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Similar to Discover’s program, Capital One will monitor the dark web for your SSN. Evan graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In his professional writing career, he strives for precision and comprehension in his work. He’s written news articles, blog posts, and copy, working across a slew of different mediums. With in-depth research and great care for accuracy and detail, he now works to bring you the most up-to-date credit information.
What does the last 4 digits of SSN tell you?
The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group. Serial number 0000 is not assigned.
There are simple techniques that will make you more difficult to hack, and to make it easier for you to identify if you’ve become the victim of identity theft. But two of the best steps you can take to secure your accounts that are often overlooked are freezing credit lines and securing your mobile devices. Financial institutions view a good credit score favorably, which makes it easier to commit fraudulent transactions. A two-year study reveals the cost of fake passports, compromised bank accounts, and DDoS attacks on the dark web. An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends.
Do A Full Dark Web Scan To See What Information Hackers Have
In recent years, the dark web has become a hotbed for cybercrime, and one of the most sought-after pieces of information is the Social Security number (SSN). With the rise of data breaches and identity theft, it’s more important than ever to understand the risks associated with having your SSN on the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
Do I Need Dark Web Monitoring?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It’s often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information.
Websites on the dark web end in “.onion” rather than in endings like “.com” or “.gov.” Users need special dark web browsers to access these sites. And just as an onion has many layers, Tor has many levels of encryption. 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. The standard going rate for an SSN is $3 to $4, and that price can escalate to around $8 for a full personal profile or “fullz,” which includes more detailed information.
Can I change my SSN?
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
How Does Your SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
What Is A Dark Web Scan & How To Perform It?
There are several ways your SSN can end up on the dark web, including data breaches, phishing scams, and identity theft. Once your SSN is on the dark web, it can be sold and used for a variety of fraudulent activities, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and filing tax returns.
What Are the Risks of Having Your SSN on the Dark Web?
- Whenever your personal information is detected, you receive notifications to help you secure your accounts, update your passwords, and protect your identity — before it’s too late.
- Your personal information is nothing less than the key to your identity.
- Understanding this process can help you fully grasp the intricacies of this illicit trade and make an informed decision about your actions.
- She is an experienced cybersecurity trend and data analyst who continues to gain industry knowledge to educate readers through her blog efforts.
- Connect with a Chase Private Client Banker at your nearest Chase branch to learn about eligibility requirements and all available benefits.
If your SSN is on the dark web, you’re at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. This can result in financial loss, damage to your credit score, and even legal issues. In some cases, criminals may use your SSN to commit crimes in your name, which can lead to arrest and prosecution.
How Can You Protect Your SSN?
An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Yes, the service is available for all Primary credit card account members. If the card member has more than one Discover account where he/she is the Primary credit card account member, he/she can’t opt into both. We’ll proactively monitor your card and account for any fraudulent activity. If your Social Security card is nowhere to be found, or if your purse, wallet or other personal belongings have been stolen, you may be vulnerable to identity theft.
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN and reduce the risk of it ending up on the dark web:
- Never share your SSN over the phone or email unless you initiated the contact and you’re sure of the recipient’s identity.
- Regularly check your credit report for any suspicious activity.
- Use a secure and unique password for all your online accounts.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
- Shred any documents containing your SSN before disposing of them.
What to Do if Your SSN is on the Dark Web
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, take the following steps:
You are victimizing a child and potentially creating identity theft problems for them for many years. Free Dark Web scanners aren’t comprehensive enough to give you a complete and accurate picture of whether your information is on the Dark Web. Rather, using a Dark Web monitoring service is the only way to check if your more sensitive information has been leaked. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out if you’re at risk and what to do if your personal information has been leaked in a data breach.
- Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit report to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- Monitor your financial accounts and credit report closely for any suspicious activity.
FAQs
What is a Social Security number?
A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents.
How can I find out if my SSN is on the dark web?
There are several dark web monitoring services that can alert you if your SSN is found on the dark web. However, it’s important to note that these services are not foolproof and may not catch every instance of your SSN being sold or traded.
Can I remove my SSN from the dark web?
Once your SSN is on the dark web, it’s difficult to remove it. The best course of action is to take steps to protect yourself from identity theft and monitor your financial accounts and credit report closely for any suspicious activity.
Can I check my SSN status online?
On the My Home page scroll down to the Your Benefit Applications section and select View Details under the More Info heading. View your application status in the Current Status section. Check the status of your Social Security application online today!