You will receive notifications and alerts whenever a breach or exposure puts your personal information on scam sites. Prevent becoming a victim of financial scams by proactively monitoring your identity. Scammers can use your SSN to apply for credit cards or loans in your name, or commit account takeover fraud and steal or access additional personal information. One of the fastest-growing COVID-19-related identity theft crimes is tax fraud and identity theft, whereby thieves file a phony tax return in your name, hoping to snag a refund before you catch on.
This alert lets you respond before any damage is done and freeze your credit to prevent new accounts from opening in your name. People create countless accounts across various social media platforms and eCommerce services. Hackers break into company servers and steal customer information, including names, phone numbers, and social security numbers.
“But I Don’t Shop Online”
In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern. With the rise of the dark web, it has become easier for cybercriminals to obtain sensitive personal information such as social security numbers (SSNs). In this article, we’ll explore what a dark web social security number is, how it can be used for malicious purposes, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Update Your Passwords, And Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
What is a Dark Web Social Security Number?
It is the key to the rest of your sensitive information, and criminals can use it to rob bank accounts, open credit cards, and obtain large loans. By monitoring the dark web and data breaches, you can understand which accounts and what personal information may be compromised—and change the relevant passwords. And by freezing your credit card and tracking your outgoings, you can mitigate financial risks.
A dark web social security number is an SSN that has been obtained illegally and is being sold or traded on the dark web. The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information.
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How is a Dark Web Social Security Number Obtained?
- In our previous article, which looked at Darknet Intelligence, where we showed examples of the types of nefarious items available to buy on darknet sites.
- You may not be able to control whether it’s exposed in a data breach.
- DarkMarket had nearly 500,000 users, over 2,400 sellers, and more than 320,000 transactions had been conducted on the platform.
- These steps are especially important amid an increase in cybersecurity threats as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- That’s because if fallen into the wrong hands, a social security number could be used in all manner of identity fraud.
- A credit freeze prevents others from accessing your credit report and makes it tougher for thieves to open credit in your name.
There are several ways that a can be obtained. One common method is through data breaches. When a company’s database is hacked, sensitive information such as SSNs can be stolen and sold on the dark web. Another way is through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick individuals into providing their personal information.
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How Can a Dark Web Social Security Number Be Used?
How do hackers get your Social Security number?
Phishing attacks: Hackers can get your social security number through the use of phishing emails or messages, sent to trick individuals into providing their sensitive information, including social security numbers, by posing as legitimate organizations or individuals.
Once a how to access the dark web with tor is obtained, it can be used for a variety of malicious purposes. One common use is to open new lines of credit or take out loans in the victim’s name. This can result in significant financial damage to the victim. Additionally, a dark web social security number can be used to commit tax fraud, obtain government benefits, or even gain employment.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Protecting yourself from a dark web social security number starts with being proactive. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone how can i buy drugs online from opening new lines of credit in your name.
Conclusion
A dark web social security number is a serious threat to your identity and financial well-being. By taking proactive steps to protect yourself and regularly monitoring your credit, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. If you suspect that your SSN has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration and consider freezing your credit to prevent further damage.
Is it safe to enter your SSN online?
Don't enter your SSN into your phone, laptop, or other devices. It would be rare for you to need your card. Typically, reciting the number is all that's required. Keep the number in your head and the card locked up at home.