If it happens to you, reach out to the agency and explain the situation. 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. Social Security AdministrationOur mission is to deliver Social Security services that meet the changing needs of the public.
Set Up Fraud Alerts
Then, join LifeLock for dark web monitoring and other powerful identity theft protection features. Ultimately, the key to protecting your identity in the digital age is a combination of awareness, caution, and prompt action when issues arise. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft, even if your personal information has been exposed on the dark web.
Lock Your SSN
And, in rare cases where you’re unable to protect yourself and are experiencing significant issues resulting from SSN exposure, you may qualify for a new Social Security number. “With Marriott and the other hotel breaches, all of those credit cards got revoked and re-issued,” points out Henderson. Every day, it seems, another data security disaster puts our personal information at risk. If it’s not a major hotel or restaurant chain getting hacked, it’s a financial institution. Taking prompt, decisive action and remaining vigilant can mitigate the risks and protect your identity.
Can You Be Affected Even If You’ve Never Heard Of National Public Data?
- Learn how to tell if your SSN is on the dark web and what to do if it is.
- 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.
- Then, for added security, enable 2FA on every account that allows it — especially your online bank, email, and social media accounts.
- Alternatively, they might port your number to a phone they control at a different carrier.
- Each credit bureau offers credit monitoring for a fee (will alert you to issues), but the basic freeze is free.
By keeping tabs on your Social Security benefits, you can ensure no one is getting what is yours. Consider an SSN monitoring tool like Aura to alert you if your personal information is being illegally used. If your email was found on the Dark Web, you could be at risk of identity theft or fraud. Once you’ve updated your passwords, you should enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on each of your accounts. This will require anyone trying to sign in to your accounts to have not only your username and password but also an additional form of authentication. Some examples of MFA include a PIN, a code from an authenticator app, a fingerprint scan or even your specific geographic location.
Random Emails, Texts And Phone Calls
Now that we understand the gravity of the situation, let’s explore the steps you should take to protect yourself. Before delving into the action steps, it’s important to understand the dark web and why finding your SSN there is cause for concern. Gareth Neumann is a retired Baby Boomer in his early sixties (no one’s allowed to know his actual age!). He still fondly remembers his first job as a store clerk at the tender age of 12, and it was non-stop work since then. Now he’s decided that he’s worked enough to last two lifetimes and finally retired in 2014. When two-factor authentication is enabled, a code is required in addition to your username and password to log in.
According to the new lawsuit, USDoD on April 8 posted a database called “National Public Data” on the dark web, claiming to have records for about 2.9 billion individuals. It was asking for a purchase price of $3.5 million, the lawsuit claims. There are many similar companies that scrape public data to create files on consumers, which they then sell to other businesses, Steinhauer said.
While data breaches are the primary means by which your SSN can end up on the Dark Web, breaches aren’t the only threat. Scammers can use phishing websites, hack Wi-Fi networks, and use bots and malware to steal personal information. The Dark Web is a layer of the internet that’s only accessible by using special tools such as the Tor browser. The April 2024 AT&T breach alone leaked over 70 million Social Security numbers to the Dark Web. 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.
What Are The Consequences Of Having Your SSN On The Dark Web?
Changing your passwords is a critical step in securing your online presence after a potential SSN compromise. 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).
How To Protect Your WhatsApp From Hackers And Scammers – 8 Key Settings And Best Practices
Efforts are being made to combat illegal activities on the dark web, but it remains an ongoing battle. Unlike the surface web, where websites are easily discoverable, the dark web operates as an encrypted network, masking the true identity and location of its users. This anonymity has attracted various individuals and groups, including cybercriminals and those seeking to engage in illicit activities.
Long-Term Safeguards
The best chance to remove your SSN from the dark web is to get law enforcement involved, such as the FBI or the FTC, but even that is not a guaranteed solution. If your Social Security number has been breached, it opens the gateway to accessing other personal information related to you. Your phone number, email address, place of residence, credit and debit card information — anything is (un)fair play. However, navigating the dark web requires some technical knowledge and software like the Tor browser.
If you aren’t sure if your SSN is on the dark web, you’ll want to check first. Unfortunately, searching the dark web for your SSN without the needed technical know-how and specialized tools, such as a secure operating system, Tor browser, and VPN, can be extremely risky. We don’t recommend you try it due to the dangers and potential legal implications involved.
How To Download IRS Transcript
- You will also want to let your credit card companies know your identify has been compromised.
- Start your free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today to discover its helpful features to protect your identity and SSN.
- While data breaches are the primary means by which your SSN can end up on the Dark Web, breaches aren’t the only threat.
- The bad news is that once your SSN has been leaked to the Dark Web, it’s virtually impossible for you to remove it.
- Someone with your SSN may access other sensitive information or commit various forms of fraud that affect your finances, Social Security, healthcare, or legal situation.
- You’ll have to contact just one of the three credit bureaus to create a fraud alert, and that agency will alert the others.
For instance, if you put a freeze on your credit, they won’t be able to take out a new loan, but if they already have your current credit card number, they could still go on an unauthorized shopping spree. Since banks don’t always run a credit check when you open a new bank account, someone could still open a checking or savings account in your name. When filing your taxes, you may have noticed a checkbox asking if you or your spouse received an identity theft pin. However, it is crucial to be aware that identity thieves who gain employment using your name could file a tax return on your behalf and prevent you from filing your taxes on time. They could also receive your expected tax refund or even lead you to pay taxes for income that you did not earn. Therefore, it is essential to take this step seriously and obtain an identity theft pin from the IRS to prevent this type of fraud.
That’s why it’s important to have security software installed and to keep it up-to-date. When in doubt, ask why they need it and whether there’s another way to verify your identity. If you’re having trouble coming up with a strong password, consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords for you. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or easily accessible personal information like your birthdate. Aura’s service does not monitor for all content or your child’s behavior in real time. 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.
While the steps outlined in this guide can seem overwhelming, tackling them one at a time will help you regain control over your personal information and financial security. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or encounter complex issues. The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software. It isn’t indexed by search engines, making it difficult to find specific websites. That’s why it’s important to shred any documents that contain your Social Security number, such as old tax returns or medical bills.
Since it’s almost impossible to remove data once it’s been leaked to the Dark Web, prevention is the best way to protect yourself. As a precaution, you should contact your provider and ask them to “lock” your SIM with a custom PIN. Once you’ve locked your account, scammers can’t use your mobile data or make phone calls without your four-digit code.
