He still fondly remembers his first job as a store clerk at the tender age of 12, and it was non-stop work since then. Now he’s decided that he’s worked enough to last two lifetimes and finally retired in 2014. When two-factor authentication is enabled, a code is required in addition to your username and password to log in. If you find out that your SSN is on the dark web, then your personal information has most likely already been compromised. It might be impossible to remove it from there altogether, but there are certain measures you can take to minimize your exposure.
How Many People Have Been Impacted?
It requires that you input your first name, last name, year of birth, and what states you’ve lived in. If your SSN was leaked, the site will present you with a chart showing your address in the record and the last two numbers of your SSN. Services like LifeLock or IdentityForce monitor your SSN for misuse and alert you to potential fraud.
How To Know If Your SSN Has Been Leaked On The Dark Web
If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, first contact the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission. You will also want to let your credit card companies know your identify has been compromised. After your Social Security number is plastered on the dark web, opening new accounts in your name isn’t the only thing you have to worry about. Fraudsters can use your Social Security number and other personal information they find on the web to impersonate you and to gain access to your credit cards.
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. Having your Social Security Number (SSN) on the dark web can have several consequences. Given its secretive nature, it can be difficult to know if your information has been compromised and is being shared on the dark web. Even if you take all the necessary precautions, it’s important to stay vigilant about protecting your Social Security number. Identity thieves can also steal your information by accessing your computer or mobile device.
Can You Be Entitled To Money Damages If You’re Affected By The Breach?
- Contact your service provider and set up a custom PIN that allows you to lock and unlock your SIM so no one else can gain access to your phone number.
- If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the relevant authorities and financial institutions.
- By staying up to date with the latest trends, securing your online accounts, and practicing safe browsing habits, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrimes.
- Your credit report includes a variety of personal information, such as physical past addresses, in addition to your financial accounts.
However, this is a difficult process, and a new SSN won’t necessarily solve all the problems related to identity theft. It warns that by searching on its tool, you agree to its terms of service and its privacy policy. The suits claim as many as 2.9 billion people — that’s right, billion with a “B” — may have been affected, while other officials have said the number is in the millions. While the exact number is unclear, what we do know is that we should all take steps to protect ourselves.
To scan for more sensitive information — such as your SSN, credit card details, or even passport numbers — you need to sign up for a full Dark Web monitoring service. While data breaches are the primary means by which your SSN can end up on the Dark Web, breaches aren’t the only threat. Scammers can use phishing websites, hack Wi-Fi networks, and use bots and malware to steal personal information. The Dark Web is a layer of the internet that’s only accessible by using special tools such as the Tor browser.
Reporting The Incident
These organizations can provide guidance on what to do next, and your report may contribute to future investigations of fraudulent activity. Join LifeLock Standard to monitor the dark web for your SSN and get alerts of potential fraud. Being proactive is one of the best ways to protect your child’s personal information and identity.
What Can I Do In The Future To Help Prevent Identity Theft?
The April 2024 AT&T breach alone leaked over 70 million Social Security numbers to the Dark Web. Creating a “my Social Security” account with the SSA is a proactive step to prevent others from creating one and to monitor your earnings record. This account allows you to review your Social Security Statement, check reported earnings, and estimate future benefits.
How Your Data Ends Up On The Dark Web
In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to take if your SSN is found on the dark web, offer tips to secure your identity, and explain how to monitor your personal information effectively. Discovering your Social Security Number (SSN) on the dark web can be alarming, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. Whether your SSN has already been stolen or not, you should take some preventative measures to protect your personal information in the future. Are you concerned your Social Security number (SSN) may be on the dark web? Your SSN is considered one of the most sensitive pieces of information because of the damage criminals can do if they manage to steal it. The Social Security Administration also provides online access to your earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account.
His work has appeared in Time, Success, USA Today, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Wirecutter and more. Here’s a breakdown of what your personal details might go for on underground marketplaces, according to the Dark Web Price Index by Privacy Affairs. Now that we understand the gravity of the situation, let’s explore the steps you should take to protect yourself.
He also worked at a handful of now-dead computer magazines, including MacWeek and MacUser. You’ll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won’t be able to receive a new one. If you’ve taken all of the necessary steps and still find that your number is being used, you can apply for a new one. Both lookup tools are easy to use and search for different pieces of information in the stash.
Enabling two-factor authentication, changing your passwords, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts further strengthen your digital security. By notifying your financial institutions promptly, you increase the chances of limiting the potential harm caused by the compromised SSN. They can assist you in protecting your accounts, monitoring for suspicious activities, and providing guidance on the next steps to take.
If fraud is suspected during processing, the IRS will contact you via mail with instructions. Most of the time, if a fraudulent account has been opened with your child’s Social Security number, you will need to contact one or all of the three major credit bureaus to open a dispute. Credit bureaus maintain records of most credit accounts, and disputes can be initiated if there is inaccurate or fraudulent information on your credit report.
To place a freeze on your credit report, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Each agency has its own process for placing a freeze, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully. Once the alerts are in place, businesses will be required to verify your identity before granting credit. If you suspect your social security number has been stolen, you need to take action immediately. Most crimes occur within 24hrs of obtaining your personal information, some of which could take years to fix. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft is keep your sensitive information private, secure, and off the Dark Web.
