What should I do if my Social Security number is found on the dark web?

Place a Freeze on Your Credit Report

If your Social Security number is on the dark web, this means that unscrupulous people can use it to open new credit cards and other financial accounts in your name. One way to prevent this from happening is to put a freeze on your credit report.

What do I do if my Social Security number has been exposed?

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

What happens if a scammer has your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

How much is a SSN worth on the dark web?

Personal information from US citizens found on the Dark Web—ranging from Social Security numbers, stolen credit card numbers, hacked PayPal accounts, and more—is worth just $8 on average, according to a new report from tech research firm Comparitech.

Why was my info found on the dark web?

Because the dark web is anonymous, it's home to a lot of shady or illegal activities — drug deals, arms sales, and worse. The dark web is also the ideal place for criminals to buy and sell identity information, such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, medical records, passports, and email addresses.

What to Do if Your Info Is Found on the Dark Web?

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

What does it mean if my phone number was found on the dark web?

If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords. Others attempt to collect information through phishing scams and SIM swaps.

How much do SSN sell for?

Basic stolen identity information on a US citizen, which only includes the Social Security number, full name and birth date, can range from $1 to $8 per person. But in some cases, hackers will package the offering with the victim's stolen credit card information, and charge from $20 to $75.

What does it mean your email was found on the dark web?

If your personal information such as your email address is spotted on the dark web, it likely means that you have been affected by a data breach.

How can I get money from my Social Security number?

Contact your bank to help you sign up for direct deposit. Or, sign up through Social Security. You may also call Go Direct® at 1-800-333-1795 (English) and 1-800-333-1792 (Spanish) to sign up for direct deposit. Please note that Go Direct® is only available for beneficiaries receiving benefits by check.

Can I change my SSN?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

How do I know if my Social Security number has been stolen?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.

What to do if you give a scammer your info?

Law Enforcement

A scam constitutes fraud, which is a criminal act. Notify law enforcement immediately once you realize that you have been conned. This will enable you to obtain a police report, which could possibly help you recoup your losses. It will also allow law enforcement to begin their investigation promptly.

How can I freeze my Social Security number online?

First, you'll need to create an account on E-Verify, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once you do, follow the prompts to freeze your SSN. Then, file a police report. Immediately after freezing, contact the authorities.

Can I remove my email from dark web?

Unfortunately, once information starts circulating on the dark web, it's nearly impossible to remove it. The dark web has layers of encryption, anonymous users, and no customer service phone number.

Why do hackers want your email address?

Scammers can use your email address to send phishing emails and access your other accounts. Other reasons why hackers want your email address include stealing your personal information, or even your money. Once a hacker has your sensitive personal data, it's just a few short steps to identity theft.

What is a dark web scan?

What is a dark web scan? A dark web scan checks the dark web for your information among lists of stolen data, usually from data breaches. If your data is found on one of these sites, you'll be alerted and can then take the necessary next steps.

Should I change my phone number if it is on the dark web?

Email address and phone number.

It's probably not worth the hassle to change them, but be on guard for your email address being used to send spam or your phone number being “spoofed” to make calls look like they're coming from you. Contact your service provider if that happens.

Do you need dark web monitoring?

Password managers offer these services, among many other features that make them a must-have for any privacy-conscious individual. Heck, dark web monitoring is so crucial that even credit monitoring firms and identity theft protection and monitoring companies are now offering it to sweeten their packages.

How do I make my phone number unsearchable?

Use *67 to hide your phone number

On a per-call basis, you can't beat *67 at hiding your number. This trick works for smartphones and landlines. Open your phone's keypad and dial * - 6 - 7, followed by the number you're trying to call.

How can I find out if someone is using my identity?

What information does a scammer need?

Much like a Social Security number, a thief only needs your name and credit card number to go on a spending spree. Many merchants, particularly online, also ask for your credit card expiration date and security code. But not all do, which opens an opportunity for the thief.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

Can I use my SSN to pay debt?

A recent hoax circulating on the internet asserts that the Federal Reserve maintains accounts for individuals that are tied to the individual's Social Security number, and that individuals can access these accounts to pay bills and obtain money. These claims are false.

Is your Social Security number a bank account?

The claim that numbers on a Social Security card can be used as a routing and account number to make purchases is FALSE, based on our research. The Fed has debunked the claim on numerous occasions. It is not possible for an individual to have a bank account with the Fed.