The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information, such as phone numbers.
How Does a Phone Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are a few ways that a phone number can end up on the dark web:
The Experian Vantage 3.0 model is highly regarded in the industry as helpful in identifying potential identity theft. This score in particular, is for educational purposes (to let you know what your score is and whether it has changed) and is not intended for your use in making financial decisions. No, only the Primary credit card member is eligible to receive the SSN, Inquiry & New Account Alerts. If your spouse or joint/secondary cardholder is the Primary cardmember of their own Discover Card account, he or she can enroll for these alerts on their account. Talented identity thieves work subtly and quickly enough to get at your personal information before you even notice that anything’s wrong. We’ll go over how to check to see if you’ve been a victim then discuss ways…
How To Protect Yourself From The Dark Web Using VPN?
- Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to databases containing personal information, including phone numbers, and sell this information on the dark web.
- Phishing scams: Scammers can trick people into giving up their personal information, including their phone number, through phishing emails or text messages.
- Social engineering: Scammers can use social engineering techniques to manipulate people into revealing their personal information, including their phone number.
What Are the Risks of Having Your Phone Number on the Dark Web?
They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission. If you have shared your phone number on social media or other online platforms, it is possible that someone has accessed it and put it on the Dark Web. Scammers can get your phone number through online scams or phishing attacks and then put it on the Dark Web as part of a bigger plan to scam or defraud other people. Finally, you can sign up for a service that will help you monitor the dark web for any mentions of your personal information. If you are worried about your personal information being compromised in the dark web, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to use a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, making it much harder for someone to track you or steal your information.
If your phone number is on the dark web, you may be at risk of:
- Identity theft: Scammers can use your phone number to impersonate you and gain access to your accounts or open new ones in your name.
- Phishing scams: Scammers can use your phone number to send you phishing messages or calls in an attempt to steal your personal information or money.
- Spam calls and texts: Your phone number may be added to spam lists, resulting in an increase in unwanted calls and texts.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) verifies user identity using more than one authentication method. For example, you can use the Google Authenticator app to enter a code generated in real-time to log in to your bank account. It’s also imperative not to use the same password on more than one account. Whenever you use the same password across multiple accounts, hackers will be able to access all accounts after breaching just one of them. Following password security best practices is critical to limit the fallout from a data leak. So, always use strong passwords and never use your name, birthdate, or anything else that cybercriminals can guess using information available online.
What Should You Do if Your Phone Number is Found on the Dark Web?
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If you discover that your phone number is on the dark web, there are a few steps you should take:
- Contact your phone provider: Let them know that your phone number has been found on the dark web and ask if they can take any steps to protect your account.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial and other accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Consider using a virtual phone number: A virtual phone number can provide an extra layer of security by allowing you to keep your personal phone number private.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages: Be wary of any calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially if they ask for personal information or request money.
We take cybercrime extremely seriously at Vodafone and continue to make significant investments to protect our customers and their personal information. Our Cyber Defence and Response Centre provides around-the-clock monitoring, threat protection and intelligence to help protect your data. But with the information on the dark web, scammers have the opportunity to get into bank accounts, impact your credit score by opening false lines of credit and more.
- You can remove your name, address, and phone number from data broker lists and people search sites for free.
- It’s not filled with malicious actors looking to sell or data or steal from you.
- For example, you can use the Google Authenticator app to enter a code generated in real-time to log in to your bank account.
- Criminals do this by tricking or paying off mobile phone carriers’ employees.
FAQs
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What is the dark web?
How do I remove my personal information from the Internet?
- Use security features on websites, hardware, and apps.
- Delete unused apps from your phone, tablet, and computer.
- Remove personal information from Google.
- Erase old email accounts.
- Delete unused shopping accounts.
- Remove social media accounts you don't use.
- Opt out of people search sites.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information.
How can I check if my phone number is on the dark web?
How Did My Phone Number End Up On The Dark Web?
Dark web report is only available in certain countries or regions. As we continue to expand support, additional countries and regions will be added. With the results, you can review your information and make informed decisions about how to protect yourself. In general, text message and email MFA are the least secure options, but they’re still better than nothing. View your car’s estimated value, history, recalls and more—all free. Contact your carrier or visit its website to see what methods are available to protect yourself against SIM-swapping attacks.
There are a few online tools that allow you to check if your phone number is on the dark web. However, it is important to note that these tools are not always accurate and may not be able to detect all instances of your phone number on the dark web.
Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
It is generally not possible to remove your phone number from the dark web once it has been posted. However, you can take steps to protect yourself and minimize the risks associated with having your phone number on the dark web.
Is it safe to use a virtual phone number?
Yes, a virtual phone number can provide an extra layer of security by allowing you to keep your personal phone number private. However, it is important to choose a reputable virtual phone number provider and to follow best practices for using and protecting your virtual phone number.
Should I be worried if my SSN is on the dark web?
If your SSN ends up on the dark web, you can become a prime candidate for attempted identity theft and fraud. Scammers can purchase your SSN on the dark web and use it to open new accounts and credit cards, apply for loans, activate medical insurance, or claim benefits in your name.
