In today’s digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal sensitive data, such as social security numbers, to commit identity theft and fraud. One place where this information often ends up is on the dark web.
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These websites have addresses ending with .onion instead of .com or .net. This unique addressing system ensures that the servers hosting these websites maintain a significant level of anonymity. Lisa has been the editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance since June 2023. Previously, she spent more than a decade reporting and writing for the magazine on a variety of topics, including credit, banking and retirement. She has shared her expertise as a guest on the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR, Cheddar and many other media outlets around the nation. Lisa graduated from Ball State University and received the school’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014.
What is the Dark Web?
Search
Social security number is something of a lost cause as an identifier except for the purpose it was originally intended for, tracking your social security taxes so you can eventually claim your benefits. From deep scans, to targeted searches for information that may have been compromised, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the dark web. You might think that something as nefarious and clearly dangerous as the dark web would be illegal, but this is simply not the case. I am writing to notify you of an account that, I understand, was opened/accessed fraudulently in the name of [deceased’s name], who died on [date of death]. As the [executor/surviving spouse], I request that you close that account without attempting further collection from me and that you place a formal death notice on the account.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. It’s a haven for illegal activities, including the buying and selling of stolen data. This includes social security numbers, which can be sold for a high price to individuals looking to impersonate others or commit financial crimes.
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Hackers can install malware on a device to steal your personal information directly, or a company you trust can experience a data breach where your SSN is exposed, stolen, and listed for sale on the dark web. A Dark Web scanner searches the depths of the internet for your personal information. Scanners can tell you whether your credit card details, SSN, or passwords have been leaked or stolen. The benefit of dark web monitoring is that it identifies exposed data and the amount of time that your data is exposed.
Often thought of as the stuff of science fiction and crime movies, the dark web is real and extremely active. Credit card numbers, guns, drugs, stolen account details, stolen Netflix login details, software that helps you breach personal computers, and more are available for a price on the dark web. Identity theft protection is one of the best ways to know if someone is using your SSN. These services can monitor the dark web and other databases to see if your SSN is being used. They can alert you quickly, and a restoration specialist can be ready to help you. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify when someone is using your SSN quickly.
How do identity thieves use the dark web?
The Risks of Exposing Your Social Security Number
When your social security number is exposed on the dark web, you become vulnerable to a range of threats. Identity thieves can use this information to open credit accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns, or even apply for government benefits using your credentials. The consequences of having your identity stolen can be long-lasting and difficult to resolve.
Stolen account data kits (“Fullz”)
Protecting Your Information
It’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your social security number from ending up on the dark web. This includes avoiding sharing your SSN online unless absolutely necessary, being cautious about who you provide it to, and regularly monitoring your credit report for any suspicious activity. Additionally, consider using identity theft protection services to help safeguard your personal information.
The faster you determine you’ve become a victim of identity theft, the faster you can help stop fraud in its tracks and work on recovering your identity. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to find out if someone is using your SSN and what to do if you discover that you are a victim of identity theft. On June 25, 2011 the Social Security Administration began issuing random social security numbers to newborn children.
- However, your SSN is not as valuable to an identity thief as you might think.
- We monitor thousands of sites on the Dark Web—a hidden area of the Internet where stolen Social Security numbers can be traded or sold for the purposes of identity theft and fraud.
- If the worst should happen, you’ll be covered by Identity Guard’s White Glove Fraud Resolution support and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
- We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices.
- While these payment methods offer varying degrees of anonymity and security, it is crucial to understand that engaging in illegal activities on the Dark Web is highly risky.
By staying vigilant and mindful of the risks, you can reduce the chances of falling victim to identity theft on the dark web. Remember, your social security number is a valuable piece of information that should be kept secure at all times.
