The Dangers of Dark Web Social Security Number Theft

She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling. It’s especially important to complete a fraud report if you are going to dispute fraudulent charges; otherwise, there’s no proof of your being a victim. You can sign up for a free 14-day trial of Aura and start monitoring the Dark Web for your sensitive information right now. Unfortunately, free Dark Web scanners are often limited in what they can find (and don’t constantly monitor the Dark Web for your information).

The dark web is a hidden network of unregulated websites that often provides anonymity as well as access to illegal goods and information. Callow recommends for those concerned about a data breach to visit identitytheft.gov. The report also shows the hackers got ahold of a high schooler’s medical records and information regarding why sever students were expelled.

The good news is you can help better protect against credit fraud with a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze), which stops creditors from accessing your credit reports to open new credit accounts. So, if an identity thief tries to apply for a new credit card in your name, the credit card issuer won’t be able to see your credit reports, leading them to deny the application. It’s not uncommon for Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit card and bank account information, usernames and passwords, and medical records to be found there. If an identity thief gets their hands on your data, they could use it to set up fraudulent accounts, purchase items without your permission, or apply for loans on your behalf. Stay on top of personal information leaks and exposure by allowing IDStrong to monitor all your sensitive information. In that case, IDStrong will notify you when your information shows up on the dark web.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year. You can request your reports online at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official website authorized by the U.S. government. Check that your contact details, credit accounts, payment history, inquiries by lenders or creditors, and public records (bankruptcies, tax liens, civil judgments) are as expected. Security freezes are free, have no effect on your credit scores and can be lifted and replaced at any time.

Get Started With Identity Guard

Choose from business checking, business credit cards, merchant services or visit our business resource center. Several services, including the major credit bureaus, offer to scan the dark web to see if your information is out there. While this may sound negative, it’s the unfortunate reality given the amount of electronic data we provide nearly every day combined with a growing number of data breaches around the world. Total fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade, according to the nonprofit National Council on Identity Theft Protection, rising to more than 1.4 million a year by 2022. You’ll have to lift the credit freeze before applying for new credit cards or other activity that would result in a hard credit check.

How To Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age, and one of the most valuable pieces of information that can be stolen is a Social Security number. While many people are aware of the risks associated what is on the dark web with having their Social Security number stolen and used for fraudulent purposes, not as many are aware of the dangers of having their Social Security number stolen and sold on the dark web.

What is the Dark Web?

How Can Dark Web Monitoring Help Me?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. Because of its anonymity, the dark web is a popular place for criminals to buy and sell stolen information, including Social Security numbers.

How is a Social Security Number Stolen?

There are a number of ways that a Social Security number can be stolen, including phishing scams, data breaches, and even physical theft. Once a criminal has obtained a Social Security number, they can use it to open credit accounts, file tax returns, and even receive medical treatment in the victim’s name. This can result in significant financial and personal damage to the victim.

The Dangers of Dark Web Social Security Number Theft

Financial Loss: One of the most immediate and obvious dangers of having your Social Security number stolen and sold on the dark web is financial loss. Criminals can use your darknet drugs Social Security number to open credit accounts in your name and rack up significant debt. This can take years to recover from and can have a significant impact on your credit score.

• This added step can help improve the security of your personal information.
• In the U.S., monitoring tools such as CreditWise from Capital One or Experian’s Dark Web Triple Scan are good places to start.
• It is strongly advised to abstain from such activities for your own safety and the welfare of others.
• You can also request a credit freeze from any of the major bureaus, but it may take up to 24 hours to take effect — a risk that you may not want to take.
• Thankfully, there are ways to find out without having to venture into the darkness yourself or scour nefarious search engines.

Identity Theft: Another danger of having your Social Security number stolen and sold on the dark web is identity theft. Criminals can use your Social Security number to impersonate you and commit fraud. This can include filing tax returns in your name, receiving medical treatment, and even voting in elections. This can be difficult to recover from and can have long-lasting consequences.

Reputation Damage: Having your Social Security number stolen and sold on the dark web can also result in reputation damage. If your personal information is used to commit crimes, it can be difficult to clear your name and restore your reputation. This can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your Social Security number and reduce the risk of it being stolen and sold on the dark web. These include:

• Keeping your Social Security card in a safe place, such as a locked safe or safe deposit box
• Not carrying your Social Security card with you unless absolutely necessary
• Being cautious when giving out your Social Security number, only providing it when absolutely necessary
• Monitoring your credit report regularly for signs of fraud
• Using a reputable identity theft protection service

Conclusion

Having your Social Security number stolen and sold on the dark web can have serious and long-lasting consequences. It is important to take steps to protect your Social Security number and reduce the risk of it being stolen. By being cautious and proactive, you can help protect yourself from the dangers of dark web Social Security number theft.