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In today’s digital age, identity theft has become a significant concern for individuals and businesses alike. One of the most sensitive pieces of personal information that can be used for identity theft is the Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs are often found for sale on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.
What happens if a scammer gets your SSN?
With your SSN and other personal information easily found online, scammers can commit credit card fraud, open new accounts, and receive medical care in your name — as well as siphon away your Social Security benefits.
What is the Dark Web?
How Dark Web Report Works
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, such as the Tor browser, to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. The dark web operates on a network of computers that are not indexed by search engines, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor and track illegal activities.
How is a Social Security Number Stolen?
Privacy Monitoring
There are several ways that a Social Security number can be stolen. Some of the most common methods include:
- Phishing scams, where individuals are tricked into providing the dark internet their personal information through email or text messages.
- Data breaches, where hackers gain access to sensitive information stored by businesses or government agencies.
- Physical theft, where individuals steal wallets, purses, or mail containing SSNs.
Some cyber-monitoring companies do offer dark web scanning services by plumbing the depths of the dark web when people want to know if their personal identity information is sold on the dark net. Children may not yet have bank accounts, but they do have birthdays and Social Security numbers, and an increasing number of them are online—especially in the tween and teen years. Kids’ information is also often on paper forms, whether for school or medical use, putting them at risk for identity theft.
- While these types of hacks and sales are ultimately impossible to prevent, individuals can take critical steps to safeguard accounts and information.
- You don’t need to know everything about the dark web to know the dangers it poses to yourself and what you can do to protect your family.
- Criminals involved in illegal activities often seek to distance themselves from their true identities to evade law enforcement or escape legal troubles.
What is the Risk of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
Some credit monitoring services, such as Experian and Capital One, have dark web scanning tools which explicitly search for your SSN. In some cases, cybercriminals may already have some of your information but still need your address or phone number to access your accounts. Most cyberattacks rely on multiple scams, including phishing and other forms of manipulation, to uncover the data they need. You can fall victim to identity fraud and theft if your SSN is on the dark web. It can be made available for purchase and used to open new accounts.
If your Social Security number is found for sale on the dark web, it can be used for a variety of illegal activities, such as:
- Opening bank accounts or obtaining credit cards in your name.
- Filing tax returns and claiming refunds in your name.
- Renting or purchasing properties in your name.
- Obtaining medical services or prescription drugs in your name.
How SSNs End Up On The Dark Web?
How Can You Protect Your Social Security Number?
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of having your Social Security number stolen, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it being used for illegal activities:
- Never share your Social Security number over email or text message.
- Only provide your SSN when it is absolutely necessary, such as when applying for a job or filing taxes.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider freezing your credit reports to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ features built-in Dark Web Monitoring§ that carefully scans even the deepest parts of the dark web and notifies you if your information is found. I froze all of my credit reports (will be freezing LexusNexus and ChexSystems today). If you can you buy fentanyl over the counter suspect or discover your personal information is on the dark web, change your passwords right away. Don’t repeat passwords on different accounts, and ideally choose long, complex, random ones. Once you’ve input your info, the scammer has access to your details.
FAQs
Was Your SSN Found On The Dark Web? Do This
What should I do if I suspect my Social Security number has been stolen?
If you suspect that your Social Security number has been stolen, you should:
- Contact the Social Security Administration to report the theft and request a new number.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- File a police report.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the identity theft.
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and monitor your credit reports. If your information has been stolen, consider freezing your credit to prevent someone from opening new accounts in your name. Carefully review your credit report, making note of any recent changes to your credit score. You can request free credit reports directly from the three main credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — or from AnnualCreditReport.com, a service run by the federal government. An unexpected drop in your credit score can indicate illegal activity, fraud or identity theft.
Can I access the dark web to check if my Social Security number is for sale?
It is not recommended to access the dark web without the proper software and knowledge, as it can be dangerous and illegal. Instead, consider using a reputable identity theft protection service to monitor the dark web for any suspicious activity related to your personal information.
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.
Is it possible to remove my Social Security number from the dark web?
Once your Social Security number has been stolen and sold on the dark web, it is difficult to remove it. However, taking the steps outlined above can help reduce the likelihood of it being used for illegal activities.
Can I change my SSN online?
To change your Social Security number, you'll need to: Contact your local Social Security office. Schedule an in-person appointment to apply for a new number. Gather all the necessary documents, which must be original or certified copies.
