Dark Web Social Security Number

Scale Of Identity Theft

Understanding the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers

The dark web has been a topic of increasing concern for individuals and governments alike. One of the most alarming aspects of this hidden part of the internet is the trade of sensitive personal information, such as a social security number (SSN).

If IDStrong finds your stolen credit or debit card data on the dark web, you need to act fast to minimize the threat and prevent financial fraud. Call your bank immediately and report and dispute fraudulent charges, cancel your card, and request a new one. On some dark web forums, cybercriminals can take classes on how to steal credit card data. Members of these forums also sell “fullz,” a slang term for full sets of people’s personal information.

What is the Dark Web?

In 2020 Experian suffered a breach that affected an estimated 24 million South Africans. For instance, attackers could use them to convince a phone company to port a victim’s cellphone number to a new device. The technique, known as SIM Swapping, allows cybercriminals to bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to everything from a target’s Twitter account to their bitcoin wallets. To help protect yourself from hidden threats on the dark web, consider using a tool to keep private information secure and prevent identity theft. The following methods are sample best practices to protect against and monitor for dark web threats. Data that is obtained through security breaches typically finds its way onto the dark web, creating a risk of identity theft.

Did you know that 1 in 50 children are affected by child identity fraud? In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that incidents of identity theft where the victim was under age 19 increased 50% last year. More than half of those crimes involved children under 9 years old.

The dark web refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. Accessible only through special software, it hosts various illicit activities, including the sale of illegal goods and services.

Dark Web Monitoring gives you the awareness you need to take appropriate action if your data is exposed. If you suspect unusual activity, report it to the relevant authorities like the FTC, local police, and credit bureaus immediately. Stolen identities are regularly sold on the dark web because they are a valuable and long-term investment to a fraudster. Most people find out too late that they’re fraud victims and are plunged into debt. They will notify you once your identity is used or listed for sale, helping you take steps to protect yourself immediately.

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. To avoid your personal information being used for identity theft, Trend Micro ID Security provides comprehensive internet and dark web monitoring. The app will alert you if any of your personal information is being sold or distributed online by cybercriminals. Unfortunately, the value of an SSN extends beyond its intended use. Cybercriminals can exploit this personal information for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or opening false accounts.

When people think about their Social Security number (SSN), they may think of it as a valuable piece of personally identifiable information (PII). In fact, one of the most popular resources on the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) website is our SSN FAQ. However, your SSN is not as valuable to an identity thief as you might think.

If you have a cryptocurrency account, it could also be sold on the dark web. The price could be huge, especially if your account stores a lot of cryptos. As a result, cryptocurrency exchange accounts are one of the most expensive data for sale on the dark web. If you have up to $5,000 on your credit card, it’ll be sold for just around $120 on the dark web. Many services, especially financial companies, use a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) program to verify users. KYC requires you to take a selfie alongside an ID to confirm your identity.

A two-year study reveals the cost of fake passports, compromised bank accounts, and DDoS attacks on the dark web. Social security and medicare concept with social security card and pile of money. An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges.

• Hidden networks
• Unregulated markets
• Anonymous browsing

The Value of a Social Security Number

A social security number is a critical piece of personal information. It is used primarily for tracking earnings and benefits. However, it also serves as a key identifier for a variety of identity verification processes.

On the dark web, an SSN can fetch significant sums of money because it opens the door to identity theft and fraudulent activities.

How is an SSN Obtained on the Dark Web?

• On the good side, the dark web protects people who conduct dangerous, but not necessarily illegal work.
• Total fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade, according to the nonprofit National Council on Identity Theft Protection, rising to more than 1.4 million a year by 2022.
• In response to the UC Accellion Data Breach, many of you signed up for the Experian IndentityWorks credit monitoring service.

There are several ways in which social security numbers can end up on the dark web, including:

1. Data breaches: Companies may suffer cyberattacks that expose customer SSNs.
2. Phishing scams: Unsuspecting individuals may provide their SSNs to fraudsters posing as legitimate entities.
3. Sale of personal information: Some individuals willingly sell their data or that of others.

Risks Associated with Having Your SSN on the Dark Web

Having your social security number on the dark web exposes you to significant risks, including:

• Identity theft
• Financial fraud
• Tax fraud
• Legal issues if someone commits a crime using your identity

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

Here are some essential strategies to protect your social security number:

1. Limit sharing: Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary.
2. Monitor accounts: Regularly check your financial accounts and credit reports.
3. Use strong passwords: Secure your online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Employ identity theft protection services: Consider enrolling in services that can alert you to suspicious activity related to your SSN.

FAQs About the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers

Q1: Can my SSN be sold on the dark web?

A1: Yes, if your SSN is compromised, it can be sold or traded on the dark web.

Q2: How can I check if my SSN is on the dark web?

A2: You can use services that monitor dark web sites to check if your information appears in data breaches.

Q3: What should I do if I find my SSN on the dark web?

A3: Take immediate action, such as reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and freezing your credit.

Conclusion

The dark web social security number issue is a critical concern for anyone who values their privacy and financial security. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your personal information can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to identity theft.