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. The goal of the solicitations is often to build a multi-state, multi-jurisdiction class action lawsuit, which may consolidate multiple lawsuits.
What Can Bad Actors Do With This Personal Information?
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.
The Dangers Of Having Your SSN On The Dark Web
The idea is to allow a large group of individuals who have allegedly suffered similar harm to join together and file a single suit—keeping the court’s caseload manageable. Typically, if a lawsuit is certified as a class action, members of the class are bound by the outcome and can’t bring their own case to court. Having safety measures in place can help protect you from identity theft or fraud regardless of how someone gets your information.
When reviewing your credit reports, look for any unfamiliar activity, including new lines of credit or loans in your name that you didn’t request. If you find anything suspicious, it could be a sign that your SSN was compromised and used to commit identity theft. A credit freeze significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized accounts being opened in your name. However, it’s important to note that it does not prevent all forms of identity theft or fraud. By combining a credit freeze with regular monitoring and other security measures, you take proactive steps to protect your financial well-being and personal information. By notifying your financial institutions promptly, you increase the chances of limiting the potential harm caused by the compromised SSN.
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Then, join LifeLock for dark web monitoring and other powerful identity theft protection features. That’s why it’s crucial that you determine whether or not your SSN is out there. A credit freeze is similar to a credit lock, but a credit freeze provides you with more protection when opening new accounts in your name. When you place a credit freeze on your account and want to get credit in the future, you will need to lift the freeze from your account. If you call on the phone or visit an agency online the freeze can take about an hour to be removed from your account. You will also need to remember the pin numbers you were provided to lift the freeze, so keeping all your pin numbers in a safe place is important.
Confirm The Breach
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. With reports indicating that every SSN in the US has likely been compromised at least once, the question isn’t if your SSN can end up on the dark web, but rather what to do when it happens. This guide is dedicated to navigating through the discovery of your SSN on the dark web—identifying breaches, understanding the implications, and taking decisive steps to protect your identity and financial health. You’ve likely never heard of National Public Data, the company that makes its money by collecting and selling access to your personal data to credit card companies, employers, and private investigators.
Consider Identity Theft Protection
Remember that maintaining good cyber hygiene and staying vigilant is an ongoing process. If you’re concerned about the security of your SSN and suspect it may have been compromised, you’re not alone. Discovering that your SSN is on the dark web can be a distressing experience, but it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself from potential identity theft. Consider adding a “trusted contact”—this is especially helpful for seniors who may need assistance monitoring accounts. Since 2018, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has required investment companies to ask customers whether they’d like to designate another adult the firm can contact. This trusted contact doesn’t control a customer’s accounts or the ability to see what’s in them.
Regularly reviewing your financial statements, like bank accounts and credit cards, is essential to detect unauthorized activity. Look for unfamiliar transactions, new accounts, or changes to existing ones. Upon discovering your SSN has been compromised, placing a fraud alert on your credit reports is a first step. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—which then notifies the other two. An initial fraud alert lasts for one year and requires businesses to verify your identity before extending new credit, often requiring direct contact to confirm your application. As someone who works in human resources, I understand the significance of safeguarding your employment information.
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You can check to see if and what information is out there with a free dark web scan. And while there might not be a simple way to get your information removed from the dark web, you can take measures to protect your accounts and identity. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews. Experian is a globally recognized financial leader, committed to being a Big Financial Friend—empowering millions to take control of their finances through expert guidance and innovative tools.
For more on how to best generate strong passwords and keep them safe check out “Do’s and Don’ts to Improve Password Best Practices”. Eric Flores, who is visiting Cleveland for the Browns game, said he would like more done by the federal government to protect our sensitive information. Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you own. Too bad yours (and mine and every other Americans’) has likely been leaked and sold on the dark web.
- You can request an IP PIN by creating an IRS account, verifying your identity, and following the on-screen instructions.
- Next, you’ll want to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- These notifications can help you keep track of your credit card transactions at all times.
- Remember that your personal information is valuable, and legitimate organizations will never request sensitive information via unsolicited communications.
- You can check to see if and what information is out there with a free dark web scan.
Freeze Or Lock Your Credit With All Three Bureaus
Additionally, you may have received a data notification letter from a breached company, which should specify what type of information was involved. So any scammers that might have your social security number, they’re not going to be able to access that and go to a store and open a credit card or another kind of account. It will not prevent you from using your active credit,” Annie Mitchell, CEO of the BBB of Eastern Oklahoma, told Fox 23 News.
Your Social Security Number Is On The Dark Web: Here’s What You Need To Do Right Now To Stay Protected
Too bad yours (and mine and every other Americans’) has likely been leaked and sold on the Dark Web. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After the 2017 Equifax breach affecting more than 147 million consumers, for example, people reported receiving lawsuit payouts in late 2022 of less than $3 in some cases, while other said they got around $40. Keep in mind—there is no foolproof way to know if someone is using your Social Security number. So, while a Social Security account can help protect your benefits, it doesn’t safeguard the number itself. Social Security AdministrationOur mission is to deliver Social Security services that meet the changing needs of the public.
