Can You Remove Your SSN (and Other Info) From The Dark Web?

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. You’ll need to request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus individually — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They will each ask for personal data and provide a secret PIN to freeze or “thaw” your file when needed. If possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect your accounts from thieves. MFA requires you to log in to services using your password and one or more additional verification methods. For example, two-factor authentication (2FA) may require a password and a one-time code sent in a text message to log in.

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Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know

According to LogDog’s data, dating sites can fetch a bundle, with single accounts on eHarmony going for $10. To check the security of the passwords saved to your Google Account, go to Password Checkup. If personal info such as your SSN, address, and date of birth are found on the dark web, someone else can use them to take out credit in your name. To be eligible for dark web report, you must have a consumer Google Account. Google Workspace accounts and supervised accounts aren’t able to use dark web report.

Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age, and one of the most valuable pieces of information that cybercriminals seek is a person’s Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs are often found on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.

What is the Dark Web?

• It protects your online accounts with access to your Social Security number and allows you to safely send your Social Security number encrypted over the internet, if necessary.
• This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your personal information and ensures that only you are allowed to access your vault.
• They might access your online bank or credit card accounts, using your funds to buy electronics, expensive restaurant meals, hotel stays, and whatever else they desire.

Fast forward to Feb 9th, I saw two alerts from MyFico, one with someone elses name, social security number but my accurate cell phone number, the other alert had all my information on it. Was very old, I was living Cocorico Market in a place I haven’t been since 2010 but had an accurate old landline number. They didn’t get my accurate drivers license, MA issued new numbers years ago but it was my social security number they have.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires the use of anonymizing software, such as Tor, to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale tor dark web of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. While not all activity on the dark web is illegal, it is a breeding ground for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerable individuals and organizations.

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 dark websites pages). In fact, identity thieves often use the dark web to buy and sell stolen personal information. The average price of a US PayPal account was just $1.50 and $2.50 for UK accounts, but the buyers could end up making a sizable profit. According to the report’s calculations, the low prices were in stark contrast to the median credit limits or account balances available with these stolen cards or hacked accounts.

How Does a SSN End Up on the Dark Web?

Next, you can contact a third-party company or credit service such as Experian to run a search of dark web databases for your SSN or email with specialized web scanning tools. Today, identity theft is a booming business, with the dark web and cryptocurrency providing cybercriminals the forum and means of payment needed to operate in the shadows. You can start by listing and reviewing all open accounts that may have your SSN on file. Next, conduct a search for recent known breaches that could impact these current accounts. The dark web is the third and deepest internet web layer, and it isn’t accessible by regular search engines. It consists of overlay networks where users remain anonymous, all activity is untraceable, and access is only available through advanced software or specialized browsers such as the Tor browser.

There are several ways that a SSN can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive reddit darknet market information, including SSNs. Another way is through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick individuals into providing their personal information, including their SSN.

Additionally, some individuals may willingly sell their SSN on the dark web for a profit. This is often done by people who are in financial distress and are looking for a quick way to make money. However, this is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?

While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of having your SSN stolen and sold on the dark web, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Never share your SSN with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity.
• Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.

How do I put a lock on my Social Security number?

You can lock your SSN by calling the Social Security Administration or by creating an E-Verify account. Also, you can contact all three of the nationwide CRAs to place a freeze on your credit reports.