Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own. Too bad yours (and mine and every other Americans’) has likely been leaked and sold on the dark web. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges. Get alerted if we detect your information somewhere suspicious so you can take action right away.
An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that stops someone from filing a tax return with your SSN. The only people who know your IP PIN are you and the IRS, which even prevents a cybercriminal who has your SSN from using it to commit tax fraud. After applying for an IP PIN and completing the verification process, you will receive an IP PIN. Every year, you will receive a new IP PIN to ensure the utmost protection of your SSN and taxes. Create or log in to your mySocialSecurity account to see if there has been any suspicious activity. Your mySocialSecurity account will show your benefits (if you have applied for them) and other helpful information.
Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Every American is entitled to a complementary copy of their credit report annually. You should review your credit report every year so you can spot any suspicious activity that you didn’t initiate, such as new accounts or lines of credit. For example, if your SSN is used to open new lines of credit in your name, the damage to your credit score could take years to repair. And if your SSN is used to file a fraudulent tax return, you could end up owing the IRS a lot of money. Look for any unusual activity, such as charges you don’t recognize or withdrawals from your account that you didn’t make. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company right away.
Here’s How To Protect Your SSN From The Dark Web
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.
Look At Your Credit Report
A credit freeze significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized accounts being opened in your name. However, it’s important to note that it does not prevent all forms of identity theft or fraud. By combining a credit freeze with regular monitoring and other security measures, you take proactive steps to protect your financial well-being and personal information. Although you should regularly monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity, you should review your credit reports – especially if you believe your SSN has been compromised.
Some offer free fraud and identity theft protection services that can help you keep everything locked down. Early detection of your SSN on the dark web allows you to take swift action to secure your identity and financial accounts before significant damage can occur. Upon discovering your SSN has been compromised, placing a fraud alert on your credit reports is a first step.
Should You Change Your SSN If It Was Leaked?
Discovering your Social Security Number (SSN) on the dark web can be alarming, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. Whether your SSN has already been stolen or not, you should take some preventative measures to protect your personal information in the future. Are you concerned your Social Security number (SSN) may be on the dark web? Your SSN is considered one of the most sensitive pieces of information because of the damage criminals can do if they manage to steal it. The Social Security Administration also provides online access to your earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account. ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit.
What To Do If Your SSN Is Found On The Dark Web
A credit monitoring service notices any changes in your credit report and alerts you if there is suspicious activity that could indicate fraud. Remember, some credit card companies offer this service for free if you have an account with them, so contact your credit card company to see if they offer credit monitoring. A credit monitoring service can constantly monitor your credit report on major credit bureaus and alert you when it detects unusual activity.
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. Whenever possible, switch to digital statements and secure them with encryption. This reduces the chances of physical theft or accidental exposure of sensitive documents.
- If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.
- To dispute something on your child’s report, you’ll need to prove that the credit report and Social Security number belongs to your child and that you are their legal guardian.
- However, Bleeping Computer reported that the file was later leaked for free on a hacker forum, as noted above.
- Some credit card companies, like Discover, Capital One and Chase, may notify you if your SSN is found on the dark web through their dark web scanners.
- Setting up 2FA won’t do you any good if cybercriminals have access to your phone number.
Submitting a fraud report to the SSA will provide them with valuable information they can use to investigate Social Security fraud, such as suspicious benefits claims or work authorization requests. This report also acts as a formal record of the breach, which can be useful to refer to later if you need to fight the consequences of identity theft. An IP PIN, or Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, is a six-digit number the IRS assigns to help them verify your identity when you file a tax return. You should create one as soon as you discover that your SSN is on the dark web.
Are You Being Stalked? Start With This Safety Check
Inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your SSN has been found on the Dark Web and ask to file an identity theft report. Even if your information hasn’t been used maliciously yet, filing a formal claim with the FTC can help you if you need to dispute fraudulent charges, accounts, or crimes. Passwords are among the most commonly leaked pieces of sensitive personal information. You can use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to see which accounts are at risk.
This could allow scammers to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) security on your accounts — as any codes would be sent to a phone that they control. A Dark Web monitoring service like Aura periodically scans Dark Web forums and websites for your personal information and then sends you notifications whenever anything suspicious is detected. Sign up for a free 14-day trial to start monitoring the Dark Web for your data right away. If your SSN has been compromised, you’ll want to keep close tabs on your financial accounts to ensure they haven’t been illegally accessed.
Steps To Secure Your Child’s Identity In The Future
Welcome to the digital age, where personal information has become a valuable commodity on the internet. The dark web, a hidden part of the internet, is notorious for being a hub of illegal activities. It’s a place where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data, including sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers (SSNs). You can’t stop the theft, you can watch your credit reports and financial accounts for unexpected activity to see if your Social Security number and other personal information are being used. So any scammers that might have your social security number, they’re not going to be able to access that and go to a store and open a credit card or another kind of account.
Confirm The Breach
- The BBB, like the SSA, suggested monitoring your bank and credit card accounts for odd activities and purchases.
- She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling.
- While it’s impossible to eliminate the threat of cybercrime entirely, taking these steps will make it much harder for cybercriminals to access and misuse your data.
- If a scammer has already used your SSN to open new accounts, contact the companies immediately.
He spent a handful of years at Peachpit Press, editing books on everything from the first iPhone to Python. He also worked at a handful of now-dead computer magazines, including MacWeek and MacUser. You’ll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself.
