Dark Web Social Security Number: What You Need to Know

• However, the deep web differs in that it doesn’t require a specialized browser such as TOR to access its contents.
• So it is not all evil, though much of it is – and it is best avoided as a destination.
• If your Social Security information has been compromised, you may be able to use an SSN lock to prevent some access to your personal information.
• Most people don’t know their medical records are sensitive and should be kept away from prying eyes.
• Banking services provided by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC.
• According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the number of consumer complaints relating to identity theft lodged with the US FTC between 2018 and 2020 multiplied threefold to over 1.3 million reports.

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. The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they’ll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.

What Is Sold On The Dark Web?

In today’s digital age, identity theft has become a significant concern for many individuals and businesses. With the rise of the dark web, obtaining sensitive information such as social security numbers has become increasingly easy for cybercriminals. In this article, we will discuss what a dark web social security number is, how it can be used for malicious purposes, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is a Dark Web Social Security Number?

Who Needs Dark Web Monitoring Services?

A dark web social security number is a social security number that has been obtained illegally and is being sold on the dark web. The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is only accessible through specialized software. It is often used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons.

Cybercriminals can obtain social security numbers through various means, such as phishing scams, data breaches, and malware attacks. Once they have obtained a social security number, they can sell it on the dark web to other cybercriminals who can use it for malicious purposes.

If your credit card number is stolen, your bank can issue a new one within days. If your passport or driver’s license is stolen, you can get a replacement issued with brand new numbers. Sontiq was formed in 2019, when EZShield, the leader in digital identity protection and resolution, acquired IdentityForce, the #1-rated identity theft protection provider for businesses and consumers. In March 2021, Sontiq acquired Cyberscout, the leading cyber products and services provider to the Insurance Industry. Dark web sites include online marketplaces for buying and selling illicit goods, and that includes personal information that can be used for identity theft, among other things.

How To Buy SSN On The Dark Web

How Can a Dark Web Social Security Number Be Used for Malicious Purposes?

With easy setup and extensive monitoring, you can maintain your digital identity and gain peace of mind. A two-year study reveals the cost of fake passports, compromised bank accounts, and DDoS attacks on the dark web. Social security and medicare concept with social security card and pile of money. An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends.

A dark web social security number can be used for a variety of malicious purposes, such as:

What To Do If Someone Has Stolen Your Social Security Number

• Identity theft: Cybercriminals can use a social security number to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and file tax returns in the victim’s name.
• Financial fraud: Cybercriminals can use a social security number to gain access to the victim’s financial accounts and make unauthorized transactions.
• Criminal activities: Cybercriminals can use a social security number to commit crimes, such as applying for loans or benefits in the victim’s name.

Through December 2023, you can get a free credit report every week from each of them at the website. If you find an account or transaction you don’t recognize, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the identity theft and get a personal recovery plan. You have the right to freeze and unfreeze your credit for free and as often as you’d like, but you’ll need to contact each credit bureau directly.

How Can You Protect Yourself from a Dark Web Social Security Number?

While it is challenging to prevent cybercriminals from obtaining your social security number, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for all your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords.
• Be cautious of phishing scams: Be wary of any emails or messages that ask for your personal information. Do not click on any links or download any attachments unless you are sure they are legitimate.
• Consider identity theft protection: Consider signing up for an identity theft protection service, which can help monitor your personal information and alert you to any suspicious activity.

Open a savings account or open a Certificate of Deposit (see interest rates) and start saving your money. You’re at home one night watching TV, and all of a sudden you receive a dark web email alert from Chase Credit Journey®. “Understanding what options are available to provide you the most security, and gravitating toward those options, is always the recommendation and the best practice,” Myroup says. If you’re responsible for an aging parent, you’ll also need to be alert, as older adults are often the top targets of scammers. Often, the information scammers collect from the dark web is incomplete, but the availability of so much of it is partly what’s led to an increase in the number of scams and their effectiveness. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear.

Conclusion

A dark web social security number is a serious threat to your identity and financial security. While it is challenging to prevent cybercriminals from obtaining your social security number, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. By monitoring your credit reports, using strong passwords, being cautious of phishing scams, and considering identity theft protection, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.