How To Get A New Social Security Card
Credit card details are very popular among cyber thieves who sell them on black markets. Security freezes are free, have no effect on your credit scores and can be lifted and replaced at any time. If you choose to place a freeze on your credit reports, you’ll have to file separately with each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) — Equifax®, TransUnion® and Experian®. You can place a security freeze on your Equifax credit report online by creating a myEquifax account. Once the security freeze is in place, you’ll be able to verify its status through your myEquifax account. If identity thieves have your Social Security number, they may be able to apply for credit in your name including new auto loans, credit cards, student loans and personal loans.
Understanding the Risks of Your Social Security Number on Dark Web
The emergence of the internet has brought immense benefits; however, it has also resulted in numerous risks related to personal information. One of the most concerning issues is the potential for your social security number on dark web marketplaces.
What is the Dark Web?
McAfee Total Protection comes with advanced identity monitoring, which provides faster and broader detection for your identity, plus premium antivirus software, safe browsing, and Secure VPN. However, some may request access to your location, photos, contact list, and even microphone. Certain apps, especially those filled with malware, can then collect your data and share it with others. Fortunately, Android devices and Apple iPhones allow you to change your permission settings for apps.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, configurations, or authorization to access. Often associated with illegal activities, this hidden network is a marketplace for a variety of illicit goods and services.
I can’t say what caused your issues but I have directly linked mine to the T-Mobile data breach and will be speaking with an attorney first thing on Monday about litigation over this. These companies with little to no site security need to start being held accountable for this garbage that ruins or damages our lives. You may want to pull your reports and freeze them from secondary reporting agencies, like LexisNexis and Sage Stream. When personal data is dumped online, it takes only a few minutes before people try to exploit it, according to a FTC report conducted last year. According to a 2011 report from Carnegie Mellon University’s CyLab, the rate of child identity theft is 51 times higher than for adults (whose data sets cost about $10 – $25 on dark web markets). It was posted on a dark web marketplace only accessible through software called Tor.
The most notable new feature in the Google One suite is ‘Dark Web Report’ that helps users scan the dark web to check if their personal information is available for sale. Google says the service can check for the user’s name, address, email, phone number, and Social Security number, and notify them if any of this information is found. Not only that, Google will also offer advice and guidance on how users can protect that information.
Why is Your Social Security Number Valuable?
Your social security number (SSN) is a critical piece of personal information that can be used to steal your identity. Because it is unique to you, it can be used to access various services, open bank accounts, and conduct fraudulent activities in your name.
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get an annual free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Through December 2023, you can get a free credit report every week from each of them at the website. If you find an account or transaction you don’t recognize, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the identity theft and get a personal recovery plan. Both Discover and Chase have notified me that my social security number was found on a “Dark Website”.
Thankfully, there are ways to find out without having to venture into the darkness yourself or scour nefarious search engines. You don’t want your SSN card to get into the hands of a criminal who could steal your identity. It’s crucial to set up a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to flag any suspicious activity. A password manager also enables you to protect your accounts with strong forms of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – a security protocol that requires additional authentication. Most password managers have integrated authenticator app features that allow you to locally generate 2FA codes in one tool.
- Identity Theft
- Financial Fraud
- Medical Fraud
- Tax Fraud
It is a significantly bigger chunk of the internet than the surface web. Dark web monitoring is a process in which a tool is used to scan the dark web and monitor for specific personal information such as your email address or password. This can be done manually or with a dark web monitoring tool that can detect when your credentials are being sold on the dark web and notifies you when it determines your information is at risk.
The Implications of Your Social Security Number on Dark Web
If your social security number ends up on the dark web, it can have serious implications:
- Social Security number identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your SSN.
- Many of the best credit monitoring services also offer dark web monitoring.
- Tax-related identity theft is when someone uses your Social Security number to file a false tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
- In this scenario, the wages a thief earns are falsely reported to the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other government agencies in your name.
- This is a good place to start — however, free scanners only check for email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers).
- Identity Theft: Thieves can use your SSN to create new identities and apply for loans, credit cards, or even government benefits.
- Financial Ruin: Fraudulent activities can lead to significant debt, ruining your credit score.
- Legal Issues: Unscrupulous activities conducted in your name can result in legal problems.
How to Check If Your Social Security Number is on the Dark Web
Knowing the status of your SSN in relation to the dark web is crucial. Here’s how you can check:
- Use monitoring services that alert you if your information appears on the dark web.
- Check your credit reports regularly for unusual activities.
What to Do If You Find Your Social Security Number on Dark Web
If you discover that your social security number has been compromised, take the following actions:
- Report to Authorities: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Consider a Credit Freeze: This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Prevention Tips
Taking proactive measures can help protect your social security number:
- Never share your SSN unnecessarily.
- Use strong passwords for online accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Be cautious of phishing scams.
FAQs
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a section of the internet that is hidden and requires specific software to access, often linked to illegal activities.
How can I find out if my social security number is compromised?
Use identity monitoring services and check your credit reports regularly to see if your SSN appears in any unauthorized transactions.
What should I do if I suspect my SSN is on the dark web?
Immediately report it to authorities, consider placing a credit freeze, and monitor your financial statements closely.
Can I recover from identity theft?
Yes, recovery is possible through diligent monitoring, reporting, and taking necessary precautions to prevent further issues.
In summary, being vigilant about your social security number on dark web threats is essential in today’s digital landscape. Taking the right steps can protect your identity and financial well-being.
