If your information made its way to the dark web, it means there is a weak spot in your company’s cybersecurity. Once you have determined how your information was leaked on the dark web, implement policies to prevent it from happening again. Before you take action and start immediately changing your passwords, conduct a complete scan of your computer.
Should I be worried if my SSN is on the dark web?
If your SSN ends up on the dark web, you can become a prime candidate for attempted identity theft and fraud. Scammers can purchase your SSN on the dark web and use it to open new accounts and credit cards, apply for loans, activate medical insurance, or claim benefits in your name.
It’s important to note that once your personal information is on the dark web, it can be hard if not impossible to remove it. Try 1Password for free today and see how easy it is to monitor data breaches, get alerts if you’ve been compromised, and protect your accounts from criminals on the dark web. These ID theft protection services are ready to protect your data and bank accounts from fraudsters. Each one also includes dark web monitoring so you’ll be the first to know if your SSN is for sale there. Identity thieves sell data (online, e-commerce, bank, or email accounts) for shockingly low prices on the black market. Credit card details go for as little as $12-$20 or $40 when the PIN is included.
Ways To Protect Yourself From Social Security Number Identity Theft
Identity Guard believes that you shouldn’t deal with identity theft alone. When they detect a threat, they’ll help you resolve it by connecting you with a personal case manager. In the event you are a victim of identity theft, your case manager can walk you through the process of restoring your credit, securing your financial accounts and ultimately regaining control of your life.
If you ever have a curiosity to explore and see for yourself, you can easily get compromised or land into legal trouble. 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 Cocorico darknet Market email with specialized web scanning tools. Note that a Dark Web scan does NOT automatically remove your compromised information from the Dark Web. There is no Dark Web manager to call to request its removal; it’s up to you to take action from there.
- But IDShield has the expertise necessary to mitigate dark web identity theft.
- Be proactive in implementing additional security measures, such as changing passwords and monitoring your credit and identity, as mentioned in the previous section.
- It’s a lot easier and less stressful to not have your data stolen in the first place.
- It is a breeding ground for illegal activities, including the sale of personal information.
- When you use Tor, which routes your internet traffic through many different relay “nodes,” your online activity is obscured because you’re browsing anonymously.
- In this guide, we’ll explain how scammers get your phone number, what to do once a scammer has your number, and ways to keep your phone number and financial information safe.
Create A Social Security Account Online
But scanning the whole dark web is not possible because no one knows exactly the size of it. There are just estimates that the dark web is many times bigger than the visible web. So, if there are 10 million websites, for example, on the Internet we know, then expect to find billions of sites on the dark web, which is a lot.
If you have recently discovered that your phone number has been found on the dark web, you may be wondering what this means for you and what steps you should take to protect yourself. In this article, we will provide an overview of the dark web, explain how phone numbers end up there, and discuss the potential risks and what you can do to mitigate them.
Social Security Number Alerts
When you find your phone number on Dark Web, it’s likely other of your personal information has been scattered across the Dark Web. But still, you should take some precautions to avoid potential damage. Sign up for Aura and be alerted in near real-time if someone uses your SSN or if any unauthorized activity is detected on your financial accounts. If your SSN or other personal information has been discovered on the Dark Web, you need to monitor your finances to ensure your identity isn’t stolen. CreditWise Alerts are based on changes to your TransUnion and Experian® credit reports and information we find on the dark web. And unlike the other layers of the web, the dark web can’t be seen from normal web browsers.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through regular web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. The dark web uses a network of servers that encrypt and anonymize user activity, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and monitor.
How Did My Phone Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that your phone number could have ended up on the dark web:
- Data breaches: If a company that has your personal information, such as your phone number, is hacked, your information could be sold on the dark web.
- Social engineering: Scammers may use social engineering techniques to trick you into giving them your phone number.
- Public records: Phone numbers are often publicly available through various dark market sites records, such as property records, court records, and business records.
What Are the Risks of Having My Phone Number on the Dark Web?
Having your phone number on the dark web can increase your risk of becoming a target of scams and fraud. Scammers can use your phone number to impersonate you, gain access to your accounts, and steal your personal information. They can also use your phone number to send you spam or unwanted calls and texts.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself?
Why am I getting a dark web alert?
If you receive a dark web alert, it means your personal information was exposed, which can make it easier for others to open accounts in your name.
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself if your phone number has been found on the dark web:
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Set up two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
- Use a call blocker: Call blockers can help you block unwanted calls and texts from unknown numbers.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls and texts: Never give out personal information over the phone black market darknet or through text messages, even if the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization.
FAQs
Q: Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
Can you remove your phone number from the dark web?
You can check to see where your information appears with a free dark web scan. And while there might not be a simple way to get your information removed from the dark web, you can take measures to protect your accounts and identity.
A: It is not possible to remove your phone number from the dark web once it has been posted. However, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk of becoming a target of scams and fraud.
Q: Is it illegal to have my phone number on the dark web?
A: No, it is not illegal to have your phone number on the dark web. However, it is illegal to use someone else’s personal information, such as their phone number, for fraudulent purposes.
Q: Can I sue a company if my phone number is found on the dark web after a data breach?
A: It depends on the circumstances of the data breach and the laws in your jurisdiction. It is best to consult with a lawyer if you are considering taking legal action.
What are the signs of hacked phone number?
- High data usage.
- Persistent pop-ups.
- New apps you didn't download.
- Unrecognized outgoing calls.
- Battery draining quickly.
- Run anti-malware software.
- Change your passwords.
- Delete suspicious apps.
