How To Tell If Your Social Security Number Was Stolen
The OIG provides 10 tips on Protecting Personal Information and details several actions to take if you suspect identity theft. Our mission is to deliver services that meet the changing needs of the public. Every day our employees diligently work to ensure our customers receive the services and benefits they deserve.
The Internal Revenue Service is committed to working with taxpayers to ensure that all federal tax accounts remain secure. You should contact your state taxing authority if you suspect your state tax account was compromised. It’s also possible for someone to physically steal records or documents with your personal information from work or home. However, these instances are rather rare since most data is stored online these days. This personal information is considered valuable to threat actors, and, in this case, they’re called data brokers. They sell your data on the dark web, which might be later used to initiate spam attacks, among other things.
Understanding the Issue of Social Security Number on Dark Web
Review your annual credit report every year to sport any suspicious activity not initiated by you, such as new lines of credit or new accounts. You can request the credit card report for free via AnnualCreditReport.com. If you think a cybercriminal has access to your SSN and has opened an account under your name, report the crime immediately. Contact the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission for assistance and inform your credit card companies of your identity theft case.
Closing the compromised account will render the account useless to identity thieves. Take advantage of credit monitoring and more with CreditWise, a free app for everyone. Create an account or use your Capital One account for a faster sign up. One of the most common scams is a phone call telling you that your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity or because it’s been involved in a crime. The caller then requests the victim’s SSN to verify identity and to reactivate, or any other number of excuses. There are simple techniques that will make you more difficult to hack, and to make it easier for you to identify if you’ve become the victim of identity theft.
The social security number (SSN) is a key identifier in the United States, essential for various purposes including employment, taxation, and credit opportunities. However, the increasing prevalence of cybercrime has raised concerns regarding the security of personal information, particularly how SSNs are exploited on the dark web.
Over the past few years, hacker groups have compromised billions of user accounts through data breaches. Hackers use various techniques to steal data, including malware, spyware, phishing scams, SIM card swapping, and ransomware. Some of these fraudsters even raid people’s trash or mail looking for bank statements, bills, or tax documents to steal Information. Cybercriminals take the stolen data and post it on the dark web in hacker forums to expose or sell on dark web marketplaces. That means that you could be targeted for phishing scams or other types of fraud. When your email address is exposed, your risk of identity theft increases, and could indicate your passwords may also be exposed.
The odds of someone using your Social Security number to conduct identity theft crimes are higher than you think. In 2015, a lead data scientist at Verizon estimated that up to 80% of Social Security numbers had already been stolen by cybercriminals. ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit. It is calculated using the information contained in your Equifax credit file. Lenders use many different credit scoring systems, and the score you receive with Aura is not the same score used by lenders to evaluate your credit.
Keep in mind that it takes time, sometimes several weeks, for a lender to report a new account to Experian. We also monitor your Experian credit report and notify you whenever any new inquiry or credit account is reported to your Experian credit file, even if it’s not a Discover account. In most cases, you will probably recognize it as an activity that you authorized. However, if you don’t recognize the activity, we’ll let you know what steps you need to take including informing the credit bureaus and report the activity as fraudulent. You can perform a deep web search, a dark web scan or you can receive a notification of a dark web alert regarding your SSN’s unauthorized presence on the dark web. However, this only means that your data is for sale on the fraudulent dark markets and it can be used at any point by cybercriminals to commit identity theft.
Whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals living under oppressive regimes may use the dark web to share sensitive information and protect their identities. Nevertheless, the anonymity provided by the dark web has become synonymous with criminal activities. The broker markets the data as a set of “fullz”; that is, full information on someone’s identity, or at least a significant enough moment to commit some form of fraud with it. Right now, there could be shady individuals selling your information on the dark web. To prevent this, Discover monitors thousands of dark websites to make sure that if it happens, you’ll know about it and will be able to take action. The programs aim to protect you from identity theft if your information ever ends up on the dark web.
What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, like Tor, to access. While it hosts legitimate uses, such as promoting free speech in oppressive regimes, it is also notorious for illegal activities, including the trade of stolen personal information.
How Are Social Security Numbers Compromised?
There are multiple ways in which an individual’s social security number can be compromised:
- Data Breaches: Large companies or organizations may fall victim to cyberattacks, exposing sensitive information.
- Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals trick individuals into providing their SSN through fraudulent emails or websites.
- Malware: Malicious software can capture personal data without the user’s knowledge.
- Physical Theft: Stolen documents that contain SSNs, such as tax returns or medical records, can be sold online.
The Consequences of SSNs on the Dark Web
Once a social security number appears on the dark web, it can lead to serious repercussions, such as:
- Identity Theft: Criminals can use SSNs to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and commit fraud under a victim’s name.
- Financial Loss: Victims may face significant financial repercussions, including debt accumulation and credit damage.
- Legal Issues: Individuals may confront legal challenges, especially if fraud is committed in their name.
Detecting Compromise and Preventive Measures
Monitoring your social security number and other personal information is essential to minimize risks. Here are some steps to consider:
- Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in services that monitor your personal information on the dark web.
- Check Your Credit Report: Regularly review your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Secure Personal Information: Avoid sharing your SSN unless absolutely necessary and ensure the security of your documents.
FAQs About Social Security Numbers on the Dark Web
Q: How can I find out if my SSN is on the dark web?
A: You can use identity theft protection services or dark web monitoring tools that scan for your SSN and alert you if it appears.
Q: What should I do if I discover my SSN on the dark web?
A: Immediately report the issue to the authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.
- Losing your Social Security number (SSN) can be a stressful experience.
- Unfortunately, there’s no way to remove your SSN from the dark web once it lands there.
- By notifying your financial institutions promptly, you increase the chances of limiting the potential harm caused by the compromised SSN.
- “That would be a very compelling reason to sign up,” said Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy for the Consumer Federation of America.
Q: Are there any legal actions I can take if my SSN is stolen?
A: There may be legal routes depending on the extent of identity theft and its impact on your life. Consult with an attorney for personalized advice.
Conclusion
The presence of a social security number on the dark web poses significant risks to individuals. Taking proactive measures to safeguard personal information is essential in today’s digital landscape. Awareness and vigilance can help mitigate the potential for identity theft and its detrimental effects.
