You then only need to remember one complex password to access your password manager. Many of these apps can also automatically fill in your passwords after you log in. Criminals can use this information in a variety of ways, such as impersonating you, creating a fake identity, opening credit accounts in your name or getting a medical procedure using your insurance.
However, be wary of any alerts sent via email or SMS as these could be part of a phishing scam. It’s important to check all your bank and credit card statements carefully for any unusual expenses. If you see any purchases you don’t remember making, it could mean someone has used your SSN to steal your identity. If you think or know your SSN was leaked to the Dark Web, you can take steps to minimize the damage and protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. In the wake of discovering your SSN on the dark web, taking steps to monitor and secure your digital footprint is crucial. Malwarebytes offers a comprehensive solution for scanning your digital footprint, enabling you to identify where your personal information might be exposed online.
What Is The Best Way To Protect Your Personal Information?
It allows the government to track your income, and it’s useful when opening accounts, claiming benefits, and more. Beware of sharing personal information (birth dates, address, phone number, etc.) on social media. Consider limiting your audience to people you know and trust, Velasquez says. To safeguard your Social Security number, use the government’s free Self Lock feature. Additional detailed information is available and the video recording of a recent town hall. In the meantime, campus IT officials encourage everyone to report any suspicious email or telephone calls by contacting IT staff at email protected .
Men Charged In Scheme To Use Names Of Deceased To Open Credit Cards
You should remain vigilant and take additional steps to secure your personal information. The Experian Smart Money™ Debit Card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), pursuant to a license from Mastercard International. Internet criminals buy and sell personal data on the dark web to commit fraud. While the dark web may seem like an inaccessible place, personal data can end up there quite easily.
Social Security Number Monitoring: How It Works
Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or easily accessible personal information like your birthdate. The last thing you want is to leave yourself vulnerable to identity theft. So, keep reading until the very end to find out the best thing you can do when your SSN ends up on the dark web. It’s unclear, although the lawsuit claims that NPD “has still not provided any notice or warning” to Hoffman or other people affected by the breach. 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. In a statement posted to its website, NPD said the breach involved a “third-party bad actor that was trying to hack into data in late December 2023, with potential leaks of certain data in April 2024 and summer 2024.”
By notifying your financial institutions promptly, you increase the chances of limiting the potential harm caused by the compromised SSN. They can assist you in protecting your accounts, monitoring for suspicious activities, and providing guidance on the next steps to take. Stay vigilant and continue to monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly for any signs of unauthorized activity. 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. You can sign up for an identity theft protection service to get ahead of identity thieves.
The Social Security Administration also provides online access to your earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account. It’s free to use and you can get an account even if you don’t receive benefits. It’s important to note that not all activities on the dark web are illegal. Whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals living under oppressive regimes may use the dark web to share sensitive information and protect their identities. Nevertheless, the anonymity provided by the dark web has become synonymous with criminal activities. A person can also regularly check their my Social Security account for suspicious activity, Lutz said.
What Can Scammers Do With Your Social Security Number?
Using a unique password for each account will protect other accounts if a password is stolen. Did you get a recent notification that your personal information has been stolen? Even if you didn’t, your Social Security number, address, and other personal information may have been exposed in a massive—and confusing— security breach. Louis DeNicola is freelance personal finance and credit writer who works with Fortune 500 financial services firms, FinTech startups, and non-profits to teach people about money and credit. His clients include BlueVine, Discover, LendingTree, Money Management International, U.S News and Wirecutter. Taking prompt, decisive action and remaining vigilant can mitigate the risks and protect your identity.
- When an SSN is leaked on the dark web, it opens the door to identity theft, financial fraud, and numerous other security threats.
- If your SSN was leaked, the site will present you with a chart showing your address in the record and the last two numbers of your SSN.
- In some situations, your liability could depend on how long you take to report the fraud.
- Luckily, I had already set up my IRS account online, so I was easily able to retrieve a new IP PIN and file my taxes successfully.
- Having safety measures in place can help protect you from identity theft or fraud regardless of how someone gets your information.
Credit Reports Can Show Signs Of Fraud
- Even if you didn’t, your Social Security number, address, and other personal information may have been exposed in a massive—and confusing— security breach.
- Overall, the impact of an SSN-related data breach can widely affect your personal data and carry long-lasting consequences while you work your way up to updating and protecting your identity.
- For example, AAA offers ProtectMyID, a complementary credit monitoring service for all AAA members.
- If you’re concerned about the security of your SSN and suspect it may have been compromised, you’re not alone.
Special software is needed to access the Dark Web which keeps what you do private. As such, it has become a way to perform illegal activities such as selling drugs, hacking, stealing data, and more. The total number of records breached is estimated to be 2.9 billion records, totaling 277GB of data.
Lock Your SSN
By educating yourself on cyber security best practices, you empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect your personal information from cyber threats. Implementing these practices as part of your daily digital routine will significantly strengthen your security posture and reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrimes. One of the first things you can do is change any potentially compromised passwords to help keep people from taking over your accounts. If you use the same password—or similar password variations—for multiple accounts, you may want to change the other accounts’ passwords as well. If you suspect that your SSN has been used fraudulently, report the identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
Scammers can use phishing websites, hack Wi-Fi networks, and use bots and malware to steal personal information. 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. You should create one as soon as you discover that your SSN is on the dark web.
Stay Ahead Of Identity Theft
AT&T began notifying impacted customers via letters or email starting in April. Those customers should have received an offer for free credit monitoring. However, keep in mind you will need to either temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit if you want to apply for a new credit card or auto loan, for example.
Social Security Data Leak: 7 Steps To Take If You’ve Been Affected
Identity theft protection services can provide continuous monitoring of credit, public records, and the dark web for compromised information. These services alert you to suspicious activity, like new credit inquiries or data on illicit websites. Some offer identity restoration assistance and insurance for financial losses from identity theft. Additionally, monitor other personal records, like medical bills for services you did not receive or unexpected tax notices, indicating SSN misuse. An identity thief with a stolen identification number may look for a quick payout through getting access to your credit, financial accounts or government benefits such as unemployment claims fraud. First, contact your financial institutions, credit card companies or other establishments where you know an identity thief used your personal information (like utilities, landlord or government benefits agencies).
When two-factor authentication is enabled, a code is required in addition to your username and password to log in. If you find out that your SSN is on the dark web, then your personal information has most likely already been compromised. 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.
