Install antivirus software, enable firewalls, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive accounts. If your phone number or email address is on the dark web you are likely to experience an increase in spam, scams and phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can also use your phone number and email to find more information using people search sites. Your best bet is to figure out what other personal information may have been compromised and take steps to mitigate the potential consequences. While this may sound like a doomed cause, you can protect yourself from identity theft even if fraudsters have your SSN, as long as you act quickly and follow all the necessary steps. If you’ve found that your SSN has been used to set up new accounts, you’ll have to track down and contact each company in question to notify them of the fraud.
File Your Taxes Early
You are entitled to a free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every 12 months via AnnualCreditReport.com. Thoroughly review these reports for any unrecognized accounts or inquiries. Federal law now allows permanent access to free weekly credit reports from all three agencies via AnnualCreditReport.com.
How Much Is Your Personal Information Sold For On The Dark Web?
- You can create an account through Login.gov or ID.me, credential service providers for government agencies.
- Upon discovering your SSN has been compromised, placing a fraud alert on your credit reports is a first step.
- It’s good for the system because it prevents attempts to abuse Social Security by issuing multiple SSNs after alleged fraud, but it doesn’t make it easy for you to protect your sensitive information.
- Cybercriminals are more likely to target big organizations than specific individuals, and if those organizations’ defenses fail, there’s not much you can do as a client.
- Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your personal information can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to identity theft.
Suspicious banking activity is one of the first signs that something might be up. Cybercriminals can use your personal information to take out loans in your name, claim your tax returns, or open new credit cards. Since they obfuscate their activities using your name, this digital footprint would be tracked to you.
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. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering. In today’s digital age, identity theft and cybercrime have become increasingly prevalent threats.
File A Report With The SSA
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. This government site will guide you through creating a recovery plan and provide resources to help mitigate the damage. While the company said it’s notifying affected people, there are two separate databases, made available by online security companies, where consumers can see if they were among the victims.
- Unless you are starting a new position and have an offer in hand, you should not provide your Social Security number to a recruiter.
- Check your email to see if you received a message from a company with which you have an account regarding a data breach.
- If the breach goes unnoticed, passwords to your personal accounts may be compromised.
- With the right approach and resources, you can overcome this challenge and emerge with stronger, more secure personal information management practices.
- One of the most alarming aspects of this hidden part of the internet is the trade of sensitive personal information, such as a social security number (SSN).
How To Keep Your Sensitive Information Off Of The Dark Web
Mine, too, as well as those of our spouses, neighbors, friends and colleagues. Certain cyber groups have set up websites to enable individuals to search to see if their personal data was affected by the breach, Lee said. One site — NPDBreach.com — allows for a search by full name and zip code, Social Security number or phone number. Another site — NPD.pentester.com — allows for search based on first name, last name, state and birth year. Since each number is unique and changing it is a lengthy process, it provides ample opportunity for criminals to take advantage of the affected individuals’ personal information.
Check If Your Social Security Number Is Included In The National Public Data Hack
A credit freeze is free and will restrict access to your credit file and prevent lenders from extending any more credit. However, be wary of any alerts sent via email or SMS as these could be part of a phishing scam. To scan for more sensitive information — such as your SSN, credit card details, or even passport numbers — you need to sign up for a full Dark Web monitoring service. While data breaches are the primary means by which your SSN can end up on the Dark Web, breaches aren’t the only threat.
Ways To Protect Yourself From Social Security Number Identity Theft
You should also be aware of the potential spear phishing attacks that could come your way. If your identity is stolen because your SSN was exposed on the dark web, file an identity theft report with the FTC. You’ll receive helpful guidance covering the next steps to take and create a permanent record of the incident, which can be helpful when communicating with credit bureaus or banks as you try to resolve issues. The dark web is a notorious part of the internet known for its use by cybercriminals and identity thieves, and you certainly don’t want your personal info showing up there.
For example, a scammer might steal your wallet, purse or mail, rummage through your trash or pose as an employer, government agency or someone else who legitimately needs your personal information. Being able to spot signs of potential Social Security number identity theft is the first step toward keeping your information safe. If your Social Security number or other personal information was stolen in the December 2023 National Public Data breach, you can take steps to protect yourself.
Legal Ramifications
Before delving into the action steps, it’s important to understand the dark web and why finding your SSN there is cause for concern. If you find you’re included in the breach, the steps you should take are not necessarily new. By entering your name, you may get a sense of what information, if any, has been shared. The good news is most people are finding information that has been leaked is inaccurate, Lee said. As cyber professionals dig into the breached data, they’re finding that not all of it is accurate and much of the information was already available. Gareth Neumann is a retired Baby Boomer in his early sixties (no one’s allowed to know his actual age!).
Report The Theft Of Your Personal And Account Information
If you have the option to turn it on, you also might be able to choose your additional form of authentication. In general, text message and email MFA are the least secure options, but they’re still better than nothing. Using MFA can help keep others out of your account even if your username and password are leaked on the dark web—or elsewhere. Arizona Central Credit Union offers a wide assortment of digital banking tools, allowing you to manage your money wherever you are on the go. Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own.
Educating yourself on cyber security best practices is vital for maintaining a strong defense against potential threats. By staying up to date with the latest trends, securing your online accounts, and practicing safe browsing habits, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrimes. By educating yourself on cyber security best practices, you empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect your personal information from cyber threats.
Your tax account is most at risk if the data breach involves both your SSN and financial data, such as wages. Data breaches involving just credit card numbers, health records without SSNs or even drivers’ license numbers, while certainly serious, will not affect your tax account. You can pay for credit monitoring but that is probably more than most people need to do. 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. Even if you haven’t noticed any signs of identity theft, if your SSN has been exposed, it’s pretty much a matter of time.
Odds are that your records — including, possibly, your Social Security number (SSN) — are in those databases. With your SSN, criminals can open credit card accounts, apply for loans, hijack your tax refunds, use your government benefits or even apply for jobs. By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your SSN and other personal information being compromised. 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. Formally reporting the SSN compromise is an important step in the recovery process. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a centralized resource at IdentityTheft.gov to file an identity theft report.
It’s especially important to complete fraud and police reports if you are going to dispute fraudulent charges; otherwise, there’s no proof of your being a victim. The bad news is that once your SSN has been leaked to the Dark Web, it’s virtually impossible for you to remove it. The best thing you can do is to proactively lock down your identity and accounts and be prepared for the worst.
