However, keep in mind you will need to either temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit if you want to apply for a new credit card or auto loan, for example. From Social Security numbers to bank logins and medical records, cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data every day. Discovering that your Social Security number is on the dark web is a frightening experience, but taking immediate action can help minimize the risks. By staying vigilant, taking protective measures, and seeking professional assistance if necessary, you can safeguard your identity and financial well-being. If someone uses your SSN to file a fraudulent tax return, it can cause delays in receiving your legitimate tax refund.
How To Monitor Your Credit Reports
Overall, the impact of an SSN-related data breach can widely affect your personal data and carry long-lasting consequences while you work your way up to updating and protecting your identity. If your SSN was found on the dark web, you are most likely concerned about your identity being stolen. For instance, if you put a freeze on your credit, they won’t be able to take out a new loan, but if they already have your current credit card number, they could still go on an unauthorized shopping spree.
Can You Change Your SSN If It Was Leaked?
A credit freeze significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized accounts being opened in your name. However, it’s important to note that it does not prevent all forms of identity theft or fraud. By combining a credit freeze with regular monitoring and other security measures, you take proactive steps to protect your financial well-being and personal information. Although you should regularly monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity, you should review your credit reports – especially if you believe your SSN has been compromised. Your credit report will include PII, credit card account information, loans in your name and credit inquiries. You can request a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
What Happens If Your SSN Is On The Dark Web?
Spoofing is when an attacker creates a replica of the official website, email address or phone number of a trusted source, such as a bank, government agency or retail company. Sometimes the fraudulent website or email address will differ from the original by a single character. There are tools available that will monitor what information about you is available on the dark web, noted Michael Blair, managing director of cybersecurity firm NukuDo. Commonly breached data includes your personal addresses, passwords and email, he added. Criminals often use stolen SSNs to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. If your phone number or email address is on the dark web you are likely to experience an increase in spam, scams and phishing attacks.
Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Scams
While some use the dark web for privacy and free speech purposes, its characteristic anonymity has also attracted cybercriminals and other malicious actors who carry out illicit activities online. Read on to learn more about the dark web and how to protect yourself from fraud if your data turns up there. If you’ve discovered that your SSN was part of the NPD breach, take these steps immediately. The advice below pertains to individuals, but if you run a business, you may also want to sign up for a cyber insurance plan. Specifically, NPD says that it “will try to notify you if there are further significant developments applicable to you,” though NPD itself doesn’t appear to have notified anybody. It further claims to have “implemented additional security measures,” but with no specifics, it’s best to assume that these measures don’t exist.
- As such, companies handling SSN-related information are frequently targeted by cybercriminals.
- To keep your information safe, you should use a password manager that can update your passwords with strong, unique ones and scan the dark web.
- Consider placing a credit freeze if you suspect foul play, as doing so prevents anyone from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name.
- Sites like National Public Data may allow for individuals to opt out of being included in their data collections.
US Companies ‘game’ This Program For Foreign Workers, Gov DeSantis Warns
If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Your name and Social Security number can be used for illegal employment schemes. Criminals may use your personal details to apply for jobs, which could prevent you from claiming employee benefits in the future.
Look for any unusual activity, such as charges you don’t recognize or withdrawals from your account that you didn’t make. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company right away. 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. Every American is entitled to a complementary copy of their credit report annually. You should review your credit report every year so you can spot any suspicious activity that you didn’t initiate, such as new accounts or lines of credit.
Update All Compromised Passwords, And Enable 2FA
In today’s digital age, identity theft and cybercrime have become increasingly prevalent threats. One of the most alarming scenarios for any individual is discovering that their Social Security number (SSN) has been found on the dark web. If you think your SSN is floating around on the dark web, don’t hesitate to check with Aura. Data breaches happen daily and no matter the precautions, there’s no guarantee your private information is safe.
The dark web—a hidden part of the internet accessible only through specialized software—is a marketplace for stolen personal information, including SSNs, credit card details, and account credentials. The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines. Accessing the dark web requires a special web browser that hides the identity of all users and all organizations. Next, you’ll want to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
How Dangerous Is It If Your SSN Is On The Dark Web?
Once you’ve entered your information, the dark web scan tool relies on its database of billions of PII exposed from data breaches to determine if your PII is on the dark web. Your results should appear instantly or within several minutes, and they may indicate that your SSN was found on the dark web. I would start by contacting each of the three credit bureaus and locking or freezing your credit reports. (If you want to apply for credit, you will have to temporarily lift the freezes.).
So, keep reading until the very end to find out the best thing you can do when your SSN ends up on the dark web. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.
“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. So, you want to start making money using AI but you’re not trying to build Skynet or learn 15 coding languages first? Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own.
