Tech Friend: Can The Government See My Online Activity?
Over the past few years, hacker groups have compromised billions of user accounts through data breaches. Hackers use various techniques to steal data, including malware, spyware, phishing scams, SIM card swapping, and ransomware. Some of these fraudsters even raid people’s trash or mail looking for bank statements, bills, or tax documents to steal Information.
- A credit freeze goes one step further, locking your credit accounts so that no one can open a new account.
- We see hundreds of dollars a month being charged to law firms just for dark web scans.
- Well-funded thieves can produce believable counterfeits with just a bit of information.
- But like many things in life, knowledge is power, and a solid understanding of the dark web—and what to do if your information is compromised—can help you take steps to protect your identity and accounts.
Understanding the Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
However, you should only consider doing this if you’re very concerned or start receiving unfamiliar bills, credit notices, or if your bank warns you of identity theft. Using your SSN and personal information, an identity thief could avoid paying for medical care or emergencies themselves. If you become a victim of medical identity theft, you may begin receiving unfamiliar bills and notices and be denied medical coverage. This type of fraud aims at using an SSN to steal someone’s Social Security benefits or file for unemployment in their name.
The odds of someone using your Social Security number to conduct identity theft crimes are higher than you think. In 2015, a lead data scientist at Verizon estimated that up to 80% of Social Security numbers had already been stolen by cybercriminals. ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit.
Today, anyone can become the victim of a data breach, but there are ways we can all work toward prevention and mitigation of the damage should one occur close to home. Learning how to protect your personally identifiable information and signing up for ID theft protection goes a long way in keeping your SSN from becoming another dark web statistic. No one can prevent all identity theft or monitor all transactions effectively. Further, any testimonials on this website reflect experiences that are personal to those particular users, and may not necessarily be representative of all users of our products and/or services. We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all users will have the same experiences.
Think of the deep web as the portion of an iceberg that is below the surface and is not indexed by the search engines. Some reports put the amount of deep web data at 97% or more of the total internet. Few places require your child’s Social Security number, but their school, health insurance provider, and doctor’s office all have forms where it is requested regularly. With healthcare data breaches on the rise, along with parent social oversharing, smart toys, and mobile applications gathering their information, kids’ identities are increasingly at risk. “Child fullz,” the name fraudsters use to refer to a child’s complete stolen information package, can be easily found for sale on the Dark Web.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software to access. It’s often associated with illegal activities, including the exchange of stolen personal information. Among the most coveted pieces of information on the dark web is the social security number (SSN).
By acquiring a stolen or fake SSN, they can create new personas and operate under the radar, making it difficult for authorities to trace their activities back to them. A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals in the United States. It serves as a crucial piece of personal information that is used for various official purposes, including employment, taxation, and accessing government benefits.
She spends most of her time between her two feline friends and traveling. 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. You can sign up for a free 14-day trial of Aura and start monitoring the Dark Web for your sensitive information right now. Unfortunately, free Dark Web scanners are often limited in what they can find (and don’t constantly monitor the Dark Web for your information). Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications.
What is a Social Security Number?
A social security number is a unique identifier issued by the government to track individuals for social security purposes. It has become a vital part of identity verification in the United States and is used in various contexts, including:
- Banking institutions
- Employment records
- Credit reporting agencies
- Government services
The Value of Social Security Numbers on the Dark Web
On the dark web, a stolen social security number can be sold for a significant amount of money. Here’s why they are so valuable:
- Identity Theft: Criminals can use SSNs to impersonate individuals, leading to fraudulent activities.
- Financial Fraud: A SSN can allow access to bank accounts, credit systems, and loans.
- Tax Fraud: Unscrupulous individuals may file false tax returns using stolen SSNs to claim refunds.
How are Social Security Numbers Acquired?
Criminals often employ various techniques to obtain social security numbers, including:
- Phishing Scams: Fraudulent emails or messages trick individuals into providing their SSN.
- Data Breaches: Large companies or government databases can be hacked, exposing millions of SSNs.
- Physical Theft: Personal documents containing SSNs are stolen or improperly accessed.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
To safeguard your social security number, consider the following precautions:
- Limit Sharing: Only provide your SSN when absolutely necessary.
- Use Strong Passwords: Employ strong and unique passwords for online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
FAQs about Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
Q: Can I retrieve my social security number from the dark web if it’s been compromised?
A: Unfortunately, once your SSN is posted on the dark web, retrieval is nearly impossible. It’s best to focus on monitoring for misuse and taking preventive measures.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my social security number has been stolen?
A: Immediately report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), freeze your credit, and consider identity theft protection services.
Q: Are social security numbers the only information sold on the dark web?
Conclusion
The dark web presents significant risks to individual security, particularly concerning the theft and misuse of social security numbers. Understanding these risks and adopting protective measures is essential for safeguarding personal information.
