Signs That Your SSN Is On The Dark Web

Experian’s free dark web scan can look for your email address, phone number and Social Security number, and Experian’s personal privacy scan can search for your information on people finder sites. People generally think about a credit freeze as something to do if their information has been stolen, but Myroup says doing it before you have a problem can be a preventative measure. If your credit is frozen, no one can apply for credit in your name. It’s a fairly simple process of reaching out to the major credit bureaus, and it won’t cost you any money or negatively impact your credit score. The downside is that if you decide to get a mortgage or a new credit card, you’ll have to unfreeze your credit before you can apply.

How To Safely Access The Dark Web

The data allegedly comes from hospitals and paediatricians, according to posts from the broker on the dark web markets Dream and Empire. This means it’s less likely, too, that thieves might get their hands on your number. Your Social Security number, or SSN, is a key piece of personally identifiable information. In the wrong hands —  like, in the hands of an identity thief — your Social Security number might lead to various types of identity theft or  fraud.

Is Your SSN On Sale Right Now On The Dark Web? Here Is How To Find Out Securely

CreditWise Alerts are based on changes to your TransUnion and Experian® credit reports and information we find on the dark web. Password managers are apps or browser plug-ins that encrypt—or scramble—and store all your passwords. how to start a darknet market Some may also create unique passwords automatically, which you can use when creating a new account. This can make it easier to keep track of your passwords—and make it more difficult for hackers to access your information.

• Many organized crime groups (OCG’s) communicate with each other in secret forums on the dark web.
• You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report.
• You can monitor for login credentials and other personal information, such as your Social Security number, IP address, credit and debit card numbers, driver’s license number, and more.
• Of course, suspicious activity doesn’t necessarily mean your Social Security number has been used.
• Another recent COVID-19 scam that cruelly exploits job losses involves filing phony unemployment claims using your SSN, birth date, name, or address.

Did you know that 1 in 50 children are affected by child identity fraud? In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that incidents of identity theft where the victim was under age 19 increased 50% last year. More than half of those crimes involved children under 9 years old. An organization’s most valuable asset is its people, so threat actors leverage human weakness first to compromise an organization. IT security teams should develop and maintain a robust security awareness training program that educates users about the dangers of the dark web and its impact on business operations.

Additional detailed information is available via this web page and the video recording of a recent town hall. In the meantime, campus IT officials encourage everyone to report any suspicious email or telephone calls by contacting IT staff at . Remember, email access can become a gateway for fraudsters who can log in to your email and use that account as a bridge to other locations where your SSN is on file. 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.

They may use it to deposit illegal funds or make big withdrawals that you’ll be held responsible for. I’ve already covered the infamous Equifax scandal at the beginning of this article. However, data breaches happen every day, especially with phishing being on an absolute spree since COVID-19 started. This way, personal information held in “safe” databases can escape into the dark web where cybercriminals trade and exploit it for personal gain.

The Dangers of the Dark Web: Social Security Numbers at Risk

The dark web is a notorious corner of the internet where illegal activities thrive. One of the most sought-after pieces of information on the dark web is the social security number (SSN). This unique nine-digit number dark web link is used by the US government to track individuals for tax purposes and other official business. However, it has become a valuable commodity on the dark web, where it is bought and sold for nefarious purposes.

The Value of a Social Security Number on the Dark Web

A social security number is a goldmine for cybercriminals. With an SSN, they can impersonate someone, open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and even file tax returns. In some cases, they can sell the SSN to other criminals who will use it for similar purposes. The value of an SSN on the dark web varies, but it can fetch anywhere from $1 to $50, depending on the demand and the amount of personal information that comes with it.

How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web

There are several ways that social security numbers end up on the dark web. One of the most common methods is through data breaches. Hackers target companies and government agencies that store large amounts of personal information, including SSNs. They then sell the stolen data on the dark web to the highest bidder. Another way SSNs end up on the dark web is through phishing scams. Cybercriminals send emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, asking for personal information, including SSNs. Once they have the information, they sell it on the dark web.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

Protecting your social security number is crucial in today’s digital age. Here are some tips to help keep your SSN safe:

• Never share your SSN with anyone unless it is necessary. Legitimate organizations, how do i get to the dark web such as banks and government agencies, will never ask for your SSN via email or text message.
• Use a

  What if my Social Security number is on the dark web?

  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.