Use A Unique Password For Each Account
If your Social Security card is stolen, be sure to report the loss to the Internal Revenue Service. Another recent COVID-19 scam that cruelly exploits job losses involves filing phony unemployment claims using your SSN, birth date, name, or address. Financial fraud is another significant reason why people buy SSNs. With an SSN, criminals can fabricate identities and use them to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards, or apply for loans. This allows them to access funds illegally and engage in activities such as money laundering and embezzlement. If someone obtains your SSN, you may find evidence of unlawful use in your bank, credit, or other accounts.
Moreover, their activities could create incorrect medical records for you, leading to problems in your future medical care. Regularly monitoring your accounts for potential Dark Web activity is a cybersecurity best practice that shouldn’t be put on the backburner. To get an idea of how your business is doing overall when it comes to online security, take our free, online Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.
Understanding the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
To get in, one has to have a solid reputation and a recommendation from someone on the inside. In these forums, OCG’s can collaborate, share their newest technologies, and sell their services. Of course, to buy these ill-gotten goods, you will have to step into the dark web.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the trade of sensitive information such as social security numbers (SSNs).
The dark web refers to networks of websites that require specific software to access. As identity thieves continue to evolve their methods for obtaining personal information, protecting your Social Security number is vital to protecting your identity. For instance, in a phone or email, they might pose as your employer or a government office requesting information. Avoid sharing your number unless you’re positive it’s a legitimate request. There’s no reason you should carry your social security card in your wallet. Here’s how to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus.
The dark web is a place where identity thieves can buy or sell personal information on hard-to-find websites and forums. Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ features built-in Dark Web Monitoring§ that carefully scans even the deepest parts of the dark web and notifies you if your information is found. Some ID protection services also come with an insurance policy of up to $1,000,000 in case of losses from identity theft. Unfortunately, fraudsters with your info might also access your children’s data as well. They can create new credit files and ruin your kids’ chances of applying for government benefits like student loans or employment benefits in the future.
But the safest way to share may be face to face with someone you know and trust. Not all thieves will want your Social Security number, but many will. Leaving your card at home decreases the chances that these scammers will gain access to your Social Security number.
Review your financial and social security statements for suspicious charges or missing money. Use our free scan to see if any information about you and your accounts seems out of place, incorrect, or suspicious. We recommend that you regularly scan your details to see if your information has been breached or exposed. Sometimes, opening a new account isn’t worth the effort, and thieves shake you down for whatever’s in your wallet.
What is a Social Security Number?
A social security number is a unique identifier assigned to individuals in the United States, primarily used for tracking earnings and benefits within the social security system. Unfortunately, this number also serves as a vital piece of personal information that, when compromised, can lead to identity theft.
The Intersection of the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
On the dark web, sensitive data, including social security numbers, can be bought, sold, or traded. Hackers and cybercriminals often seek out this information for various illegal activities.
- Identity Theft: Using SSNs to impersonate individuals and access financial accounts or services.
- Fraudulent Activities: Opening credit lines or loans under someone else’s name.
- Accessing Medical Services: Using an individual’s SSN to obtain medical care without their knowledge.
How SSNs End Up on the Dark Web
- Exposing oneself to such content can be deeply unsettling; venturing into the dark web should be done with extreme caution.
- Ensure that each password is at least 15 characters with a combination of letters, numbers, and special symbols.
- The process of identifying personal information on the dark web is more than anyone can handle manually – in fact, this portion of the Internet isn’t even accessible to the average person!
- This helps users stay informed of threats to their profile information, allowing them to navigate the internet with added peace of mind.
Various methods can lead to the exposure of social security numbers on the dark web, including:
- Data Breaches: Large-scale hacks of corporations and public databases.
- Phishing Scams: Deceptive emails or messages that trick individuals into providing their SSN.
- Malware: Malicious software that infiltrates personal devices and extracts sensitive information.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
Given the risks associated with the dark web, it is vital to protect your social security number. Here are several strategies:
- Limit Sharing: Avoid disclosing your SSN unless absolutely necessary.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Secure Personal Information: Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for online accounts.
FAQs about Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
Q: Can I find my own social security number on the dark web?
A: Yes, if your data has been compromised, it could be available for purchase. Services exist that allow individuals to check if their information is being sold.
Q: What should I do if I find my SSN on the dark web?
A: If you discover your social security number on the dark web, immediately take steps to protect yourself, including contacting credit bureaus and potentially freezing your credit.
Q: Is there any way to remove my SSN from the dark web?
A: While it’s difficult to remove data once it’s out there, you can minimize risks by taking proactive measures such as monitoring your information and securing accounts.
Conclusion
The dark web presents significant risks for individuals, especially concerning social security numbers. By understanding these risks and implementing protective measures, you can help safeguard your personal information from falling into the hands of cybercriminals.
