And, while many of these fraudsters hide behind the veil of the Dark Web, the perpetrator is often those you’d least expect. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information (such as your name, address, credit card number, etc.) without your permission to perform criminal or fraudulent activities. Identity theft comes in many forms, some examples include credit card fraud, medical fraud, driver’s license fraud, but there are many more. If you’ve found any new accounts opened in your name listed in your credit report, call up each company to explain that someone stole your identity and request that it be closed. These could range from bank accounts to utilities and student loan accounts. Easier said than done, but it’s always a good idea to monitor your financial accounts, insurance claims, utilities, etc., to make sure all activities are ones you’ve authorized.
IDStrong scours the depths of the dark web, underground chat rooms, and botnets to let you know if your credit card numbers, bank accounts, debit cards are found on hacking forums. Credit card details are very popular among cyber thieves who sell them on black markets. Identity Guard defends against identity thieves — alerting you in near real-time to suspicious bank account transactions, credit changes, and data leaks. In cases of identity theft, U.S.-based fraud agents are available to support you 24/7, and Identity Guard’s $1,000,000 insurance policy keeps you covered. This in turn also helps organization reduce the overall window of opportunity a criminal has to make copies of sensitive data and sell it. Criminals are getting more sophisticated and ingenious in their methods of attack which is evident in the meteoric rise in cyber attacks.
Antimalware and antivirus programs aim to prevent malicious code from running from the start, but they do not help after the fact. Dark web monitoring tools help businesses and individuals alike by searching for any confidential information on the dark web, including login credentials, trade secrets and proprietary information. The total is higher when store credit cards are considered, along with other products such as auto loans. In 2021 alone, the FTC received 1.4 million reports of identity theft.1 Identity theft occurs when personal information is stolen and used without the individual’s knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.
Understanding the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
Here are four identity theft protection measures you can take to keep your SSN safe. A credit freeze goes one step further, locking your credit accounts so that no one can open a new account. Note that if you legitimately open a new account, you’ll need to give the lender a heads up that your credit file is frozen and that you need to unfreeze it before they can run a hard inquiry. A fraud alert indicates to the credit bureaus that your information has been stolen and that they should be aware of the likelihood of unusual activity in your name. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence. Results are displayed as user-friendly cards with information on the original threat actor posts, the actor and the site.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet, inaccessible through standard web browsers. It hosts various activities, both legal and illegal, and serves as a marketplace for sensitive data, including social security numbers (SSNs).
So for the impersonator getting a phone under your name, not having to pay anything is ideal. So what exactly are the dangers of having your Social Security number stolen? In many cases, more than a Social Security number is needed, but it’s still a massive hassle and harm for victims if any of the following happen to them. More often than not, stolen Social Security numbers end up sold on the dark web—for not even that much money. The original purpose of a Social Security number is to administer the Social Security program, which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals.
If a wire transfer is requested of you via email, call a trusted telephone number for the payee’s institution to check the legitimacy of the wiring instructions before you send any cash. Make sure to validate the account ownership name for the account number that’s provided. Many mobile apps and online sites use two-factor authentication, or 2FA, to increase security. This means when you log in, the app or site will reach out to you via another method to make sure it’s you—often with a text message to a phone number you’ve provided.
Criminals involved in illegal activities often seek to distance themselves from their true identities to evade law enforcement or escape legal troubles. By acquiring a stolen or fake SSN, they can create new personas and operate under the radar, making it difficult for authorities to trace their activities back to them. A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals in the United States.
What is a Social Security Number?
However, data breaches happen every day, especially with phishing being on an absolute spree since COVID-19 started. This way, personal information held in “safe” databases can escape into the dark web where cybercriminals trade and exploit it for personal gain. Data leaks are by far the easiest and most common way to acquire peoples’ SSNs and other personal information. One of the significant risks of buying an SSN on the Dark Web is that you are engaging in illegal activity. Purchasing stolen or fake SSNs is a crime, and participating in this illicit trade can result in serious legal repercussions.
A social security number is a unique identifier assigned to individuals by the government, primarily used for tracking earnings and benefits. Due to its significance, an SSN is a key target on the dark web.
Shining A Light On The Dark Web With Identity Monitoring
Why is the Dark Web Interested in SSNs?
Social security numbers are valuable for several reasons:
- Identity Theft: Criminals use SSNs to impersonate individuals, often leading to fraudulent activities.
- Financial Fraud: With an SSN, fraudsters can open bank accounts, apply for loans, or obtain credit cards.
- Tax Fraud: SSNs enable individuals to file fraudulent tax returns to claim refunds.
How are SSNs Sold on the Dark Web?
On the dark web, SSNs are often sold in various forms:
- Fullz: Comprehensive packages that include an individual’s name, date of birth, address, and SSN.
- SSN Dumps: Collections of stolen SSNs available for bulk purchase.
- Personal Data Packages: Bundles that may include SSNs along with other personal information.
How to Protect Your SSN from Dark Web Threats
Taking proactive steps can help safeguard your social security number:
- Limit Disclosure: Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit account statements for unusual activity.
- Consider Credit Monitoring: Services can alert you to any unauthorized use of your SSN.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect online accounts that might contain sensitive information.
- Shred Documents: Destroy any papers that contain your SSN before disposing of them.
FAQs about Dark Web Social Security Numbers
What happens if my SSN is found on the dark web?
If your social security number is compromised, it’s crucial to act quickly. Notify your bank and credit institutions, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Can I completely erase my SSN from the dark web?
While it may not be possible to completely erase your SSN from the dark web, monitoring services can help track its use and alert you to potential fraud.
- The vendors will produce a report showing that your email address, social security number, password, etc. were found on the dark web.
- Once Williams received the phones, he would activate and sell them for profit, officials said.
- Filling out credit agency dispute forms may help you fix your credit report, but the bureaus won’t help you get your money back.
- 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.
How can I check if my SSN is on the dark web?
Various online services offer dark web scanning for compromised personal data, including SSNs. These can provide insights into your exposure.
Is it safe to use my SSN online?
Using your social security number online requires caution. Ensure that the website is secure and only enter your SSN when absolutely necessary.
In conclusion, understanding the risks associated with your social security number on the dark web is essential for protecting your identity and financial security. By being vigilant and informed, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to identity theft and fraud.
