What Can Someone Do With A Stolen Social Security Number?
We recommend that you regularly scan your details to see if your information has been breached or exposed. Sometimes, opening a new account isn’t worth the effort, and thieves shake you down for whatever’s in your wallet. Unfortunately, your wallet now includes open financial accounts, including PayPal, Venmo, and investment applications like Acorns. Google has announced new tools, features and updates to improve users’ online safety, help them evaluate content found online, and alert them if their Gmail identity appears on the dark web.
Understanding the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
When a criminal steals your SSN, they may attempt to obtain employment in your name in a type of fraud known as employment identity theft. In this scenario, the wages a thief earns are falsely reported to the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other government agencies in your name. Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most important pieces of financial information in your life. It helps you file taxes, receive income from your job, open credit accounts, qualify for retirement benefits and identify yourself to the government.
Of course, suspicious activity doesn’t necessarily mean your Social Security number has been used. But it would alert you to a problem, whether it’s just an error or someone posing as you. A Social Security number is often needed for obtaining employment, opening bank accounts, applying for credit or loans, and accessing government services. A paper card bearing the number is issued to individuals and serves as proof of their SSN. Without additional information, no one could access your bank account with your Social Security number alone. In terms of bank security, you should worry about other things like a poor password, lack of two-factor authentication, and general carelessness when online banking.
This can be used to understand your tax situation and file returns. If you have a cryptocurrency account, it could also be sold on the dark web. The price could be huge, especially if your account stores a lot of cryptos. As a result, cryptocurrency exchange accounts are one of the most expensive data for sale on the dark web. If you have up to $5,000 on your credit card, it’ll be sold for just around $120 on the dark web.
You’ll also only want to visit encrypted webpages when browsing online — keep an eye out for URLs beginning with HTTPS rather than HTTP. Lastly, shred paper containing your personal information or lock it away until you can. This article explains what the dark web is, how to find out if personal details have reached the dark web, and how to protect your sensitive information.
Engaging in identity theft or purchasing SSNs on the Dark Web exposes individuals to criminal charges and serious legal consequences. Because of its anonymity, the dark web is frequently used by a wide variety of criminals, including cybercriminals, hackers, terrorists, and drug dealers. While the dark web uses the internet, it’s only accessible via special software, authorization, or configurations. If you tried to access a dark website with a traditional browser, like Google Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer, you would receive an error message. Also known as the “visible web,” the surface web is the layer of the internet that most of the world uses. This is where you can conduct general web searches, access social sites, or read the news.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires special software to access. It is known for its anonymity and is often associated with illegal activities. One of the most concerning aspects of the dark web is the presence of stolen social security numbers (SSNs), which can lead to identity theft and fraud.
There are myriad reports that show evidence of darknet recruitment drives looking for insider help. For example, a number of reports found job ads for bank employees with weekly salaries for illegally accessing bank accounts and carrying out bank transfers. In the USA, according to Javelin Research, there were 14.4 million victims of identity theft during 2018. The previous year saw 16.7 million people have their identity stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. The darknet has become a digital marketplace where much of the stolen data we hear about ends up.
Your ISP or government agencies will lose track of you and have no way of knowing that you used the dark web. Hence, there’s a demand for particular services, and they are selling on the dark web. Many organized crime groups (OCG’s) communicate with each other in secret forums on the dark web. To get in, one has to have a solid reputation and a recommendation from someone on the inside. In these forums, OCG’s can collaborate, share their newest technologies, and sell their services.
What is a Social Security Number?
A social security number is a unique identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents. It serves several purposes, including:
- Criminal identity theft is when someone uses your SSN and PII to avoid criminal responsibility.
- Cybernews reported that a file with 8.4 billion passwords, which have presumably been combined from previous data leaks and breaches, was posted on a hacker forum.
- Once they have your SSN, scammers can use it for numerous types of fraud — from opening bank accounts in your name to stealing your tax refund or even posing as you during police interactions.
- Phishing is when someone tricks you into thinking they are someone you could trust, as a way to persuade you to divulge personal information that’s useful to them.
- Tracking earnings for social security benefits
- Identifying individuals for tax purposes
- Establishing credit history and financial identity
Why is the Social Security Number Valuable on the Dark Web?
The dark web is a marketplace where stolen data can be bought and sold. The social security number is especially valuable for several reasons:
- Identity Theft: SSNs are essential for committing identity theft, allowing criminals to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and purchase items in someone else’s name.
- Fraudulent Activities: With a valid SSN, fraudsters can engage in various fraudulent activities, including filing fake tax returns and obtaining government benefits.
- Personal Information: An SSN often comes with other personal information that can help thieves enhance their schemes.
How is SSN Data Obtained for the Dark Web?
Criminals use various methods to obtain social security numbers, including:
- Phishing scams that trick individuals into providing their SSN.
- Data breaches at companies that store personal information.
- Hacking into personal accounts or using malware.
Consequences of Dark Web SSN Theft
The consequences of having your social security number compromised can be severe. Potential outcomes include:
- Financial Loss: Fraudsters can drain your bank accounts or run up debts in your name.
- Credit Damage: Unpaid fraudulent loans can negatively impact your credit score.
- Legal Issues: You may face legal challenges to prove your innocence regarding fraudulent activities.
How to Protect Your Social Security Number
To safeguard your social security number, consider the following measures:
- Limit Sharing: Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary.
- Secure Storage: Keep your SSN and other sensitive information in a secure location.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit accounts for unusual activity.
- Use Identity Theft Protection Services: These services can alert you about potential unauthorized use of your SSN.
FAQs about Dark Web Social Security Numbers
What should I do if I find my SSN on the dark web?
If you discover your social security number on the dark web, you should:
- Freeze your credit with major credit bureaus.
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Consider identity theft monitoring services.
Can I recover from identity theft involving my SSN?
Yes, recovery is possible, but it may take time. Steps include:
- Documenting all fraudulent activity.
- Communicating with financial institutions.
- Reviewing your credit report regularly.
How can I check if my SSN has been compromised?
You can check by:
- Using identity theft protection services.
- Monitoring your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- Checking your credit report for inquiries or accounts you did not open.
In conclusion, the dark web social security number issue is a significant threat in today’s digital age. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to protect yourself from potential identity theft and its devastating consequences.
