When creating or updating your account passwords, make sure to choose ones that are difficult to guess. Avoid using a pet’s name, your name, or other personal information that others can guess. That’s why using a virtual private network (VPN) like McAfee the silk road dark web Secure VPN, which comes with bank-grade encryption to scramble your data, can be a good idea. You’ll also only want to visit encrypted webpages when browsing online — keep an eye out for URLs beginning with HTTPS rather than HTTP.
How Do Identity Thieves Use The Dark Web?
Never email sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers or bank accounts, and driver’s license information. “After a data breach or successful phishing campaign, much of the stolen personal information is sold on black markets. The median credit limit on a stolen credit card is 24 times the price of the card.
How do I check my SSN online?
No, there is no way to search for your Social Security number online. You'll need to search through your personal records to find your SSN or request a new Social Security card. How can I look up my SSN? Your Social Security number might be on some of your tax records or financial documents.
Your social security number (SSN) is one of the most critical pieces of personal information that you possess. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most commonly targeted by cybercriminals. With the rise of data breaches and identity theft, it’s no surprise that SSNs are now being sold on the dark web.
How Much Is Your Info Worth On The Dark Web? For Americans, It’s Just $8
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 stolen personal information, such as SSNs.
Report Fraud To The Social Security Administration
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. Welcome to the digital age, where personal information has become a valuable commodity on the internet. The dark web, a hidden part of the internet, is notorious for being a hub of illegal activities. It’s a place where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data, including sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers (SSNs).
How Did My SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways your SSN could have ended up on the dark web, including data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks. Once your SSN is obtained, it can be sold and traded on the dark web for a profit.
What Are the Risks of Having My SSN on the Dark Web?
If your SSN is on the dark web, it can be used for various illegal activities, including identity theft, tax fraud, and opening new credit accounts in your name. These activities can result in significant financial losses, damage to your credit score, and a lengthy process to restore your identity.
How Can I Protect My SSN from Being Sold on the Dark Web?
Contact Companies Where Your SSN Was Used
While it’s impossible to completely prevent your SSN from being stolen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- A dark web monitoring tool scans and monitors the dark web for specific personal information such as your email address, passwords or Social Security number.
- CreditWise is a free service that gives you the ability to detect suspicious activity.
- Even the best identity theft protection can’t prevent every data leak.
- In light of these risks and consequences, it is strongly advised to avoid participating in the illegal trade of SSNs on the Dark Web.
- The dark web provides identity thieves with an anonymous and untraceable platform to sell, purchase, and exchange stolen personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and never click on suspicious links or provide darknet market list 2024 personal information in response to unsolicited emails or calls.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My SSN is on the Dark Web?
If you suspect your SSN is on the dark web, take the following steps:
How much do SSN sell for?
Hackers sell stolen SSNs on the Dark Web for as little as $2. Here's what to do if your Social Security number was found on the Dark Web.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your account.
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports closely for any suspicious activity.
- Consider working with a credit monitoring or identity theft protection service.
FAQs
Q: What is the dark web?
A: 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 stolen personal information.
Q: How did my SSN end up on the dark web?
How did my info get on the dark web?
If you're wondering “how does one's personal information get on the Dark Web?”, the answer includes data breaches, scams, and a very diverse range of cyber-attacks (phishing through email, private messages and voice calls, social media impersonation, malware infections or digital identity theft).
A: Your SSN could have ended up on the dark web due to a data breach, phishing scam, or malware attack.
Q: What are the risks of having my SSN on the dark web?
A: If your SSN is on the dark web, it can be used for various illegal activities, including identity theft, tax fraud, and opening new credit accounts in your name.
Q: How can I protect my SSN from being sold on the dark web?
A: You can reduce the risk of your SSN being sold on the dark web by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, monitoring your credit reports, freezing your credit, and being cautious of phishing scams.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my SSN is on the dark web?
A: If you suspect your SSN is on the dark web, contact the three major credit bureaus, file a report with the FTC and IC3, monitor your financial accounts and credit reports closely, and consider working with a credit monitoring or identity theft protection service.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
Having your data exposed on the dark web can be dangerous, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe. Sign up for a credit or identity theft monitoring service, thoroughly check your credit card statements and carefully investigate any unknown or unrecognized activity.
