Is Tax Identity Theft?
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is often used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web is not indexed by search engines, making it difficult to access without specialized software.
Review Of ID Theft Protection With Dark Web Monitoring
How is a Social Security Number Obtained?
SSNs can be obtained through various means, including data breaches, phishing scams, and theft. Once an SSN is obtained, it can be sold on the dark web to individuals who intend to use it for fraudulent purposes.
What To Do If Your Information Is On The Dark Web
What is the Risk of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
- They then can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control so they can access your accounts.
- Even if you don’t have dark web monitoring, if there is reason to believe that your personal information has been stolen, you should assume that it can end up for sale on the dark web.
- Those experts can help you place fraud alerts with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).
- Even though the dark web has an unsavory reputation due to illicit activity, it does provide value for legal uses like promoting free speech and is legal for anyone to access.
- Unlike the surface web, which is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, the dark web requires specific software, configurations, and knowledge to access.
Scammers can purchase your SSN on the dark web and use it to open new accounts and credit cards, apply for loans, activate medical insurance, or claim benefits in your name. If your SSN has been compromised, it’s only a matter of time before your identity is stolen. However, if you receive an alert, it still means that you have been a victim of data theft.
If your SSN is on the dark web, you are at risk of identity theft and other forms of fraud. Identity thieves can use your SSN to open credit accounts, file tax returns, and obtain medical care, all under your name. This can result in significant financial and personal damage.
Therefore, you need to be proactive about knowing what information has been compromised and then secure your digital identity from scammers. 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. You’ll need to request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus individually — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They will each ask for personal data and provide a secret PIN to freeze or “thaw” your file when needed.
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.
FAQs
How did my info get on the dark web?
If you're wondering “how does one's personal information get on the Dark Web?”, the answer includes data breaches, scams, and a very diverse range of cyber-attacks (phishing through email, private messages and voice calls, social media impersonation, malware infections or digital identity theft).
- Can I check if my Social Security number is on the dark web? While there are services that claim to check if your SSN is on the dark web, they are not always accurate. The best way to protect yourself is to monitor your credit reports and financial accounts regularly.
- What should I do if I suspect my Social Security number has been compromised? If you suspect that your SSN has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration immediately. You should also place a fraud alert on your credit reports and consider freezing your credit.
- How can I protect my Social Security number? To protect your SSN, avoid carrying your Social Security card with you, and only give out your SSN when necessary. Be cautious of phishing scams and keep your personal information secure.
Plus, you get peace of mind with up to $1 million of ID theft coverage and hands-on restoration support to help reclaim your identity after identity theft. In this brief tour of black markets and hacking forums hosted in the Deep Web, we found that the offer for personal information and online service accounts is very articulate. The principal communities of online criminals are offering a growing number of services and goods that advantage illegal activities. The total is higher when store credit cards are considered, along with other products such as auto loans. The only way to reliably protect yourself from the dangers of the Dark Web is to sign up for Dark Web monitoring and identity theft protection. With Identity Guard, you’ll find out if and when your personal data leaks — and defend and insure yourself against fraud.
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.
Conclusion
Having your Social Security number on the dark web is a serious concern that can result in identity theft and other forms of fraud. By taking steps to protect your personal information and monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts regularly, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Can two people have the same Social Security number?
There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people.
