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If your Social Security number is found on the dark web, it can be used to open credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, and commit other types of identity theft. There are also VPNs and password managers that monitor the dark web for data breaches that may affect you. These best darknet sites 2024 tools usually scan using your provided email address and search for any leaked personal information connected to that email address, which may include your SSN. Having your data exposed on the dark web can be dangerous, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe.
Sign Up For MyE-verify And “self-lock” Your SSN
They might access your online bank or credit card accounts, using your funds to buy electronics, expensive restaurant meals, hotel stays, and whatever else they desire. If fraud is suspected during processing, the IRS will contact you via mail with instructions. Identity protection software from McAfee can help keep your information out of the hands of cybercriminals. Some how to access darknet on iphone features of McAfee identity protection include expert security support, award-winning antivirus protection, a password manager, and firewall protection. Choose the plan that works best for you and keep tabs on your personal information. A cybercriminal may hack into company databases and take personal data, such as email account addresses, passwords, and phone numbers.
Shine a light on the dark web, get notified when potential threats to your identity are discovered, and help secure your accounts and devices against hackers and malware with Norton 360 with LifeLock Select. Dark web sites are anonymously hosted websites accessible only through special software — commonly “TOR” (The Onion Router). While the dark web has legitimate uses, it’s also a hotbed of illicit online marketplaces and other illegal activity. From shady hacking collectives and illegal marketplaces, to identity thieves and fraudsters, all sorts of risks lurk in the dark depths of the web. Pretty much EVERY US citizens SSN/D.O.B./former address is on the dark web.
Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age, and one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information that can be used for this purpose is a social security number. Unfortunately, social security numbers are often found on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is not indexed by search engines.
What is the Dark Web?
- If you’re unsure how an online account was accessed, it’s a good idea to change it.
- Often, the information scammers collect from the dark web is incomplete, but the availability of so much of it is partly what’s led to an increase in the number of scams and their effectiveness.
- 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.
- They will most likely freeze your cards and accounts to prevent unauthorized activity.
- The reality is that many cybersecurity researchers believe that every American’s SSN has already been leaked online at some point.
Cyber security experts recommend not repeating old passwords or using the same password on more than one account. The best passwords are complex and difficult to guess, including a series of letters, numbers and symbols. There’s no reason you should carry your social security card in your wallet. It costs only $4 to buy a social security number (SSN) on the dark web, according to a new report that compiles the results of a two-year investigation by Atlas VPN, a leading virtual network provider. “For very young children it’s reasonable to assume criminals are sourcing the data through access points in hospital networks or government systems. In this case, the vendor is explicit about the hospital connection,” Wilson told Motherboard in an email.
Illicit dark web marketplaces and forums ooze stolen and compromised PII, including SSNs sold to the highest bidders. The best way to find out if your SSN has been leaked online is to check if your data was part of a data breach. Additionally, you may have received a data notification letter from a breached company, which should specify what type of information was involved. A Dark Web scanner searches the depths of the internet for your personal information. Scanners can tell you whether your credit card details, SSN, or passwords have been leaked or stolen.
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. Take advantage of credit monitoring and more with CreditWise, a free app for everyone.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is 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.
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that a social security number can end up on the dark web. One common way is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive information, including social security numbers. Another way is through phishing scams, where criminals trick individuals into revealing their personal information.
What are the Risks of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
If your social security number is on the dark web, it can be used for a variety of illegal activities, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and filing tax returns in your name. This can result dark web address in financial loss, damage to your credit score, and even legal trouble. It is important to take steps to protect your social security number and monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.
How to Protect Your Social Security Number
- Do not carry your social security card with you. Keep it in a safe place, such as a locked safe or a safe deposit box.
- Be cautious about giving out your social security number. Only give it out when it is necessary, such as when applying for a job or filing taxes.
- Monitor your credit report regularly. You can request a free credit report once a year from
Should I be worried if my email is on the dark web?
If your email address is circulating on the Dark Web, it’s almost certainly due to a data breach. The problem is that the average internet user doesn’t use the Dark Web — and therefore doesn’t know if their data is compromised.
Can two people have the same Social Security number?
There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people.
How do you know if your identity is on the dark web?
Run a free Dark Web scan
Instead, a free Dark Web scanner can search countless Dark Web pages and marketplaces for your personal information. This is a good place to start — however, free scanners only check for email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers).
Can you change your SSN if it gets stolen?
There are only five situations where you can apply for a new Social Security number, including: Ongoing financial and identity fraud due to identity theft. Unfortunately, just being the victim of any of the types of identity theft isn't enough.