Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
The dark web is an infamous part of the internet that is often shrouded in mystery. It is notorious for its hidden marketplaces, illicit activities, and a plethora of stolen personal information. One of the most concerning revelations for many individuals is discovering that their phone number found on dark web listings can have serious implications for their privacy and security.
Some may also create unique passwords automatically, which you can use when creating a new account. This can make it easier to keep track of your passwords—and make it more difficult for hackers to access your information. Still, because users are anonymous, the dark web is also used as an online black market by criminals for illegal activities like selling stolen information. Your email, bank account and online health records are all on the deep web. Make sure to lock your SIM card, ignore spam callers, and secure your accounts with 2FA and strong passwords. Many scammers obtain phone numbers from public records and data brokers.
What Does It Mean to Find Your Phone Number on the Dark Web?
A phone number found on dark web sites typically indicates that your personal information has been compromised and is being sold or traded. This could mean that:
While employees may have moved on from your organization, their company issued credentials can still be active and valid within the 3rd party systems they used while employed. In many cases, the 3rd party systems or databases that have been compromised have been in existence for 10+ years holding millions of “zombie” accounts that can be used to exploit an organization. Discovery of credentials from legacy employees should be a good reminder to confirm you’ve shut down any active internal and 3rd party accounts that could be used for exploit. Google has announced new tools, features and updates to improve users’ online safety, help them evaluate content found online, and alert them if their Gmail identity appears on the dark web. Credit reports obtained through CreditSecure may not have the same information as credit reports obtained directly from the 3 Major Bureaus or pursuant to the free annual FCRA report that you are entitled to.
Multi-Factor Authentication
- Your information has been captured through a data breach.
- It has been leaked as part of a cyber-attack.
- It may be associated with illegal activities, raising red flags for authorities.
To register additional information, online members can enter the information in the online CreditSecure portal. Offline enrollees will receive notification of these changes via mail. Online enrollees will receive notification of these changes via email. First-time CustomersAll first-time customers are eligible to purchase the first 30 days of service for $1.
Why It Matters
Use a secure browser, such as the TOR browser, when accessing the dark web. This can help protect your online activity from being traced and ensure that your personal information is not compromised. However, taking the steps above can help protect your personal information and minimize the risk of your phone number being used for malicious purposes. This can include changing your phone number, using a security tool to scan the Dark Web for your personal information, and being cautious about sharing your personal information online. It’s possible that someone obtained your personal information, including your phone number, as a result of a data breach and then put it on the Dark Web for sale or other nefarious purposes. In this article, we’ll be discussing five steps you can take to remove your phone number from the dark web and keep your personal information safe.
This article will guide you through removing your phone number from the dark web, ensuring your privacy and security. So let’s dive in and learn how to protect ourselves from this digital threat. 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. If your phone number is in the wrong hands, your identity and sensitive information could follow.
It’s also good practice to keep an eye on your credit report so that you can spot and report any errors or accounts someone is trying to open in your name. In case you see this, my research – and experience – show you do NOT need to pay to freeze and unfreeze your credit. I’m not sure about passcodes – if you meant to your accounts probably – but that’s a different issue.
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.
Having your phone number found on dark web can lead to several risks:
- Identity Theft: Criminals can use your phone number to access sensitive accounts or initiate fraudulent transactions.
- Scams and Phishing: With your number, scammers can target you with phishing messages or robocalls.
- Harassment: Your number could be sold to spammers or malicious actors, leading to unwanted contact.
How to Check If Your Phone Number Is Compromised
To determine if your phone number has been found on the dark web, follow these steps:
- Utilize specialized dark web monitoring services.
- Check for data breaches on reputable sites like Have I Been Pwned.
- Consider subscribing to identity theft protection services, which often monitor the dark web.
What to Do If Your Phone Number Is Found
- If this happens, it may mean that scammers are using your number to try to defraud people.
- Largely protected from detection and prosecution, Dark Web users can freely peddle stolen goods and data — including your phone number.
- Even by opening an email and clicking links inside it, you can get malicious code that asks Google Chrome to download and install such tools without your knowledge.
- If you’re not familiar with the term “NFT,” you may be surprised to learn that it stands for “non-fungible token.” NFTs are digital assets that are unique and not interchangeable.
Upon discovering your phone number found on dark web, take the following actions:
- Change Your Passwords: Immediately update passwords on any accounts linked to your phone number.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Report to Authorities: If you’re facing harassment or scam attempts, report it to the police or relevant platforms.
- Monitor Your Financial Statements: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
While you cannot directly remove your information from the dark web, you can take steps to secure your data and minimize the impact of its exposure.
How do criminals obtain a phone number?
Criminals often obtain phone numbers through data breaches, phishing schemes, social engineering, or by purchasing them from illicit sources.
What are the signs my phone number has been compromised?
Signs of compromise may include an increase in spam calls and text messages, unsolicited account verification requests, or strange activity on your existing accounts.
Is there any way to track illegal use of my phone number?
While it can be challenging, you can monitor your accounts, set up alerts, and utilize dark web monitoring services to keep an eye on your information.
Being vigilant and proactive about your phone number found on dark web is crucial in ensuring your online safety and protecting your personal information.
