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Children’s Personal Data And SSNs Are Being Sold On The Dark Web

CreditWise is a free service that gives you the ability to detect suspicious activity. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try to protect your identity, a cybercriminal may still successfully open an account under your name. Possession of your SSN allows a criminal to steal your identity and attempt to commit fraud by acting as if they were you to open accounts, borrow money, or make purchases. Your passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals — and the last line, too, without two-factor authentication (2FA). To protect yourself, you need to make sure your passphrases are as impenetrable as possible. Because of its anonymity, the Dark Web is commonly used by hackers and scammers to trade and sell personally identifiable information (PII) — such as SSNs or login credentials — acquired through cybercrime.

How Does IDStrong Find Passwords From The Dark Web?

The availability of the CreditWise tool depends on our ability to obtain your credit history from TransUnion. Having your Social Security number on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to identify theft. In fact, according to Javelin how does the dark web work Strategy & Research, identity fraud cases amounted to $28 billion and impacted 27 million Americans in 2021. There are some simple actions you can take to protect your identity and pocketbook from this national “identity crisis.”

Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern. One of the most sensitive pieces of personal information that can be used for identity theft is your Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs can be found on the dark web, putting individuals at risk of fraud and financial loss.

Your bank or credit card issuer will help you shut down your accounts and open new ones. They’ll also assist you in setting up fraud alerts to help protect you in the future. Both services are free, so it’s worth checking even if you don’t suspect your info has leaked onto the dark web. CreditWise even offers extra features such as credit reports and scores.

My I pad had an alert to call a number,that I had a virus on it they said. It was a scam they told me someone had taken it out of my account and I had to buy gift cards to get it back. I received a message how to buy drugs about an unknown account in my name on the dark web from one of the credit bureaus. We don’t edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above.

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. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is free to place and remove and is the best way to protect against an identity thief what is the dark web used for opening new accounts in your name. Alternatively, place a free fraud alert on your credit to make it more difficult for an identity thief to get new credit in your name. Have I Been Pwned allows you to check whether your email address or telephone number have been discovered in a breach.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen where to buy heroin personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web is not indexed by search engines, making it difficult for law enforcement to monitor and shut down illegal activities.

• The criminal enterprises charge is a 20-year felony, each identity theft charge is a five-year felony, each computer charge is a seven-year felony, and each welfare fraud charge is a four-year felony.
• Engaging in identity theft or purchasing SSNs on the Dark Web exposes individuals to criminal charges and serious legal consequences.
• However, using security software can reduce the chance of your data being compromised in the first place.
• As internet users, it’s vital to be aware of the dark web’s existence and the potential dangers it poses.
• You want to make it as difficult as possible for an identity thief to access those accounts, and protecting them with strong passwords is an easy step to take.

How Does a SSN End Up on the Dark Web?

There are several ways that a SSN can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database containing personal information. Another way is through phishing scams, where individuals are tricked into providing their personal information through fake websites or emails.

What are the Risks of Having Your SSN on the Dark Web?

If your SSN is on the dark web, you are at risk of identity theft. Identity thieves can use your SSN to open credit cards, take out loans, and file tax returns in your name. This can result in financial loss, damage to your credit score, and difficulty obtaining loans or credit in the future.

What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?

• Never share your SSN with anyone unless it is necessary and you trust the recipient.
• Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
• Consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
• Use a reputable identity theft protection service to monitor your personal information and alert you to any potential threats.

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