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If you want to know how your information was stolen, where it came from, and where it ended up, use IDStrong’s dark web monitoring and alerts. The service will update you with information like when the data breach occurred, what website or account was hacked, how to get on darknet market and what personal information about you was published without your consent. IDStrong scours the depths of the dark web, underground chat rooms, and botnets to let you know if your credit card numbers, bank accounts, debit cards are found on hacking forums.
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Store Your Social Security Card In A Safe Location
Instead, you should keep all your personally identifiable information (PII) as safe as possible. Since this is technically a way of using your data how to surf the dark web online, there are also ways to retrieve it. While browsing the internet, you may accidentally install spyware on your phone without even knowing.
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Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
- The problem of Synthetic Identity is growing and it is a large problem.
- Weak and reused passwords can make it easier for hackers to get into a user’s work accounts just as easily as their personal accounts.
- In this article, we explored what the dark web truly is – a hidden realm accessible only through specialized software like Tor.
- There are also cases where individuals purchase SSNs to access government benefits fraudulently.
- Remember that maintaining good cyber hygiene and staying vigilant is an ongoing process.
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. One of the lesser known ways that scammers target you is by convincing your phone buy drugs on darknet provider to send them a new SIM for your account. Known as a “SIM swap,” this scam gives fraudsters full access to your phone number — which means all calls and texts go to them, including 2FA codes and password reset links.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of personal information such as social security numbers (SSNs). In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about SSNs on the dark web.
How Are SSNs Sold on the Dark Web?
We monitor every purchase, every day and alert you of any suspicious transactions by email, text or phone call. If you become the victim of identity theft, consult helpful resources like Link Identity Theft government site All my information is compromised but they didn’t get my money or my medical. Because of lousy credit it cost me a small fortune to change everything. I called all agencies such as DMV, Social Security, etc. and the FBI identity theft. So far they don’t have my identity but they have all the information to do it.
Cybercriminals can obtain SSNs through various means, such as data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks. Once they have obtained a large number of SSNs, they can sell them on the dark web to other criminals who may use them for identity theft, fraud, or other illegal activities.
SSNs are typically sold in bundles, with prices varying depending on the number of SSNs and the quality of the data. For example, a bundle of 1,000 SSNs may sell for as little as $10, while a bundle of 1 million SSNs could sell for up to $100,000.
How Can You Protect Your SSN from Being Sold on the Dark Web?
In the U.S., monitoring tools such as CreditWise from Capital One or Experian’s Dark Web Triple Scan are good places to start. These apps scan the dark web for any mention of your Social Security number, email, or phone number. If they find your details, they’ll let you know right away so you can take action. The listing for infant data was discovered by researchers at Terbium Labs, a dark web intelligence firm.
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN from being sold on the dark web:
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common way for cybercriminals to obtain personal information, including SSNs. Be wary of emails, text messages, and phone calls that ask for your personal information, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Using strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts can help prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your personal information.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly monitoring your credit reports can help you detect any unusual activity, such as new accounts being opened in your name, that may indicate that your SSN has been compromised.
- Consider a credit freeze: If you believe that your SSN has been compromised, you may want to consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports. This will prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.
What Should You Do If Your SSN Has Been Sold on the Dark Web?
If you believe that your SSN has been sold on the dark web, you should take the following steps:
- Contact the credit bureaus: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will require lenders to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name.
- File a police report: File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This will create an official record of the identity theft and may be helpful in resolving any issues that arise as a result.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint. The FTC can provide you with resources and guidance on how to recover from identity theft.
- Consider a credit freeze: As mentioned earlier, placing a credit freeze on your credit reports can help prevent further damage to your credit score and financial reputation.
FAQs
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 associated with illegal activities, including the sale of personal information such as social security numbers (SSNs).
How are SSNs sold on the dark web?
Cybercriminals can obtain SSNs through various means, such as data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks. Once they have obtained a large number of SSNs, they can sell them on the dark web to other criminals who may use them for identity theft, fraud, or other illegal activities.
How can you protect your SSN from being sold on the dark web?
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN from being sold on the dark web, including being cautious of phishing scams, using strong, unique passwords, monitoring your credit reports, and considering a credit freeze.
What should you do if your SSN has been sold on the dark web?
If you believe that your SSN has been sold on the dark web, you should contact the credit bureaus, file a police report, contact the Federal Trade Commission, and consider a credit freeze.
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.
Should I freeze my Social Security number?
There are several advantages of locking your Social Security number: No one can use your Social Security number when it’s locked. No one can apply for a job in your name and run up a tax bill for money you never earned. No one can use your Social Security number to apply for credit or open new accounts in your name.
Is a CPN illegal?
Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. Building credit takes time and requires responsible credit habits, such as paying bills on time every month.
