Understanding the Risks of a Social Security Number on the Dark Web
Domain monitoring site Whois indicates that the domain has been active since September 2017 and was last updated in May 2022. It is registered in Russia, and the registrar is Hong Kong-based company NiceNIC International Group. Chychasov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and trafficking in unauthorized access devices through the online scheme.
In the meantime, campus IT officials encourage everyone to report any suspicious email or telephone calls by contacting IT staff at . Many members of the UC Berkeley community have recently received alerts from Experian that their Social Security numbers were found on the dark web, a part of the web that does not show up in online searches. Furthermore, changing your SSN can cause problems with your earnings history and credit report, making it more difficult to apply for legal documents, passports, and loans.
Experian provides information in each notification about the context of when your information was found, including a “Found On” date. However, it is important to note that there isn’t a foolproof way of knowing if someone is using your SSN. This account can help you protect your benefits but not your specific number. You can also sign up for a self-lock feature – offered by the Department of Homeland Security – known as E-Verify. Even if you manage to get it taken down from one site on the dark web, the cybercriminals will simply re-upload it on another. So, you must remain proactive about keeping tabs on your information.
The social security number (SSN) serves as a critical identifier in the United States, providing individuals with necessary access to various services and benefits. However, its value extends well beyond legitimate use, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, especially on the dark web.
The report also said the prices for stolen credit card numbers range from just 11 cents to nearly $1,000. Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most important pieces of financial information in your life. It helps you file taxes, receive income from your job, open credit accounts, qualify for retirement benefits and identify yourself to the government. Even if you only find your email account on the Dark Web, there’s a good chance that other information has made its way there, too. You need to act quickly to secure your identity and online accounts before cybercriminals can cause you harm. Stolen Social Security numbers can be used in fraud relating to taxes, unemployment insurance, loans, credit cards and more.
Detroit Man Buys Stolen Social Security Numbers On Dark Web, Gets Government Phones To Sell
The image below shows a redacted version of the domain name and its Onion link. Bundles called “fullz,” containing an individual’s full set of identifying credentials such as SSN and date of birth can sell for as little as $8 on the Dark Web. The Social Security Administration has more information on identifying scammers impersonating the agency here. Sergey Pugach, another suspected administrator in the scheme, was arrested that May, according to prosecutors. Last June, the websites were shut down through seizure orders issued against the domain names. Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email.
Credit card details are very popular among cyber thieves who sell them on black markets. 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.
What is the Dark Web?
You can sign up for a free 14-day trial of Aura and start monitoring the Dark Web for your sensitive information right now. 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. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out if your SSN is on the Dark Web, what to do if it is, and how to protect your sensitive personal information from scammers and cyberattacks. If you receive a dark web alert, fortunately, it doesn’t mean that someone has already used your data. It just means that it has been found on the dark web, which means that it can be obtained from there.
They commonly take payment in the form of Bitcoins or other “cryptocurrency” that can’t be traced. The anonymity of the dark web makes it challenging for law enforcement to find and prosecute these people. The dark web is a part of the internet that provides anonymous and secure communication channels. It’s home to several illicit activities including drug trafficking, illegal weapon sales and trafficking of stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like passwords and social security numbers. A compromised social security number is much more problematic than when other types of personal data hacked. If your credit card number is stolen, your bank can issue a new one within days.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. This hidden network hosts a variety of illicit activities, including the buying and selling of stolen personal information, such as social security numbers.
Why is the Social Security Number Valuable?
- Identity Theft: SSNs are essential for identity verification; they can be used to open bank accounts, obtain loans, and commit fraud.
- Credit Applications: Criminals can use SSNs to apply for credit cards and loans in the victim’s name, leading to significant financial damage.
- Tax Fraud: SSNs are used in the tax system, allowing thieves to file false tax returns and claim refunds.
How SSNs End Up on the Dark Web
Various methods lead to the exposure of social security numbers on the dark web, including:
- Data Breaches: Major corporations often experience data breaches where sensitive customer information, such as SSNs, is stolen.
- Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals trick individuals into providing personal information through deceptive emails or fake websites.
- Hacking: Skilled hackers may infiltrate databases and directly extract SSNs and other personal details.
Detecting if Your SSN is on the Dark Web
There are several strategies to determine whether your social security number has been compromised:
- Dark Web Monitoring Services: Numerous services can scan the dark web for your personal information, alerting you if your SSN appears.
- Regular Credit Reports: Obtain and monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts or activities.
- Identity Theft Protection Accounts: Consider subscribing to identity theft protection services that often include dark web monitoring as part of their offerings.
Steps to Take if Your SSN is Compromised
If you discover that your social security number is on the dark web, taking immediate action is crucial:
- Contact the FTC: Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: Freezing your credit will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
- File a Police Report: Document the theft by filing a report with local law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- These may have been leaked through data breaches at a company you use, or more directly, through malware being installed on one of your devices.
- It acts as a heads up and allows you to take action to protect your identity.
- Bundles called “fullz,” containing an individual’s full set of identifying credentials such as SSN and date of birth can sell for as little as $8 on the Dark Web.
- If you have ever been a victim of a data breach, the Dark Web is a place where your sensitive information might live.
1. Can I find my SSN on the dark web?
It is possible, especially if your information has been involved in a data breach or stolen through fraudulent means.
2. How can I protect my SSN from being stolen?
Safeguard your SSN by avoiding sharing it unnecessarily, using strong passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, and shredding documents containing your information.
3. What should I do if I suspect identity theft?
Act quickly by placing a fraud alert, monitoring credit reports, and reporting the theft to appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
The presence of your social security number on the dark web poses considerable risks to your identity and financial security. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to protect yourself in today’s digital environment.
