What Is An Identity Monitoring Service?
It holds considerable value on the Dark Web and black markets, where it can be bought and sold for illegal activities. If you attempt to research your own information personally by venturing into the dark web, you could be tricked into interacting what does dox members mean darknet markets with hackers and exposing your identity further. A better solution is to use professionals to monitor the dark web for you and alert you when your information is exposed, sold, or used so you can take preventative measures to fix the problem.
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Dark Web Social Security Number: What You Need to Know
In addition to scanning for data breach information, a dark web monitoring service can be used to classify risks from unknown sources. Businesses that receive alerts when their data appears on the dark web can connect those mentions to other threat sources, and use that information to profile and mitigate threats faster. You may have seen commercial advertisements for services that monitor for identity theft. The services promise to monitor various aspects of your life and alert you to suspicious activity.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of sensitive personal information such as social security numbers.
However, risks exist because threat actors focus efforts on accessing portions of the deep web for potential financial rewards. It is not safe to give your Social Security number to anyone who doesn’t absolutely need it. This site belonging to the Federal Trade Commission is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. Once you describe what happened, it will take you through the next steps you should take.
If you’re still concerned, try one of these identity theft protection services, which provide both credit and dark web monitoring, as well as identity theft insurance. Be sure to visit to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company. Your Discover card has a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee3, so you’re never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover card account. We monitor every purchase, every day and alert you of any suspicious transactions by email, text or phone call.
How is a Social Security Number Sold on the Dark Web?
Cybercriminals often obtain social security numbers through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cyber attacks. Once they have obtained a large number of social security numbers, they can sell them on the dark web to other criminals who may use them for identity theft, fraud, or other illegal purposes.
- The thief will then be able to access all your important accounts that are protected by that password, even ones that contain your Social Security number.
- Be instantly alerted if your Facebook or Twitter account’s data is leaked by cybercriminals.
- If you know your SSN by heart, it may not be necessary to get a new card, but you can easily order a free replacement from the Social Security Administration.
- We monitor thousands of sites on the Dark Web—a hidden area of the Internet where stolen Social Security numbers can be traded or sold for the purposes of identity theft and fraud.
- Unfortunately, the value of an SSN extends beyond its intended use.
We also monitor your Experian credit report and notify you whenever any new inquiry or credit account is reported to your Experian credit file, even if it’s not a Discover account. In most cases, you will probably recognize it as an activity that you authorized. However, if you don’t recognize the activity, we’ll let you know what steps you need to take including informing the credit bureaus and report the activity as fraudulent.
What is the Risk of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
If your social security number is on the dark web, you are at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Criminals can use your social security number to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and file tax returns in your name. This can result in significant financial losses and damage to your credit score.
Most of us use one email address to open multiple accounts, including online banking. It’s a fraudster slang that means a complete package consisting of everything you need to commit identity theft. We’re talking about Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, date of birth, mother’s where to find darknet market links redit maiden name, driver’s license number, etc. Compromised websites should actively reach out via email to inform you of a breach. Some services, such as Equifax, which leaked over 140 million SSNs onto the internet, have a dedicated tool you can use to see if you have been affected.
How Can You Protect Your Social Security Number from Being Sold on the Dark Web?
There are several steps you can take to protect your social security number from being sold on the dark web:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and other forms of social engineering.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for signs of fraud.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any suspicious activity.
What Should You Do if Your Social Security Number is on the Dark Web?
If you believe that your social security number is on the dark web, you should take the following steps:
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Consider freezing your credit reports to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- File a police report and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the identity theft.
- Consider working with a credit repair company to help restore your credit score.
FAQs
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of sensitive personal information such as social security numbers.
How is a social security number sold on the dark web?
Cybercriminals often obtain social security numbers through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cyber attacks. Once they have obtained a large number how to buy drugs on dark web of social security numbers, they can sell them on the dark web to other criminals who may use them for identity theft, fraud, or other illegal purposes.
What is the risk of having your social security number on the dark web?
If your social security number is on the dark web, you are at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Criminals can use your social security number to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and file tax returns in your name. This can result in significant financial losses and damage to your credit score.
How can you protect your social security number from being sold on the dark web?
There are several steps you can take to protect your social security number from being sold on the dark web, including using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, being cautious of phishing scams, monitoring your credit reports, and considering using a credit monitoring service.
What should you do if your social security number is on the dark web?
If you believe that your social security number is on the dark web, you should contact the three major credit bureaus, consider freezing your credit reports, file a police report and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the identity theft, and consider working with a credit repair company to help restore your credit score.
Can you void your Social Security number?
A. Policy for void SSNs
SSA assigns SSNs to individuals when an application has been filed to request the assignment of a number. SSA does not delete, destroy, rescind, inactivate, or cancel SSNs once they are assigned.
How can I check my SSN for free?
Up to 5 names/SSNs: Call (800) 772-6270. Up to 50 names/SSNs: Submit a written request to a local Social Security Office.
Can a SSN be canceled?
SSA assigns SSNs to individuals when an application has been filed to request the assignment of a number. SSA does not delete, destroy, rescind, inactivate, or cancel SSNs once they are assigned. However, under some situations SSNs are marked as “void.”