How to Check if My Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web?
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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17 March 2025
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15 mins read
Hackers do not just steal SSNs; they sell them!
Once your number is out there, it can be bought and used repeatedly by fraudsters looking to exploit your identity. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information a cybercriminal can steal that could result in identity theft, fraudulent loans, drained bank accounts, and even criminal activity in your name.
So, how do you check if your SSN is on the dark web? More importantly, what should you do if it is? Let us break it down and help you secure your identity before it is too late.
How to Check if Your SSN Is on the Dark Web
PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring provides real-time surveillance of the hidden corners of the dark web, detecting breaches that involve your most sensitive information.
Whether it is your email address, Social Security Number, or other critical identifiers, you can ensure you are notified before cybercriminals can exploit your data.
Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web
Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.
- Get 24/7 Monitoring – Constantly scans the dark web for any signs of your compromised data.
- Instant Alerts – Notifies you the moment your information appears in a breach, allowing you to act fast.
- Actionable Security Insights – Provides expert recommendations to help you mitigate risks and secure your digital identity.
Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
- Download and install the PureVPN app on your device.
- Sign in to your PurePrivacy account.
- Go to the Dark Web Monitoring section.
- Click Add Assets to Monitor and enter your Social Security number, email, or other sensitive details.
- Verify your information with a confirmation code sent to your email or phone.
- If a breach is detected, follow the security recommendations to protect your identity.
- Mark breaches as resolved once you’ve secured your accounts.
More to explore on the Dark Web
- How to Check if My Email is on the Dark Web
- How To Check if My Passport Number is on the Dark Web
- How to Check if My Phone Number Is on the Dark Web
- How to Check if My Credit Card Number is on the Dark Web
5 Signs To Detect That Your Social Security Number is Hacked
If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, criminals can use it for financial fraud, unauthorized loans, and even impersonation. Here’s how to detect it:
1. Unfamiliar Accounts or Charges on Your Credit Report
If you notice credit accounts, loans, or inquiries that you do not recognize, it is a major red flag that someone may be using your SSN to apply for credit in your name.
2. Unexpected IRS Notices or Tax Issues
Receiving a notice from the IRS about unfiled taxes or duplicate tax returns could mean that a fraudster has used your SSN to file fraudulent tax claims and collect refunds.
3. Denied Credit or Loan Applications
If you are rejected for a loan or credit card despite having good credit, someone may have damaged your credit score by taking out loans or defaulting on payments using your SSN.
4. Debt Collection Calls for Unknown Accounts
Getting calls from debt collectors about accounts you never opened is a serious indication that your SSN has been used for fraudulent financial activities.
5. Issues with Government Benefits or Employment
If you are suddenly ineligible for Social Security benefits, unemployment, or other government assistance, it could mean that someone else is fraudulently using your SSN to claim benefits or secure employment.
5 Immediate Steps to Take If Your SSN Is Compromised
- Check Your Credit Report for suspicious activity.
- Report Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze on your accounts with major credit bureaus.
- Notify the IRS if you suspect tax fraud at irs.gov.
- Monitor your SSN Activity using PureVPN dark web monitoring.
Should I Be Worried if My SSN Is on the Dark Web?
Absolutely. Finding out that your Social Security Number (SSN) is on the dark web is a serious security risk. Unlike passwords, which you can change, your SSN is a permanent identifier, making it a prime target for identity theft, financial fraud, and even criminal activity. If cybercriminals get their hands on it, they can exploit it in ways that could affect you for years.
How Did Your SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
Your SSN could have been leaked in several ways, including:
- Data Breaches
Large-scale hacks of banks, healthcare providers, government agencies, or businesses that store SSNs.
- Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals trick you into providing your SSN through fake emails, phone calls, or websites.
- Malware or Spyware
If your device is infected, hackers can steal personal information, including your SSN.
- Public Records Exposure
Some institutions store SSNs in poorly secured databases that may be scraped by cybercriminals.
- Insider Threats or Physical Theft
An employee at a company with access to SSNs could sell them, or documents containing your SSN may be stolen.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Once your SSN is on the dark web, it can be:
- Bought and sold by identity thieves to open fraudulent credit cards, loans, and bank accounts.
- Used to file fake tax returns and steal your tax refunds.
- Exploited for medical fraud, leading to false claims in your name.
- Misused for employment fraud, where someone works under your identity, leaving you liable for unpaid taxes.
- Linked to criminal activity, putting you in legal trouble for crimes you did not commit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I check if my SSN has been used?
Yes, there are some ways to know if your SSN has been used by:
Reviewing your credit report.
Creating a ‘my Social Security’ account – Visit SSA.gov to track your earnings history and ensure no one is using your SSN for employment.
Check IRS records – If someone used your SSN to file a tax return, the IRS may send you a notice. You can also call the IRS Identity Protection Unit. -
How can I monitor my Social Security number?
You can monitor your SSN through:
Credit monitoring services, like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
PureVPN Dark Web Monitoring scans the dark web for your SSN and notifies you if it appears in a data breach.
Set up fraud alerts with your bank and credit card companies for any suspicious transactions.
Regularly check your SSA account for unauthorized changes. -
How do I know if I'm on the dark web?
You must stay alert if you experience any suspicious activity in your name, email address, or financial transactions. PureVPN dark web monitoring helps you identify if your email address is vulnerable to dark web risks through a free scan. Plus, you can get a breach summary and steps to mitigate risk with your subscription plan.
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Can I find someone’s SSN online?
No, obtaining someone’s SSN without their consent is illegal and considered identity theft. Websites that claim to provide SSNs are often scams or operate illegally. They intend to steal your data instead of providing you information about others.
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How to freeze your Social Security Number?
If you sus[ect that your SSN is compromised, you can freeze it by:
Placing a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus.
Requesting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent tax fraud.
Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you suspect fraud at 1-800-772-1213.
Filing an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Conclusion
Your Social Security Number is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you have, and if it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be severe. Using PureVPN dark web monitoring can detect threats early and prevent further damage.
