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What To Do When Your SSN Is Exposed in a Data Breach

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh 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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  • 26 March 2025
  • 11 mins read

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Table of Contents
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Is your Social Security number (SSN) compromised? If so, you're facing a serious threat. A leaked SSN increases the chances of financial fraud and identity theft, and you must take immediate action. This blog covers some essential steps to take and precautions to prevent your sensitive data like SSN from ending up in the wrong hands.

3 Immediate Steps to Take If Your SSN Is Part of a Data Breach?

Once you discover that your Social Security number (SSN) has been compromised, you must take immediate action. Here's what you must do:

  1. Report Identity Theft

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission and contact each of the three major credit bureaus to place a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports.

  1. Monitor Your Credit Reports

Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. f your SSN is being used for tax fraud or Social Security benefits fraud, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately.

  1. Monitor Financial Accounts

Monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious transactions and report them if unauthorized by you.

credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports

Is My SSN Found on the Dark Web?

If you suspect any unusual activities, then there’s a probability that your SSN has been sold on the dark web. Discover if your SSN is on the dark web with PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring feature.

PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring helps track critical identifiers that might have ended up on the dark web so you can take the necessary precautions before hackers exploit your sensitive 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.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

Please enter a valid email.

How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN

  1. Install PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
  2. Visit the Members Area to get access.
  3. Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
  1. Select Add Assets to Monitor.
  2. Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and SSN.  
  3. Enter the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.
Select Add Assets to Monitor

7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach. 

8. You can mark the breaches as resolved once precautionary steps have been taken.

Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach

What Happens if My SSN Gets Leaked?

A compromised Social Security Number can have severe financial and identity-related damage. Cyber intruders can fraudulently open credit accounts, secure loans, and even obtain mortgages, leaving you burdened with heavy debt. 

Also, your existing bank accounts become vulnerable to unauthorized withdrawals and transfers. Beyond financial fraud, your SSN could lead to identity theft, making criminals fraudulently claim government benefits, secure employment, obtain driver's licenses, and file deceptive tax returns. 

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Get Dark Web Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I be hacked if somebody has my SSN?

    Plus

    Yes. Your SSN could be used to collect other information about you, which could later be used for identity theft, financial fraud, tax fraud, account takeover, and more.

  • How do I know if my SSN is being used for fraud?

    Plus

    Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity. Look out for bills or collection notices for services you didn’t use and medical charges for treatments you never received. Besides that, you must stay vigilant and make sure that your data is not used without your permission.

  • Can I change my SSN if it's leaked?

    Plus

    Changing your SSN is not simple. You will have to follow strict guidelines and procedures. If you have experienced identity theft or if you are at harm, then you can change your SSN, otherwise, you must only take precautionary measures to prevent further damage if your social security number is leaked.

  • What to do if my SSN is on the dark web?

    Plus

    First, confirm if your SSN has been exposed using PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring. Once detected, you’ll receive expert guidance on the necessary steps to protect your data. Remember, once your SSN is leaked on the dark web, it cannot be removed, so staying proactive is essential.

Wrap Up

Your SSN is a critical part of your identity. You must manage all your sensitive data and track when and where it is shared without your knowledge. Use PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring to stay one step ahead of cyber threats to make sure that your privacy is protected!

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