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If you notice any suspicious activity, talk to the police immediately, freeze your bank accounts, and change your passwords. Sensitive data that appears on the dark web most often comes from data breaches, malware attacks, or other fraudulent activities (such as phishing email scams). Most of us have multiple online accounts, and the companies managing those accounts are targeted by hackers all the time. If a data breach occurs at a company you have an account with, identity thieves can get their hands on your personal information and sell it. The term “Fullz” is used to indicate another type of financial credential traded in the underground markets.
The Presence of Social Security Numbers on Dark Web
- Other goods that are becoming popular in the criminal underground are gaming credentials, as they are used as a cashout mechanism.
- I can’t say what caused your issues but I have directly linked mine to the T-Mobile data breach and will be speaking with an attorney first thing on Monday about litigation over this.
- Rather, using a Dark Web monitoring service is the only way to check if your more sensitive information has been leaked.
- If your data has been leaked, hackers may be able to gain access to your device, which can allow them to unlock your accounts, steal your private information, and create chaos in your life.
No, only the Primary credit card member is eligible to receive the SSN, Inquiry & New Account Alerts. If your spouse or joint/secondary cardholder is the Primary cardmember of their own Discover Card account, he or she can enroll for these alerts on their account. According to LogDog, online accounts have become a “hot commodity” on the underground web, but not always for the same reason. Uber accounts, for instance, are perfect for those who may want to take free rides and don’t want to pay much to do it—each account costs between $1 and $2. Netflix (NFLX) accounts, which also range in price from $1 to $2, are ideal for video-streamers.
An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to US citizens, 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. However, the anonymity provided by the Dark Web also attracts criminal elements who exploit its features for malicious purposes. If you are sure one of your accounts has been compromised on the dark web, it is a good idea to close the account. Closing the compromised account will render the account useless to identity thieves.
The dark web has become a notorious marketplace for illegal activities, where personal information such as social security numbers is frequently traded. This article explores how social security numbers end up on the dark web, the consequences for individuals, and preventive measures.
Lenders use many different credit scoring systems, and the score you receive with Aura is not the same score used by lenders to evaluate your credit. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more. You can also request a credit freeze from any of the major bureaus, but it may take up to 24 hours to take effect — a risk that you may not want to take. A freeze doesn’t affect your credit score, but it will block all legitimate credit applications (in addition to fraudulent ones) unless you turn it off. One of the lesser known ways that scammers target you is by convincing your phone provider to send them a new SIM for your account.
How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
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. As a non-US citizen, report your stolen passport to the appropriate authority. You can usually file a report online at the appropriate government website. The dark web is a part of the internet that you can’t access with regular browsers or popular search engines – in other words, you can’t just Google a site on the dark web.
A variety of methods contribute to the presence of social security numbers on dark web forums, including:
- Data Breaches: Large corporations and government entities often experience data breaches where personal information, including social security numbers, is stolen.
- Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals use phishing schemes to deceive individuals into giving away their personal information.
- Malware: Malicious software can be used to extract personal information from compromised devices.
- Illegal Sales: Some individuals or groups specialize in selling harvested data, turning the theft of social security numbers into a lucrative business.
Neither your address nor the recipient’s address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Tech Xplore in any form. Capital One offers the CreditWise tool, which is free to use for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’re a Capital One cardholder. This multinational drug bust focused less on illegal marketplaces themselves, and more on the dark web dealers profiting from them, leading to 150 arrests across 8 countries.
Risks Associated with Social Security Numbers on Dark Web
The potential consequences of having your social security number found on the dark web include:
- Identity Theft: Criminals may use stolen social security numbers to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or commit other financial fraud.
- Financial Loss: Victims of identity theft often face significant financial burdens as they seek to rectify fraudulent activities.
- Long-Term Credit Damage: Poor credit resulting from unauthorized use of a social security number can take years to repair.
- Legal Issues: Identity theft can result in criminal charges against the victim if their personal information is unlawfully used.
How to Protect Your Social Security Number
To safeguard your social security number from making its way to the dark web, consider the following strategies:
- Limit Sharing: Only share your social security number when absolutely necessary.
- Use Secure Connections: Always use secure Wi-Fi connections and avoid public networks when transmitting sensitive information.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
- Shred Documents: Shred any paperwork containing your social security number before discarding it.
- Enable Alerts: Set up alerts with financial institutions to notify you of unusual transactions.
Social Security Numbers On The Dark Web:
FAQs about Social Security Numbers on Dark Web
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access and is often associated with illegal activities.
How can I find out if my social security number is on the dark web?
Services like identity theft protection and dark web monitoring can help individuals determine if their personal information appears on the dark web.
What should I do if my social security number has been compromised?
If you suspect your social security number has been compromised, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Staying informed and proactive about the potential risks associated with the dark web can be your best defense against identity theft and the misuse of your social security number.
