Once someone gains access to your credit card, they can begin piling on the charges. If you’re not closely monitoring your credit card activity, the charges can quickly get out of hand. Social Security numbers are highly valuable because they are tied to individuals and used by institutions that access and handle sensitive personal information. As such, companies handling SSN-related information are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. The stolen data is then used as ransom or sold to the highest bidder on the dark web — the unindexed part of the internet where unlawful activity thrives.
- Nowadays, the dark web has become synonymous with illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, counterfeit documents, and identity theft.
- Known as a “SIM swap,” this scam gives fraudsters full access to your phone number — which means all calls and texts go to them, including 2FA codes and password reset links.
- Cybercriminals can also use your phone number and email to find more information using people search sites.
- You can sign up for an identity theft protection service to get ahead of identity thieves.
If you aren’t sure if your SSN is on the dark web, you’ll want to check first. Unfortunately, searching the dark web for your SSN without the needed technical know-how and specialized tools, such as a secure operating system, Tor browser, and VPN, can be extremely risky. We don’t recommend you try it due to the dangers and potential legal implications involved. You can also use the same resource to get a customized fraud recovery plan. Are you concerned your Social Security number (SSN) may be on the dark web?
What To Do If You Suspect Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen
Commonly breached data includes your personal addresses, passwords and email, he added. That hacker claimed the stolen files include 2.7 billion records, with each listing a person’s full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and phone number, Bleeping Computer said. It’s important to note that freezing your credit prevents anyone—including you—from opening new accounts. If you decide to freeze your credit, make sure you understand the process to unfreeze it, so you can access your credit, when necessary, like when you need to buy a new car.
Huge Data Breach Involving Social Security Numbers Could Impact Millions Of Americans
Most crimes occur within 24hrs of obtaining your personal information, some of which could take years to fix. Although the lawsuit claims “billions of individuals” had their data stolen, the total population of the U.S. stands at about 330 million. The lawsuit also alleges that the data includes personal information of deceased individuals. The Social Security Administration also provides online access to your earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account. As you freeze your credit, be extra vigilant that you are on the legitimate websites of the credit bureaus, and not look-alike sites aimed at stealing your personal information.
Your Social Security Number Is On The Dark Web: Here’s What You Need To Do Right Now To Stay Protected
Then join LifeLock Standard for dark web monitoring that alerts you if your information is compromised. Next, you should lock your SSN by either contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) or self-locking it using your E-Verify account. Locking your SSN is necessary when your SSN is on the dark web because it prevents anyone, including you, from changing or accessing your Social Security record. This way, if a cybercriminal sells your SSN to other cybercriminals, no one will be able to use your SSN to commit fraud or identity theft. Check your email to see if you received a message from a company with which you have an account regarding a data breach.
Once they take control of your number, they can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control. The potential for porting and SIM swapping is why SMS-based MFA can be less secure than other options. You then only need to remember one complex password to access your password manager. Many of these apps can also automatically fill in your passwords after you log in. Criminals can use this information in a variety of ways, such as impersonating you, creating a fake identity, opening credit accounts in your name or getting a medical procedure using your insurance.
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Although the breach does not necessarily affect 2.9 billion unique individuals (due to multiple records per person), it still poses a significant risk. The information can be used to open fraudulent accounts, apply for loans, or even commit tax fraud. Regularly reviewing your financial statements, like bank accounts and credit cards, is essential to detect unauthorized activity. Look for unfamiliar transactions, new accounts, or changes to existing ones. Upon discovering your SSN has been compromised, placing a fraud alert on your credit reports is a first step.
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Contact your service provider and set up a custom PIN that allows you to lock and unlock your SIM so no one else can gain access to your phone number. While you’re at it, we recommend you use a reliable password manager like NordPass to securely store all your new passwords. If you sign up for the Social Security Administration’s myE-Verify website, you can track all the jobs you’ve had in the past (where you used your SSN). Credit locks usually require payment but offer more flexibility as you can instantly lock and unlock your credit file as needed.
Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Prices can vary based on demand, how complete the data is and how easily it can be monetized by criminals. Alina is a history buff passionate about cybersecurity and anything sci-fi, advocating Bitdefender technologies and solutions. She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling.
- “It’s a reminder of the importance of protecting yourself, because clearly companies and the government aren’t doing it for us,” Steinhauer told CBS MoneyWatch.
- These services alert you to suspicious activity, like new credit inquiries or data on illicit websites.
- Also, since they don’t require a PIN number to unlock or lock your credit, you may be susceptible to future identity theft problems.
- With just your Social Security number (SSN), scammers can apply for loans, open bank accounts, and commit crimes — all in your name.
- To safeguard your Social Security number, use the government’s free Self Lock feature.
- However, be wary of any alerts sent via email or SMS as these could be part of a phishing scam.
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When an SSN is leaked on the dark web, it opens the door to identity theft, financial fraud, and numerous other security threats. This guide aims to provide clear steps on what to do if your SSN is compromised and includes practical advice and prevention techniques to secure your personal information against cyber threats. Having your Social Security Number (SSN) exposed on the dark web presents a threat to your identity and financial security. Misuse of this sensitive information can lead to fraud, such as opening new credit accounts, filing fraudulent tax returns, or obtaining medical services in your name. Taking prompt action is essential to mitigate harm and protect against identity theft, significantly reducing financial loss. A dark web scan alerts you if your personal information, such as your SSN, has been found on the dark web.
Alternatively, you can use breach monitors to inform you what personal information, like your phone number or email address, has appeared on the darknet without needing to access it yourself. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft is keep your sensitive information private, secure, and off the Dark Web. If a scammer has already used your SSN to open new accounts, contact the companies immediately. For example, if someone has used your SSN to take out a mortgage, notify the lender or financial institution as soon as possible to let them know that the application was fraudulent.
Cybercriminals can post SSNs on the dark web after data breaches to sell them on illegal marketplaces or use them as ransom. Although you might not be able to remove your SSN from the dark web yourself, you can still take action to protect your personal data from being misused by cybercriminals. Criminals can use stolen Social Security numbers to submit false health insurance claims, illegally obtain medical insurance funds, or steal prescription medication. Medical identity theft makes it difficult for affected parties to receive healthcare, claim payouts, or sign up for new medical services. You can change your SSN but the SSA only allows this under specific circumstances.
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2FA is like having an extra lock on your digital door, requiring both your password and a unique code or verification method to keep your accounts safe. Identity theft and fraud protection for your finances, personal info, and devices. If your data has been stolen in a data breach, your SSN has likely been posted onto the Dark Web. Your SSN is a valuable piece of data for scammers and it can be easily linked to more of your personally identifiable information (PII), such as your address, phone number, and date of birth. If the worst should happen, all Aura plans include round-the-clock U.S-based support and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover eligible losses and expenses. If you’re a previous victim of tax-related identity theft and the IRS has fixed your tax issues, they will mail you a CP01A Notice with a new IP PIN to use each year.
Check Your Credit Reports And Bank Statements
This anonymity has attracted various individuals and groups, including cybercriminals and those seeking to engage in illicit activities. The dark web is a covert part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. It is a subset of the deep web, which represents websites and content that cannot be accessed through conventional search engines. To access the dark web, users typically utilize anonymity networks such as Tor (The Onion Router) that conceal their identities and online activities. Change your passwords regularly—security experts suggest every three months—and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Using a unique password for each account will protect other accounts if a password is stolen.
If someone has your SSN, they can use it to open new credit lines or apply for loans in your name. This can ruin your credit score and leave you with thousands of dollars in debt. This code is usually sent to your phone via text message, so even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to access your account without also having your phone.
