Most of the time, if a fraudulent account has been opened with your child’s Social Security number, you will need to contact one or all of the three major credit bureaus to open a dispute. Credit bureaus maintain records of most credit accounts, and disputes can be initiated if there is inaccurate or fraudulent information on your credit report. To dispute something on your child’s report, you’ll need to prove that the credit report and Social Security number belongs to your child and that you are their legal guardian. In recent years, numerous high-profile data breaches have occurred, exposing vast amounts of sensitive information.
For example, AAA offers ProtectMyID, a complementary credit monitoring service for all AAA members. Signing up for a credit monitoring service can help you keep your identify safe, while giving you peace of mind. Having your Social Security number on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to identify theft. In fact, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, identity fraud cases amounted to $28 billion and impacted 27 million Americans in 2021. There are some simple actions you can take to protect your identity and pocketbook from this national “identity crisis.” Your stolen SSN can also be used to file fraudulent tax returns, and even obtain medical care.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your SSN and other personal information being compromised. While it’s impossible to eliminate the threat of cybercrime entirely, taking these steps will make it much harder for cybercriminals to access and misuse your data. Formally reporting the SSN compromise is an important step in the recovery process. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a centralized resource at IdentityTheft.gov to file an identity theft report.
Stay Ahead Of Identity Theft
Cybercriminals can post SSNs on the dark web after data breaches to sell them on illegal marketplaces or use them as ransom. Although you might not be able to remove your SSN from the dark web yourself, you can still take action to protect your personal data from being misused by cybercriminals. Criminals can use stolen Social Security numbers to submit false health insurance claims, illegally obtain medical insurance funds, or steal prescription medication. Medical identity theft makes it difficult for affected parties to receive healthcare, claim payouts, or sign up for new medical services. It’s important to note that freezing your credit prevents anyone—including you—from opening new accounts.
This will prevent anyone, yourself included, from accessing or making any changes to your Social Security record. While removing your information from the dark web is all but impossible (we’ll cover why below), there are steps you can take to prevent criminals from exploiting your SSN. Fill out the form there, and you’ll get an entire plan for how to recover your identity and protect yourself going forward.
What To Do If Your SSN Is Found On The Dark Web
When your SSN appears on the dark web, it means that cybercriminals potentially have access to this sensitive data and could use it for nefarious purposes. Still, experts say news of the breach is a great reminder to take steps to protect your personal information. Although finding your SSN on the dark web can be scary, it’s not the end of the world. As long as you stay vigilant, take quick action, and keep your personal information secure, you can reduce threats to a minimum.
What To Do If You’ve Clicked On A Phishing Link
Employers and landlords often request documents to be sent electronically through email. If you have to provide your Social Security number or other personal documents by email, try encrypting the document with a password or providing your number separately in a phone call. Try to memorize your number so you don’t have to take your card out every time you’re filling out a document that requires it. If you have to provide your number over the phone, make sure you’re far away from other people who could hear it. The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
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- Your rights and protections can depend on how the fraudsters get into your accounts and what they steal.
- The only people who know your IP PIN are you and the IRS, which even prevents a cybercriminal who has your SSN from using it to commit tax fraud.
- Even if you take all the necessary precautions, it’s important to stay vigilant about protecting your Social Security number.
- An FTC report won’t clear any issues on its own, but it can be an important resource when working to resolve any issues with creditors or the credit bureaus later on.
It’s free to use and you can get an account even if you don’t receive benefits. Remember, taking immediate action is crucial when your SSN is on the dark web. By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can minimize the potential damage and protect yourself from further harm. It’s important to note that not all activities on the dark web are illegal. Whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals living under oppressive regimes may use the dark web to share sensitive information and protect their identities. Nevertheless, the anonymity provided by the dark web has become synonymous with criminal activities.
Should You Be Worried If You Learn Your SSN Is On The Dark Web?
Services like Experian or Norton monitor the dark web for your SSN and other personal data, alerting you if your information is found. While you’re at it, we recommend you use a reliable password manager like NordPass to securely store all your new passwords. If you sign up for the Social Security Administration’s myE-Verify website, you can track all the jobs you’ve had in the past (where you used your SSN). To safeguard your Social Security number, use the government’s free Self Lock feature. Your SSN is a valuable piece of data for scammers and it can be easily linked to more of your personally identifiable information (PII), such as your address, phone number, and date of birth. If you’re a previous victim of tax-related identity theft and the IRS has fixed your tax issues, they will mail you a CP01A Notice with a new IP PIN to use each year.
Name And Addresses
Cybercriminals are more likely to target big organizations than specific individuals, and if those organizations’ defenses fail, there’s not much you can do as a client. However, you can still take measures to minimize the impact of your SSN or other sensitive information being compromised. The IRS doesn’t make it easy for you to recover your SSN even if you have solid proof that it was compromised. It’s good for the system because it prevents attempts to abuse Social Security by issuing multiple SSNs after alleged fraud, but it doesn’t make it easy for you to protect your sensitive information. Your name and Social Security number can be used for illegal employment schemes.
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He also worked at a handful of now-dead computer magazines, including MacWeek and MacUser. You’ll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won’t be able to receive a new one.
Government officials are warning that many American Social Security numbers may be on the dark web for others to purchase and use for fraud. Justin Cappos, a computer science professor and cybersecurity expert at New York University, joins CBS News with more details. If your child’s phone number was found somewhere on the internet, there is little you can do to combat the issue except change their phone number and remain vigilant against phone scams.
Steps To Secure Your Child’s Identity In The Future
This service is free and can last for up to one year, with the option to renew. If you discover your SSN on the dark web, your other sensitive data might have been breached, too. If the breach goes unnoticed, passwords to your personal accounts may be compromised. Your phone number and email address can also be used in spoofing attacks. Overall, the impact of an SSN-related data breach can widely affect your personal data and carry long-lasting consequences while you work your way up to updating and protecting your identity. That’s why it’s crucial that you determine whether or not your SSN is out there.
