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Vulnerable Financial Information
Even if they may not be able to really do anything about it, children are not immune to identity theft. A data broker on several dark web marketplaces is currently advertising stolen personal information relating specifically to children, according to a researcher and online posts reviewed by Motherboard. You’ll get a free alert when we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.
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Found Out What’s Already Online
Social Security Numbers and dates of birth data of individuals, has been shut down, according to the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, once your personal information is exposed on the Dark Web, it remains there indefinitely. There is no service that can scrub your data from the Dark Web, and the longer it is there the more damage it may cause. dark web credit cards For a person faced with identity theft, it’s an emotional burden as well as a huge disruption to your life, with time spent away from the office to restore your good name. Unlike the surface web, which is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, the dark web requires specific software, configurations, and knowledge to access.
Detroit Man Buys Stolen Social Security Numbers On Dark Web, Gets Government Phones To Sell
Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
The potential short-term gains or anonymity of the dark web are outweighed by the long-term legal and ethical implications. Respect for the law and the privacy and security of others should always take precedence over any illicit desires or curiosities. In this article, we explored what the dark web truly is – a hidden realm accessible only through specialized software like Tor. We learned darkmarket list about the significance of an SSN and why it holds value on the dark web, as well as the motivations behind individuals wanting to purchase an SSN. In the final section, we will conclude our exploration of the Dark Web and the risks and consequences of buying an SSN. The part above the water is the “surface web,” where you can find webpages using search engines such as Google or Bing.
Some services might help you correct problems if ID theft takes place, but again, a service cannot erase what information is already out there. “That would be a very compelling reason to sign up,” said Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy for the Consumer Federation of America. 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.
By locking your SSN, you prevent criminals from using your identity to gain employment, commit insurance fraud, and further steal your identity. Instead, a Dark Web monitoring service like Aura periodically scans Dark Web forums and websites for your personal information and then sends you notifications whenever anything suspicious is detected. Identity Guard scans the Dark Web, public records, and online sites for your SSN and other sensitive information. If anything is found, you’ll get an alert in near real-time along with help from Identity Guard’s U.S.-based team of Fraud Resolution Specialists.
Now as an extra precaution, if you’re not already protected by a dark web monitoring service like the one we offer, consider getting one right away. Not everyone who uses the dark web is a cybercriminal, hacker, or identity thief, nor is it illegal to access the dark web. Also known as the “invisible web” and the “hidden web,” the deep web consists of all the online pages that aren’t indexed by search engines (for example, password-protected pages).
Your Social Security number (SSN) is a valuable piece of personal information that can be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most commonly sold items on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers.
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that your SSN can end up on the dark web:
- Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to databases containing personal information, including SSNs, through data breaches. These breaches can occur at companies, government agencies, and other organizations that store large amounts of personal data.
- Phishing scams: Scammers can trick you into giving them your SSN through phishing emails, texts, and phone calls. They accessing the dark web may pose as a legitimate organization, such as a bank or government agency, and ask you to verify your SSN for “security purposes.”
- Social engineering: Scammers can use social engineering techniques to manipulate you into revealing your SSN. For example, they may pretend to be a friend or family member in need of financial help and ask you to provide your SSN to prove your identity.
What Should You Do If Your Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web?
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, there are several steps you should take:
- Enabling two-factor authentication means a password alone isn’t enough to access your account, so even if a password falls into the wrong hands, a bad guy can’t get in.
- At Elevity, we leverage the latest cybersecurity technology and use a step-by-step plan to mitigate and respond to risks.
- Lastly, shred paper containing your personal information or lock it away until you can.
- Check your credit reports: You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once dark web websites app a year. Review your reports for any suspicious activity, such as accounts you didn’t open or inquiries you didn’t authorize.
- Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will require lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name
How do hackers find SSN?
1. Data breaches at companies storing your SSN. Scammers rarely steal Social Security numbers by targeting individuals. It’s much more efficient for them to hack large corporations or government agencies that store hundreds, thousands, or even millions of SSNs in customer databases.
Can I change my SSN online?
To change your Social Security number, you'll need to: Contact your local Social Security office. Schedule an in-person appointment to apply for a new number. Gather all the necessary documents, which must be original or certified copies.