What to do if your social security number is found on the dark web?

Subject : Law

Question: What to do if your social security number is found on the dark web?

Expert Verified Solution:

If your Social Security Number (SSN) is found on the dark web, it’s important to act quickly to protect your identity and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Confirm the Breach

Verify the Source: Make sure the alert or notification you received about your SSN being on the dark web is legitimate. Sometimes, scammers use fake alerts to trick you into providing personal information. Check if the alert came from a reputable source such as your credit monitoring service or a trusted company.

2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert warns creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening any new accounts in your name. Once you place a fraud alert with one bureau, they will notify the other two.

Credit Freeze: Consider placing a credit freeze with all three bureaus. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You can temporarily lift or remove the freeze whenever you need to apply for credit.

3. Monitor Your Credit Reports

Check Credit Reports Regularly: Review your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts or activities. You are entitled to a free credit report from each bureau once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Due to the pandemic, you can get free weekly online reports until December 2023.

Look for Suspicious Activity: Pay attention to new accounts, credit inquiries, or changes to your existing accounts that you did not initiate.

4. Sign Up for Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection

Credit Monitoring Services: Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service that will alert you to changes in your credit report. Some services offer dark web monitoring, which scans the dark web for your personal information.

Identity Theft Protection: Many services provide identity theft insurance and can help you navigate the recovery process if your identity is stolen.

5. Notify the IRS

IRS Identity Protection: If you suspect that your SSN has been used for tax fraud, contact the IRS to report the issue. Fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) to alert them of possible identity theft. They may issue you a special PIN for filing your taxes.

6. Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA if you suspect your SSN is being misused. They can provide advice and help monitor your Social Security account for any signs of identity theft.

7. File an Identity Theft Report

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit the FTC’s website at IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft. The FTC will provide a personalized recovery plan and guidance on what to do next.

Local Law Enforcement: Consider filing a report with your local police department. This can provide an official record of the theft, which may be useful when working with creditors or other institutions.

8. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Check Bank Statements: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Immediately report any suspicious activity to your financial institution.

Change Passwords: Update passwords for your financial accounts, email, and any other sensitive online accounts to stronger, unique passwords.

9. Be Vigilant Against Phishing Scams

Watch Out for Scams: Scammers often use stolen SSNs to attempt phishing attacks. Be wary of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for additional personal information or claiming to be from a trusted organization.

10. Consider an Extended Fraud Alert or Identity Theft Protection

Extended Fraud Alert: If you are a victim of identity theft, you can request an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years.

Identity Theft Insurance: Some companies provide identity theft insurance, which can help cover the costs associated with recovery, such as legal fees and lost wages.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your personal information and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud. Stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring your credit and financial accounts.