The Dangers of Dark Web Social Security Number Theft

Credit card details are very popular among cyber thieves who sell them on black markets. Identity Guard defends against identity thieves — alerting you in near real-time to suspicious bank account transactions, credit changes, and data leaks. In cases of identity theft, U.S.-based fraud agents are available to support you 24/7, and Identity Guard’s $1,000,000 insurance policy keeps you covered. This in turn also helps organization reduce the overall window of opportunity a criminal has to make copies of sensitive data and sell it.

Social security numbers are a vital piece of personal information. They are used for a variety of purposes, including applying for jobs, receiving government benefits, and filing taxes. Unfortunately, social security numbers are also a prime target for cybercriminals. Once a social security number is stolen, it can be used for a variety of fraudulent activities, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and even filing tax returns.

How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web

Since the pandemic, ransomware attacks have significantly increased. Many ransomware attackers exfiltrate the target’s data first and then take various steps to entice the target to pay the ransom. Commonly, the exfiltrated data includes client information which may end up on the dark web.

How Can Someone Get Your Social Security Number?

There are several ways that social security numbers can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches. Cybercriminals can hack into databases containing sensitive information, such as social security numbers, and sell them on the dark web. Another way that social security numbers can end up on the dark web is through phishing scams. Cybercriminals can send emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies, in an attempt to trick people into revealing their social security numbers.

The Dangers of Dark Web Social Security Number Theft

Once a social security number is stolen and sold on the dark web, it can be used for a variety of fraudulent activities. Here are some of the dangers of dark web social security number theft:

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The dark web is the part of the internet that isn’t indexed and can’t be found using search engines. While there are legitimate uses for it, this part of the internet is also home to black markets selling personal information. On the dark web, SSNs (social security numbers) can be bought or sold for a couple of dollars. These may have been leaked through data breaches at a company you use, or more directly, through malware being installed on one of your devices.

• Identity theft: With a stolen social security number, cybercriminals can open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and even file tax returns in the victim’s name.
• Financial fraud: Cybercriminals can use a stolen social security number to access the victim’s financial accounts and make unauthorized transactions.

Tracking your credit card activity is essential after a suspected cybersecurity incident. Credit card numbers are one of the most common targets of cyberattacks. Scams racking up many small, fraudulent charges over a short period are common and often go undetected. According to Privacy Affair’s Dark Web Price Index, right now, the cost of an SSN on the dark web is $2. A stolen SSN can put people at risk of many different forms of identity theft.

• Tax fraud: Cybercriminals can use a stolen social security number to file tax returns in the victim’s name and claim refunds.
• Government benefits fraud: Cybercriminals can use a stolen social security number to apply for government benefits, such as unemployment benefits or food assistance.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

How Dark Web Scans Work

Protecting your social security number is crucial in preventing it from being stolen and sold on the dark web. Here are some tips for protecting your social security number:

• Never give out your social security number over the phone or email unless you initiated the contact and know who you are dealing with.
• Keep your social security card in a safe place, such as a locked box or safe deposit box.

Fortunately, the risks that the dark web poses to cybersecurity can be minimized with protection plans. Leverage cybersecurity measures against the dark web by following these steps. There are identity protection tools you can use to quell these fears.

• Regularly monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Consider freezing your credit reports to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

What Can A Thief Do With Your Social Security Number?

FAQs

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling stolen personal information.

How can I tell if my social security number has been stolen?

If you notice any suspicious activity on your financial accounts or receive notifications about tax returns or government benefits that you did not apply for, your social security number may have been stolen.

• More often than not, stolen Social Security numbers end up sold on the dark web—for not even that much money.
• Here’s how to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus.
• Remember, engaging in illegal activities on the Dark Web is highly risky and can have severe legal consequences.
• Therefore, one should be very cautious to whom they provide such information.

What should I do if I think my social security number has been stolen?

If you think your social security number has been stolen, contact the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service to report the fraud. You should also contact your financial institutions and credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your accounts.