Can two people have the same Social Security number?
There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people.
Your social security number (SSN) is a valuable piece of information that can be used for identity theft and other forms of fraud. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most commonly traded items on the dark web.
How To Find Out If My Information Is On The Dark Web FAQ
Social media account logins range from $1.28 for Instagram to $5.20 for Facebook, Inc. CreditWise Alerts are based on changes to your TransUnion and Experian® credit reports and information we find on the dark web. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
Should I freeze my Social Security number?
There are several advantages of locking your Social Security number: No one can use your Social Security number when it's locked. No one can apply for a job in your name and run up a tax bill for money you never earned. No one can use your Social Security number to apply for credit or open new accounts in your name.
It’s especially important to complete a fraud report if you are going to dispute fraudulent charges; otherwise, there’s no proof of your being a victim. Unfortunately, free Dark Web scanners are often limited in what they can find (and don’t constantly monitor the Dark Web for your information). In this article, we’ll explain how your information ends up on the Dark Web, how to know if your SSN has been compromised, and what you can do to protect yourself online. The unfortunate truth is that everyone is at risk of identity theft.
Ways To Protect Yourself From Social Security Number Identity Theft
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activity, including the sale of stolen personal information such as SSNs.
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SIM swapping is when someone temporarily takes over your phone line using the same SIM swapping procedure that you’d use to activate a new phone. Criminals do this by tricking or paying off mobile phone carriers’ employees. They then can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control so they can access your accounts. Get more from a personalized relationship offering no everyday banking fees, priority service from a dedicated team and special perks and benefits. Connect with a Chase Private Client Banker at your nearest Chase branch to learn about eligibility requirements and all available benefits. Your information could show up on the dark web for all sorts of reasons, many of them prior and unrelated to the Accellion breach.
How Do SSNs End Up on the Dark Web?
Can I remove my information from the dark web?
It is generally implausible to remove data that has been disseminated within the Dark Web. Individuals whose PII has been discovered on the Dark Web are encouraged to enroll in an identity and credit monitoring service immediately.
There are a number of ways that SSNs can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain access to large databases containing sensitive information. Another way is through phishing scams, where individuals are tricked into providing their personal information.
What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?
- They’ll also assist you in setting up fraud alerts to help protect you in the future.
- Dark Web Monitoring goes beyond easily accessible sites and marketplaces, infiltrating private forums, the social web, the deep web, and the dark web.
- You may be responsible for proving that the return is fraudulent and income documents are fake.
- Dark web monitoring services can protect you whether you’re sleeping, working, or watching TV, but what if you receive a dark web alert?
- No, because you would have to provide even more personal details to authenticate your identity like physical evidence of your passport, ID, driver’s license, etc.
- In essence, all types of SSN-related identity thefts use the number plus your additional information to bypass identification procedures in social and financial institutions.
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your SSN and reduce the risk of it being traded on the dark web:
- Be cautious about where you share your SSN: Only provide your SSN when it’s absolutely necessary, and be sure to only share it with trusted sources.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can request a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year.
- Consider a credit freeze: If you’re concerned about the potential misuse of your SSN, you can place a credit freeze on your credit reports, which will prevent anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name.
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of your SSN being traded on the dark web, taking these steps can help reduce the likelihood and minimize the potential damage.
How do I know if I’m on the dark web?
To check if your information is on the dark web, you can use IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. All you need to do is enter the information you want scanned for on the dark web and IdentityIQ services does the rest.
