Dark Web Social Security Numbers: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern. One of the most valuable pieces of personal information that can be stolen and used for nefarious purposes is a Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs can be found on the dark web, putting individuals at risk of becoming victims of identity theft.

How Can Dark Web Monitoring Help Me?

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such how many police agencies are going after darknet markets as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web requires the use of special software, such as the Tor browser, to access its content.

How Do Identity Thieves Use 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. The odds of someone using your Social Security number to conduct identity theft crimes are higher than you think. In 2015, a lead data scientist at Verizon estimated that up to 80% of Social Security numbers had already been stolen by cybercriminals. ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit.

How are SSNs Sold on the Dark Web?

SSNs can be obtained through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cybercrime. Once stolen, they can be sold on the dark web to individuals who intend to use them for identity theft. The price of an SSN on the dark web can vary, but it is typically sold for a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the amount of additional personal information that is included with the SSN.

Cybercriminals Claim To Be Selling The Social Security Numbers Of Babies On The Dark Web

Always shred any document that includes your SSN before disposing of it. If you need to hold sensitive documents for an extended time, opt for a home safe or safe deposit box. They include the owner’s full name, a signature, and the ten-digit number.

What are the Risks of Having Your SSN on the Dark Web?

Since the pandemic, ransomware attacks have significantly increased. Many ransomware attackers exfiltrate the target’s data first and then take various steps to entice the target to pay the ransom. Commonly, the exfiltrated data includes client information which may end up on the dark web. Before we jump into the subject of dark web monitoring, let’s discuss the dark web to set the stage.

If your SSN is on the dark web, you are at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity thieves can use your SSN to open credit accounts, file tax returns, and commit other forms of fraud in your name. This can result in damage to your credit score, financial loss, and legal issues. It is important to take steps to protect your personal information and monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.

How to Protect Your SSN

There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN and reduce how much do drugs cost on the dark web the risk of it being stolen and sold on the dark web:

Here are several steps you should take if your information finds its way onto the dark web. It’s smart to shred all documents that contain your SSN or other personally identifiable information before tossing them in the trash. Thieves could steal those documents from your garbage can or retrieve them  at a landfill.

• Never share your SSN unless it is necessary and you are sure the recipient is trustworthy.
• Shred documents that contain your SSN before disposing of them.
• Monitor your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity.

They then can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control so they can access your accounts. To check the security of the passwords saved to your Google Account, go to Password Checkup. 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.

• Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
• Use a reputable identity theft protection service to monitor the dark web for your personal information.

Each packaged identity starts at $8 each or can be purchased in bulk for even less. A child’s untapped identity and credit history is an attractive target for identity thieves, who open credit cards, commit tax fraud, apply for government benefits, or find a place to work or live. This kind of identity compromise can go undetected for years — at least until your child applies for a credit card account or loan.

Conclusion

• The BreachWatch add-on is available for Keeper Personal, Keeper Family, Keeper Business and Keeper Enterprise.
• This means a data breach from five years ago can be used to defraud you if you reuse the same password.
• Security is more important than ever, and if you’re not taking basic precautions, you could very well end up one of the thousands of victims that deal with cybercrime and identity theft every year.
• If your PII surfaces on a cybercrime forum or website, there are ways for you to receive early notifications.
• It helps you file taxes, receive income from your job, open credit accounts, qualify for retirement benefits and identify yourself to the government.
• It’s a lot easier and less stressful to not have your data stolen in the first place.

The dark web is a dangerous place where personal information, including SSNs, can be bought and sold for fraudulent purposes. It is important to take steps to protect your personal information and monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity. By being proactive and vigilant, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.