How To Tell If Your Social Security Number Was Stolen
The Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
Instead, you’re often better off trying to remove your personal information from the internet. If your SSN has been compromised, it’s only a matter of time before your identity is stolen. There are different tools you can use to see if your information is on the dark web, has been leaked in a data breach or is easily accessible on the surface (in other words, not dark) web. Experian’s free dark web scan can look for your email address, phone number and Social Security number, and Experian’s personal privacy scan can search for your information on people finder sites. No, you generally won’t be able to remove your information from the dark web. You can protect yourself in other ways if your information is on the dark web, though.
However, if you suspect your personal information has been compromised, a dark web scan can be a great resource to help ease your mind. This website gives a general overview of identity theft protection and restoration coverage. The benefits and prices described are not available in all states or Canadian provinces. IDShield is a product of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”), and provides access to identity theft protection and restoration services. Use of this website and the services is subject to PPLSI’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Phishing scams can be extremely effective in drawing out personal information. Having your phone number on the dark web can have serious consequences. Cybercriminals can use this information for malicious activities, such as identity theft, phishing scams, and harassment. They may also sell your phone number to other criminals, leading to unwanted calls and messages.
Dark web content lives on the darknet, a part of the internet that’s both not indexed by search engines and accessible only through a browser like Tor or through specific network configurations. That’s where the “dark” part comes in — accessing the dark web requires the use of specific software that keeps you anonymous. The dark web refers to content on the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, like Tor Browser, to access. The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which is all content on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines.
In today’s digital world, data breaches and identity theft are increasingly common. One of the most alarming scenarios is discovering your phone number found on dark web forums. This article explores the implications, reasons, and steps to take if you find yourself in this predicament.
Understanding the Dark Web
But there are also many illegal activities that happen on the dark web. And just like in real life, using the dark web for criminal purposes is never legal. Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums.
This article explains what the dark web is, how to find out if personal details have reached the dark web, and how to protect your sensitive information. Many members of the UC Berkeley community have recently received alerts from Experian that their Social Security numbers were found on the dark web, a part of the web that does not show up in online searches. If criminals have some of your information and need more, they will target you with various scams to try and get more information. Whether you choose to work with a financial advisor and develop a financial strategy or invest online, J.P. Morgan offers investment education, expertise and a range of tools to help you reach your goals.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It often requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Here are some key points about the dark web:
- Anonymous transactions: Many activities on the dark web are geared towards anonymity, making it difficult to trace users.
- Illegal activities: The dark web is known for hosting illegal marketplaces for drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Data trading: Personal information, including phone numbers, is often sold to the highest bidder.
Why Would a Phone Number Be Exposed?
There are several reasons your phone number might be found on the dark web:
- Data breaches: Large companies often suffer data breaches that lead to the exposure of sensitive customer information.
- Phishing scams: If you’ve fallen victim to a phishing scam, your information could be sold on the dark web.
- Public information: Some information is available publicly, especially if it has been posted on forums or social media where scraping bots collect data.
Consequences of Your Phone Number Found on Dark Web
Finding your phone number on the dark web can have serious consequences, including:
- It is important to take steps to protect your personal information and remove your phone number from the Dark Web as soon as possible.
- If you have a passport and its data is also on the dark web, contact the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and report that it has been stolen.
- For members, Aura offers up to $1M in coverage in the event of identity theft.
- After you freeze your credit, you’ll receive a unique PIN that you can use to freeze and unfreeze your account.
- Freezing your credit will prevent a cyber attacker from accessing your credit report and opening up new credit cards or loans under your identity.
- Increased spam calls: Your number may be sold to telemarketers or spammers.
- Identity theft: Malicious actors can use your phone number to steal your identity, potentially leading to financial fraud.
- Social engineering attacks: Criminals can manipulate information about you to gain access to more sensitive data.
What to Do If Your Phone Number Is Found on the Dark Web
Taking action swiftly can help mitigate the risks associated with discovering your phone number on the dark web:
- Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized transactions.
- Change passwords: Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any accounts using your phone number.
- Contact your service provider: Inform them about the situation to explore additional security measures.
- Consider identity theft protection services: Enroll in a service that provides credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
FAQs
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access, often associated with illicit activities.
How do I know if my phone number has appeared on the dark web?
Services are available that can scan known dark web forums for your personal information. You can also check for reports from data breach notifications.
Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
While you cannot entirely remove your information from the dark web, taking preventive measures and monitoring your data can help mitigate risks.
What should I do if I receive spam calls after my phone number is found on the dark web?
Consider using call-blocking services or apps, and do not engage with spam callers. If the situation escalates, report the spam calls to your carrier.
Conclusion
Finding your phone number found on dark web forums can be a distressing experience. Awareness and proactive measures are essential in mitigating potential risks. By understanding the implications and taking the necessary steps, you can better protect yourself from the fallout of this type of data exposure.
