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So if you were wondering ‘What can hackers do with my social security number’, you can see that unfortunately, the list is pretty long – further verifying the need to protect your social security number. These alerts can be sent via email or directly to one’s mobile phone. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and a nationally known expert in the area of digital forensics. He and Sharon provide legal technology, cybersecurity and digital forensics services from their Fairfax, Virginia firm.
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 Social Security numbers (SSNs). In this article, we will explore what how to access the dark web on iphones are, how they are obtained and sold, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Update Your Passwords, And Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
This is where you can conduct general web searches, access social sites, or read the news. This led to the creation of the Tor Browser, which was originally developed to protect the identity of secret agents. Short for “The Onion Router”, Tor routes your web traffic through multiple layers (hence the onion metaphor). This process makes your IP address and browsing activity untraceable. In this quick guide, you’ll learn why the dark web exists, how cybercriminals use it, and how to monitor for your own information there.
What are Dark Web Social Security Numbers?
Experian Tool Exposed Partial Social Security Numbers, Putting Customers At Risk
Dark web social security numbers are SSNs that have been stolen and are being sold on the dark web. These numbers can be used for a variety of illegal activities, such as identity theft, tax fraud, and loan fraud. Once an SSN is stolen, it can be difficult to recover and can cause significant damage to the victim’s financial and personal life.
What if my Social Security number is on the dark web?
Inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your SSN has been found on the Dark Web and ask to file an identity theft report. Even if your information hasn't been used maliciously yet, filing a formal claim with the FTC can help you if you need to dispute fraudulent charges, accounts, or crimes.
How are Dark Web Social Security Numbers Obtained and Sold?
They get a full check on the validity of the social security number, the date and state it was issued and a check on the Death Master file. The website was created by a historian who was actually trying to help people to find historic records to trace their family history. But now it appears to be using by crooked fraudsters who just want to figure out how to construct a phone social security number. Protect yourself from credit card fraud by using technology, statement and credit report reviews, and recognizing common fraud tactics. Learn about different types of credit protection services to safeguard you from unforeseen events and fraudsters.
Number Of Worldwide Email Accounts
Dark web social security numbers are typically obtained through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cybercrime. Once obtained, they are sold on dark web marketplaces to the highest bidder. These marketplaces are often hidden behind dark web sites 2024 multiple layers of encryption and require special software to access. The prices for SSNs can vary, but they can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the demand and the amount of information that comes with the number.
How to Protect Yourself from Dark Web Social Security Number Theft
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There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from dark web social security number theft:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements for suspicious activity.
- Be cautious of phishing emails and other online scams.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any potential fraud.
Carefully review your credit report, making note of any recent changes to your credit score. You can request free credit reports directly from the three main credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — or from AnnualCreditReport.com, a service run by the federal government. An unexpected drop in your credit score can indicate illegal activity, fraud or identity theft. You should take any unexpected change seriously, even if it doesn’t trigger an automated fraud alert. If your SSN ends up on the dark web, you can become a prime candidate for attempted identity theft and fraud.
FAQs
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 Social Security numbers.
- The deep web includes anything that is not findable on the surface of the Internet—websites invisible to search engines because they’re not indexed and aren’t meant for general public access.
- For example, if a criminal was to find your social security number on the dark web, it would allow them to open fraudulent accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns and health insurance claims, and more.
- If you receive an alert, it means we’ve found your personal information on the dark web.
You’ll also get a free alert when there are new car loans, mortgages, credit cards or other accounts on your Experian® credit report. Keep in mind that it takes time, sometimes several weeks, for a lender to report a new account to Experian. We also monitor your Experian credit report and notify you whenever any new inquiry or credit account is reported to your Experian credit file, even if it’s not a Discover account. In most cases, you will probably recognize it as an activity that you authorized.
How are dark web social security numbers obtained?
What can I use instead of SSN?
ITIN. An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).
Dark web social security numbers are typically obtained through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cybercrime.
How are dark web social security numbers sold?
What to do if SSN gets leaked?
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
Dark web social security numbers are sold on dark web marketplaces to the highest bidder. These marketplaces are often hidden behind multiple layers of encryption and require special software to access.
How can I protect myself from dark web social security number theft?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from dark web social security number theft, including using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly monitoring your credit reports and financial statements, being cautious of phishing emails and other online scams, and considering using a credit monitoring service.
In conclusion, dark web social security numbers are a serious threat to your financial and personal security. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of this type of fraud. Remember, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements, use strong, unique passwords, and be cautious of phishing emails and other online scams. Stay safe out there!
What can a scammer do with the last 4 digits of your social?
If combined with other personal information, such as name and birthdate, the last four digits of an SSN can potentially be used in identity theft or fraud.