How Our Dark Web Monitoring Feature Works
The Dark World of the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software and configurations to access. It serves as a hub for various illicit activities, including the trade and sale of personal information, most notably social security numbers.
Dark web monitoring services, like those available from CreditWise, scan the dark web for your personal information and notify you if they find your data online. That way, you can take protective measures like freezing your credit reports or contacting your financial institutions. You can also update breached account passwords to prevent any further leaks.
The APR (which is the same as your interest rate) will be between 7.90% and 29.99% per year and will be based on your credit history. Even if you contact the affected companies as listed above, you’ll still probably want to contact a few government agencies to further document the ID theft. Consider filing a formal report with the FTC via IdentityTheft.gov. You can also contact the department directly at their ID-THEFT hotline.
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.
What is a Social Security Number?
All 50 states currently have some form of data breach notification legislation on the books, detailing how businesses or governments must inform those affected. Banks, credit card companies, lenders and online marketplaces now publicly disclose data breaches. According to Bloomberg, the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack that led to gasoline shortages on the East Coast was due to a compromised password in a system that did not have multifactor authentication. Cybernews reported that a file with 8.4 billion passwords, which have presumably been combined from previous data leaks and breaches, was posted on a hacker forum. Once a criminal has your SSN, they can open bank accounts, apply for loans and credit cards, obtain a driver’s license or ID card, and activate insurance policies using your name. Also, keep in mind that there isn’t a way to remove your SSN or any other personal information from the dark web once it exists there.
If there is any questionable activity on your accounts, notifying the financial institution right away may absolve you of liability for fraudulent charges. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.
A social security number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. It plays a crucial role in several aspects of life, including:
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. If you choose to place a freeze on your credit reports, you’ll have to file separately with each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) — Equifax®, TransUnion® and Experian®. You can place a security freeze on your Equifax credit report online by creating a myEquifax account. Once the security freeze is in place, you’ll be able to verify its status through your myEquifax account. If identity thieves have your Social Security number, they may be able to apply for credit in your name including new auto loans, credit cards, student loans and personal loans.
- Employment verification
- Tax purposes
- Access to government services
- Credit reporting
The Dark Web and SSNs: A Dangerous Connection
- If your SSN has been compromised, it’s only a matter of time before your identity is stolen.
- To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information.
- Of all detections indexed by CrowdStrike Security Cloud in the fourth quarter of 2021, 62% were malware-free.
- Your Discover card has a $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee3, so you’re never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover card account.
On the dark web, social security numbers are highly sought after due to their value in identity theft and fraud. Here’s how they are typically exploited:
- Identity Theft: Criminals can use SSNs to impersonate individuals and access their financial resources.
- Fraudulent Activities: An acquired SSN can facilitate the opening of credit accounts or loans in someone else’s name.
- Data Breaches: Stolen SSNs from data breaches are often sold on the dark web, making them available to a wider pool of criminals.
How SSNs Are Sold on the Dark Web
The sale of social security numbers on the dark web generally follows these steps:
- Hacking: Cybercriminals target databases from companies or government agencies to steal large quantities of personal data, including SSNs.
- Marketplaces: Stolen data is then listed on dark web marketplaces, where users can browse and purchase the information anonymously.
- Transactions: Payments are usually conducted using cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity.
Protecting Yourself from Dark Web Threats
Awareness of the potential risks associated with dark web social security numbers can help individuals take precautionary measures. Here are some strategies to safeguard personal information:
- Monitor Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
- Look for Signs of Fraud: Be vigilant for any unauthorized use of your personal information.
- Use Identity Theft Protection: Consider enrolling in services that monitor the dark web for your personal information.
- Limit Sharing of SSNs: Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my SSN be sold on the dark web?
Yes, if your SSN is compromised through hacking or data breaches, it can be sold on the dark web.
How can I check if my SSN is on the dark web?
Identity theft protection services often include dark web monitoring features that alert you if your SSN appears on suspicious marketplaces.
What should I do if I find my SSN on the dark web?
If you discover your SSN on the dark web, immediately take steps to freeze your credit and report the incident to the authorities.
Understanding the implications of dark web social security numbers is vital in today’s digital world. Protecting personal information is not just a matter of privacy; it’s crucial for maintaining financial security and preventing identity theft.
