The Dangers of Social Security Numbers on the Dark Web

Because creditors and lenders can’t access your credit, they’ll automatically deny any requests for a loan or new credit card. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a government agency that protects consumers from deceptive and unfair practices. If you are the victim of identity theft, you need to report it to the FTC. Although the FTC will not investigate the report, they will use the report to protect other consumers from future identity theft. The FTC also collects all of the reported information to assist other entities with their investigation of identity theft, and provides you with resources to recover from the incident.

• While the dark web has legitimate uses, it’s also a hotbed of illicit online marketplaces and other illegal activity.
• 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.
• The Dark Web is a small part of the web that isn’t indexed, meaning that it can’t be accessed by normal search engines.

So, while a Social Security account can help protect your benefits, it doesn’t safeguard the number itself. The standard going rate for an SSN is $3 to $4, and that price can escalate to around $8 for a full personal profile or “fullz,” which includes more detailed information. SSNs don’t sell for much compared with other more lucrative documents such as medical records, which often retail for $2,000 per file. However, you needn’t sink into the depths of the dark web in search of your SSN.

How Can Dark Web Monitoring Help Me?

In this quick guide, you’ll learn why the dark web exists, how cybercriminals use it, and how to monitor for your own information there. The dark web can be used for legitimate activities, such as communicating privately. However, because it offers complete anonymity, the dark web is often used for illegal or malicious online activities, such as drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. “Comparitech’s research findings is another highlight of how commoditized cybercrime has become.

These notifications can help you keep track of your credit card transactions at all times. Passwords are among the most commonly leaked pieces of sensitive personal information. You can use Identity Guard’s free Dark Web scanner to see which accounts are at risk.

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When your personal information is leaked in a data breach (or stolen through hacking, malware scams, or phishing attacks), it most likely turns up on Dark Web marketplaces. A dark web alert is a way for you to be notified if your personal information appears on a dark web marketplace. It acts how to buy drugs on darknet as a heads up and allows you to take action to protect your identity. Create a separate email address you can use for logging in to unimportant accounts. If one of these less important sites experiences a data breach, your primary email won’t be the one floating around on the Dark Web.

In today’s digital age, personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. One of the most sensitive pieces of information that can be stolen and sold on the dark web is a Social Security number (SSN).

From prior living places to your credit history and medical information, your SSN says a lot. Fraudsters can use your information and Social Security number to open or upgrade utility service agreements. This can include water, gas, electricity, phone, internet, cable, or other services. Like with the rest of SSN identity theft types, you may not know someone’s receiving free utilities in your name until you begin receiving unpaid bills. Using your SSN and personal information, an identity thief could avoid paying for medical care or emergencies themselves.

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 used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen personal information, including SSNs.

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How is a SSN Stolen?

There are several ways that a SSN can be stolen, including data breaches, phishing scams, and identity theft. Once a SSN is stolen, it can be sold on the dark web for a profit.

What are the Risks of Having a SSN on the Dark Web?

Having a SSN on the dark web can lead to a number of risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and damage to your credit score. It can also make it difficult to prove your identity and can lead to a loss of trust from financial institutions and other organizations.

How Can You Protect Your SSN?

There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN, including:

• Never sharing your SSN with anyone unless it is necessary
• Keeping your SSN in a safe and secure place
• Monitoring your credit report for any suspicious activity
• Consider using a credit monitoring service
• Being cautious of phishing scams and other online threats

FAQs

What is a Social Security number?

A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It is used to track earnings and benefits for retirement, disability, and survivor’s benefits.

Can I check if my SSN is on the dark web?

There are a number of services that claim to be able to check if your SSN is on the dark web, but it is important to note that these services are not always accurate and can often be scams. The best way to protect your SSN is to take the steps outlined above to prevent it from being stolen in the first place.

What should I do if I think my SSN has been stolen?

If you think your SSN has been stolen, you should contact the Social Security Administration and the Federal Trade Commission to report the theft. You should also place a fraud alert on your how to access dark web credit report and consider freezing your credit to prevent any further damage. Additionally, you should monitor your financial accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.

Can I change my SSN?

In most cases, it is not possible to change your SSN. However, if you are a victim of identity theft and have exhausted all other options, you may be able to apply for a new SSN. It is important to note that changing your SSN can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it may not solve all of the problems caused by identity theft.