What To Do If Your Social Security Number Is On The Dark Web

Law enforcement agencies actively monitor Dark Web activities, and individuals involved in buying or selling SSNs can face criminal charges, including identity theft, fraud, and conspiracy. IDStrong’s active data breach monitoring alerts you when a breach happens and lets you know if your data is already leaked or sold on the dark web so you can take swift action to fix it quickly. For example, if Facebook experiences a data breach, IDStrong will notify you if your information was affected. We find out about breached information when it is traded or sold on the dark web or online.

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Dark Web Social Security Number: What You Need to Know

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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is not indexed by search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of personal information such as Social Security numbers.

What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary deep web sites (working) residents. It is used to track earnings and work history for tax purposes, and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.

How is a Social Security Number Sold on the Dark Web?

Dark web repositories of stolen personal data generally operate in support of criminal activity. Even if you could get in touch with an administrator, they likely would ignore your message. The dark web is a network of hidden websites and other services that require specialized software to access. Much of the material found bitcoins dark web on the dark web is encrypted or otherwise protected. None of it is visible without access to Tor, a specialized browser and software that ensures anonymity by hiding the user’s location and IP address. It remains crucial that people continue to protect their PII, like their SSN, to reduce their risk of identity crimes.

Here’s how to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus. Feature defaults to monitor your email address only and begins immediately. 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. One of the first dark web sites to become a successful anonymous marketplace for unlawful goods and services, Silk Road was shut down in 2013, and its creator sentenced to life in prison. Dark Web Monitoring notifies you when your data is discovered, allowing you to respond quickly to security breaches, helping to minimize their impact. Fraud committed after 2 to 6 years of a data breach increased by 400% over four years.

Social Security numbers can be obtained through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cybercrime. Once obtained, they can be sold on the dark web to individuals who intend to use them for fraudulent purposes, such as opening credit accounts or filing tax returns.

Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like phishing, vishing (voice phishing), malware, and social engineering to steal sensitive financial information. With not only the banking sector going digital there are increasing opportunities for breaches and fraud that pose significant threats to customers and institutions. Identity theft in banking can lead to severe consequences, including financial losses, damaged credit, legal issues, and emotional distress.

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

You’re entitled to a  free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Worryingly, criminals can use your SSN to take out loans and credit cards, open bank and phone accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and even use your medical insurance in your name. In this article, we explain how you can check securely whether your personal details have been leaked. Having your data exposed on the dark web can be dangerous, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe.

• Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a safe place.
• Do not give out your Social Security number unless it is absolutely necessary and you are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
• Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
• Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

FAQs

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is not indexed by how to access the dark web search engines. It can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser.

• Forged documents command the highest asking prices, with physical passport prices ranging from $2,980 to $5k.
• All users of our online services are subject to our Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by the Terms of Service.
• If a password is compromised, you could be the victim of fraudulent purchases or other unauthorized account activity.
• The downside is that this can be very inconvenient if you actually want to open up a legitimate account in your name, as you’ll have to rigorously verify your identity.
• 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.

Can I buy a Social Security number on the dark web?

Yes, it is possible to buy a Social Security number on the dark web, but it is illegal and punishable by law.

How can I tell if my Social Security

What happens if a scammer has your Social Security number?

Once they have your SSN, scammers can use it for numerous types of fraud — from opening bank accounts in your name to stealing your tax refund or even posing as you during police interactions.