Dark Web Social Security Numbers: What You Need to Know

Social security numbers (SSNs) are a critical piece of personal information that can be used for identity theft and other forms of fraud. Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, SSNs are increasingly being bought and sold on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.

What Do I Do If My Social Security Card Or Number Is Stolen Or Lost?

Here are some tips for protecting your Social Security number and identity. He’s an experienced cybersecurity expert with a background of technical content writing. Second, in terms of price are passport templates, which start at $18. Here, you receive a template of a passport where you can input the details. These types of forged passports are the most popular in the marketplace. According to the Atlas VPN investigation, Social Security number (SSN) costs as little as $4 on the darknet.

What is the Dark Web?

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According to the FBI, at the time when the site was shut down, AlphaBay had 28,800 stolen credit card numbers, 4,488 stolen personal IDs, and 3,586 hacking tools. You may also receive robocalls or spam texts from identity thieves. Many use spoofing to imitate local area codes, government agencies, retail companies, banks or other trusted entities. Agencies like the IRS generally won’t make unsolicited calls asking for personal information like your SSN.

The dark web is a portion of the internet that is intentionally hidden and not indexed by search engines. It can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information.

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How are Social Security Numbers Sold on the Dark Web?

Criminals obtain SSNs through various means, such as data breaches, phishing scams, and identity theft. Once they have a SSN, they can sell it on the dark web to other criminals who may use it for fraudulent purposes, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit, or filing tax returns.

Monitoring your personal and financial accounts is the only way to detect and stop identity scams that damage your credit and reputation. Uncovering and recovering from SSN theft is a time-consuming and expensive process. That’s why millions of Americans use identity protection services like Identity Guard. To freeze your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Provide proof of your identity, and then request a PIN that allows you to freeze and unfreeze your report.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

• It provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
• For that, you need to contact your bank, credit card company, employer, landlord, or any other financial institutions affected by fraudulent activity.
• In case you see this, my research – and experience – show you do NOT need to pay to freeze and unfreeze your credit.
• They then can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control so they can access your accounts.

There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN and reduce the risk of it being sold on the dark web:

There are databases online that can scan the web for leaked personal information. You cannot freeze your Social Security number itself, but you can freeze your credit. However, you should only consider doing this if you’re very concerned or start receiving unfamiliar bills, credit notices, or if your bank warns you of identity theft. Using your SSN and personal information, an identity thief could avoid paying for medical care or emergencies themselves.

With easy setup and extensive monitoring, you can maintain your digital identity and gain peace of mind. A two-year study reveals the cost of fake passports, compromised bank accounts, and DDoS attacks on the dark web. Social security and medicare concept with social security card and pile of money.

• Never share your SSN unless it is necessary and you are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
• Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity.
• Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
• Be cautious of phishing scams and do not click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited emails or phone calls.

Google One now includes a dark web monitoring service that could help people protect themselves in case of a data breach. Close your accounts immediately if your banking information is compromised. Your bank or credit card issuer will help you shut down your accounts and open new ones. They’ll also assist you in setting up fraud alerts to help protect you in the future. Both services are free, so it’s worth checking even if you don’t suspect your info has leaked onto the dark web. CreditWise even offers extra features such as credit reports and scores.

• Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available.

Conclusion

The dark web is a dangerous place where personal information, such as SSNs, is often bought and sold for fraudulent purposes. It is important to take steps to protect your SSN and reduce the risk of it being sold on the dark web. By being cautious and vigilant, you can help keep your personal information safe and secure.