What To Do If Your Social Security Number Is On The Dark Web (2024)

FAQs

What To Do If Your Social Security Number Is On The Dark Web? ›

If you think someone is using your Social Security number and creating credit problems for you, you should report it at IdentityTheft.gov, the Social Security Administration says. You'll go through the steps of putting a fraud alert on your credit reports, alerting the FTC, and possibly filing a police report.

But most people shouldn't spend too much time worrying about what might happen if someone gets their hands on their personal information, Hanslovan said. Instead, he advised keeping an eye on your important accounts, and make sure you're prepared to act in the case something does go wrong.

If a scan indicates that your account numbers have appeared on the dark web, contact your financial institution right away. Follow their guidance to protect your accounts.

We recommend adding a credit lock, credit freeze, or fraud alerts to your credit reports, staying on the lookout for new alerts, and regularly checking your credit reports and financial accounts for any unrecognized transactions.

The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circ*mstances, 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. Social Security Administration.

One of the best ways to check if someone stole your Social Security number is by reviewing your credit report and looking for any unrecognized financial activity. Threat actors will often use your Social Security number to open new bank accounts, apply for loans or withdraw money from your bank account.

Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to remove your personal information from the internet once it's circulating on the Dark Web. However, you can use a Dark Web monitoring service to check if your data has been exposed.

If you receive a dark web alert, fortunately, it doesn't mean that someone has already used your data. It just means that it has been found on the dark web, which means that it can be obtained from there. However, if you receive an alert, it still means that you have been a victim of data theft.

Malware and viruses: The dark web is rife with sites that host malware and viruses, posing a serious threat to the privacy and safety of everyone who visits them. Scams and fraud: There is a risk of being scammed or duped on the dark web, with some sites pretending to provide goods and services that do not exist.

Can I lock my SSN online? ›

You can also place what's known as a self-lock on your SSN through E-Verify^® at www.e-verify.gov, a government service that employers use to confirm a job applicant's eligibility to work.

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).

Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to remove your personal information from the internet once it's circulating on the Dark Web. However, you can use a Dark Web monitoring service to check if your data has been exposed.

How to Remove “Valid For Work Only With DHS Authorization” You are eligible to remove restrictions from your SSC if you are granted U.S. citizenship, asylum, or approval for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

If your phone number is found on the dark web, you can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce spam calls. You can also set up spam protection for iOS or Android.