Warning: Phone Number Found on Dark Web

This story is a grim reminder of what can happen when private data falls into the wrong hands. And unfortunately, the recent incident in Oakland is not an isolated event. Unfortunately there is very little that any provider can do about the dark web.

Recently, a concerning trend has emerged where phone numbers are being found on the dark web. This poses a significant risk to individuals as their personal information can easily be exploited by cybercriminals. It is crucial to understand the dangers associated with having your phone number exposed in such a manner.

What does it mean to have your phone number found on the dark web?

Be Mindful Of What Information You Share Online

When your phone number is discovered on the dark web, it means that malicious actors have access to your contact information. This can lead to various forms of scams, identity theft, and other fraudulent activities.

Why is it dangerous?

• Identity theft: Cybercriminals can use your phone number to gather more personal information about you and potentially steal your identity.
• Scam calls and messages: Once your phone number is in the wrong hands, you may start receiving unsolicited calls and messages with the intent to scam you.
• Phishing attacks: Hackers may use your phone number to target you with phishing attacks, trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

Best Identity Theft Protection Services With Dark Web Monitoring

What can you do to protect yourself?

Learn How IDShield Can Help Protect Sensitive Personal Information

It’s also important to unfreeze or temporarily thaw credit reports when applying for a new credit card. If it sounds like too much work, then it’s best to sign up for a fraud alert. The dark web plays a role in all the data breaches reported in the news. This is because cybercriminals like identity thieves buy, sell, and trade this information in dark web marketplaces and forums. If you’re worried about misuse of your personal information, and in particular, when you find your SSN is leaked, placing a credit freeze is a good protective measure.

1. Avoid sharing personal information: Be cautious about sharing your phone number online or providing it to unknown sources.
2. Use privacy settings: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit the visibility of your contact details.
3. Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your financial accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.

FAQs

When you sign out of all websites on Chrome or Apple iCloud, you block any suspicious logins. Once you have that list, start by logging into each website or app individually. After that, generate and use lengthy passwords with 20, 30, or even 80 characters on them using good password management tools such as LastPass that save all those details on the cloud securely.

Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?

Unfortunately, once your phone number is exposed on the dark web, it is challenging to completely remove it. However, you can take steps to minimize the risks associated with this exposure.

How can I report a phone number found on the dark web?

• We find out about breached information when it is traded or sold on the dark web or online.
• With Chase for Business you’ll receive guidance from a team of business professionals who specialize in helping improve cash flow, providing credit solutions, and managing payroll.
• SIM-swapping is an illegal activity in which someone other than the owner of a phone number contacts the carrier and convinces it to reroute that number to another device.
• The dark web is a hidden layer of the deep web, where users are anonymous and activity isn’t tracked.
• No one can prevent all identity theft or monitor all transactions effectively.

If you come across a phone number on the dark web that you believe poses a threat, you can report it to the relevant authorities such as cybersecurity agencies or your local law enforcement.

Stay vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal information to prevent falling victim to cybercrimes that exploit phone numbers found on the dark web.