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Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern. One of the most sensitive pieces of personal information that can be used for identity theft is a social security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs can be found on the dark web, putting individuals at risk of identity theft and fraud.
Here are several steps you should take if your information finds its way onto the dark web. Getting one of these Social Security number notifications can be a sign that fraud might occur on your accounts, but it’s up to you to act. And that doesn’t mean channeling Nancy Drew and going after the bad guys yourself. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence.
- If someone has managed to steal your Social Security number or other identifying information, they may try to sell it on the dark web to someone who wants to use it to commit fraud.
- A fraud alert requires you to verify your identity before you’re able to take out a loan under your name.
- These breaches have affected organizations across various industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, and government.
- Some common sorts of data to sell on the dark web are account logins, SSNs, driver’s license data, medical account numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers.
In terms of bank security, you should worry about other things like a poor password, lack of two-factor authentication, and general carelessness when online banking. A threat actor can use your Social Security number together with PII to commit many forms of identity theft. darknet marketplace Among other things, they can use this information to apply for loans, avoid criminal responsibility, or attempt to steal your tax refunds, social benefits, or even medical coverage. The best way to protect your Social Security number online is with a password manager.
If your lost card ends up in the hands of scammers or cybercriminals, they gain access to your Social Security number and can cause significant damage. In essence, all types of SSN-related identity thefts use the number plus your additional information to bypass identification procedures in social and financial institutions. So, to the people wondering what can someone do with your SSN, the following is just scratching the surface. He is well-versed in data analytics and content creation with a passion for cybersecurity. His goal is to inform others about the current trends within the cybersecurity industry in a simplified fashion.
What is the Dark Web?
Your fraud alerts (such as suspicious activity alerts and account log in alerts) keep you in the know about activity on your Discover Card account. Dark Web alert is an identity theft prevention notification received when you sign up for a Dark Web monitoring service. People who have been victims of a data breach receive this alert as soon as their personal information is found on the dark web by a cyber-monitoring company they hired.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. The dark web is not indexed by search engines and is not accessible through traditional web browsers.
How Does a SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that a SSN can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches. Hackers can gain access to databases containing personal information, including top darknet markets SSNs, and sell this information on the dark web. Another way is through phishing scams, where individuals are tricked into providing their personal information, including their SSN.
What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN how to buy from darknet markets and reduce the risk of it ending up on the dark web:
- Never share your SSN unless it is necessary: Only provide your SSN when it is required by a trusted source, such as your employer or a government agency.
- Protect your personal information: Be cautious about the personal information you share online and with others. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Monitor your credit report: Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
- Consider a credit freeze: If you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a credit freeze on your credit reports, which will prevent anyone from opening new credit in your name.
What to do if SSN gets leaked?
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
How much do SSN sell for?
Hackers sell stolen SSNs on the Dark Web for as little as $2. Here’s what to do if your Social Security number was found on the Dark Web.
Can I change my SSN?
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.