When your SSN has been found on the dark web, you should immediately change all your passwords to prevent a cybercriminal from accessing any more of your private information. You can quickly change all your passwords by using a password manager, such as Keeper, which can generate new, strong passwords for each of your accounts. The dark web refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google.
- Following a loss or theft, you should keep a close eye on your credit reports, as these can be your first indication of identity theft.
- Most of the time, if a fraudulent account has been opened with your child’s Social Security number, you will need to contact one or all of the three major credit bureaus to open a dispute.
- One such service is how Hofmann, who filed the lawsuit, found out that his information has been leaked as part of NPD breach.
- Your card will be charged either a monthly or annual fee, depending on the membership plan you choose.
- Regularly reviewing your financial statements, like bank accounts and credit cards, is essential to detect unauthorized activity.
In 2015, a lead data scientist at Verizon estimated that up to 80% of Social Security numbers had already been stolen by cybercriminals. Bleeping Computer reports that the hacked data involves 2.7 billion records, with individuals having multiple records in the database. In other words, one individual could have separate records for each address where they’ve lived, which means the number of impacted people may be far lower than the lawsuit claims, the site noted. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research.
They can use this information when they pretend to be an employee at a company or government agency. Consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords. You then only need to remember one complex password to access your password manager. Many of these apps can also automatically fill in your passwords after you log in.
Freeze Or Lock Your Credit With All Three Bureaus
One such service is how Hofmann, who filed the lawsuit, found out that his information has been leaked as part of NPD breach. There are many similar companies that scrape public data to create files on consumers, which they then sell to other businesses, Steinhauer said. The company added that it is working with law enforcement and government investigators. NPD said it “will try to notify you if there are further significant developments applicable to you.” Angela’s expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures.
What Can Happen If Your SSN Leaks To The Dark Web?
Take the time to enable 2FA for your important accounts and enjoy the added peace of mind that comes with this robust security measure. Nowadays, the dark web has become synonymous with illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, counterfeit documents, and identity theft. It’s a hub for cybercriminals to trade stolen data, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), credit card information, and login credentials. In an August statement on the security breach, the company said it’s cooperating with law enforcement and governmental investigators and conducting a review of the potentially affected records. Identity theft protection services can help monitor your credit and alert you to any suspicious activities. Some services also offer insurance to cover potential losses due to identity theft, as well as assistance in recovering your identity.
(If you use a tax preparer, you can provide them with your IP PIN once you get it each year.) If you don’t want to apply online, you can make an appointment at a local IRS office and do it in person. Everyone can get free copies of their credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. By regularly monitoring your reports, you can ensure that the information is accurate and that no one has opened accounts in your name. “The most important thing you can do is put a freeze on your credit,” says Chapple. This is the strongest way to protect the sensitive data in your credit reports and, as of last September, the process is completely free. Additionally, you should change all your passwords, particularly if you have repeated passwords among multiple websites.
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As alarming as these scenarios may seem, they are signs of a surprisingly common crime — identity theft. Discovering that your Social Security number is on the dark web is a frightening experience, but taking immediate action can help minimize the risks. By staying vigilant, taking protective measures, and seeking professional assistance if necessary, you can safeguard your identity and financial well-being. If you suspect that your SSN has been used fraudulently, report the identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Instead, in most cases, it’s best to take steps to mitigate the consequences of a stolen SSN. Setting up 2FA won’t do you any good if cybercriminals have access to your phone number. With your SSN, they can contact your service provider to receive a new SIM. This type of attack is known as a “SIM swap” and allows fraudsters to intercept your phone calls and texts—including 2FA codes and password reset links.
Unlock Tailored Help Options In Your Account
Stay vigilant and continue to monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly for any signs of unauthorized activity. If your SSN was leaked, check your credit reports (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) for any unauthorized activity (and do so regularly going forward!). Report any suspicious transactions to the credit bureaus, via their websites, and place a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Tax-related identity theft is when someone uses your Social Security number to file a false tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Your tax account is most at risk if the data breach involves both your SSN and financial data, such as wages.
Good Password Ideas And Tips For Secure Accounts
Freezing your credit ensures that anyone who obtains your SSN can’t open lines of credit or apply for a loan under your name. To place a credit freeze, you must contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). 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.
Want To Maximize Your Social Security Retirement Benefits? Do These Things Now
So, keep reading until the very end to find out the best thing you can do when your SSN ends up on the dark web. Your card will be charged either a monthly or annual fee, depending on the membership plan you choose. To lock your SIM, you’ll need to contact your cell phone provider and ask them to set a custom PIN to lock and unlock your SIM. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) myE-Verify website shows a record of jobs you’ve had (this is where your employer checked your SSN before hiring you). It also allows you to “lock” your SSN to stop scammers from using your SSN to illegally obtain employment in your name. Because most people don’t use the Dark Web, it’s hard to know for sure whether your SSN has been compromised — or if someone is using your identity.
You may need to complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, to officially report the incident. Note that if you created a Social Security username more than 3 years ago, you’ll need to create a Login.gov account or use an ID.me account. Using your compromised SSN is one of the easiest ways for someone to steal your identity — and you won’t always be able to stop them. Select three security questions and remember your answers, as you will be asked the same questions when you are ready to remove the lock from your SSN. If you’re unsure whether your SSN is on the dark web, there are several signs you can watch for or actions you can take to determine if your SSN has fallen into the wrong hands. Continue reading to learn how to tell if your SSN is on the dark web and how to protect your privacy and identity.
That strategy is reason enough to protect your passwords and use passkeys whenever possible. Regularly monitor your credit reports and financial statements for any suspicious activity. If you’re concerned that your data’s been being used against you, it’s time to use an identity theft protection and credit monitoring service to protect yourself.
It is important to create and monitor your mySocialSecurity account so you can detect any discrepancies and signs of identity theft. After creating your mySocialSecurity account, immediately report any unusual activity to the SSA. Next, you should lock your SSN by either contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) or self-locking it using your E-Verify account. Locking your SSN is necessary when your SSN is on the dark web because it prevents anyone, including you, from changing or accessing your Social Security record.
