Your Social Security Number Is On the Dark Web: Here’s What You Need to Do Right Now to Stay Protected

By
Samuel Lopez
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Watch Your SSN Activity Year-Round

Even if your SSN isn’t confirmed to be on the Dark Web, you should be proactive with routine checks on your financial and Social Security records. The SSA offers a free service through my Social Security, where you can monitor your earnings and benefits history. This can be a goldmine for spotting discrepancies early, especially if someone is trying to claim benefits in your name.

A quick annual check of your reported earnings and benefits through this service will let you spot any signs of foul play, such as employment records that don’t match up with where you’ve actually worked.

Signs Your SSN Has Been Compromised

How can you tell if someone is using your SSN? The signs can be subtle, but these are a few red flags:

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  1. Unfamiliar Credit Accounts: If you start seeing accounts you didn’t open, that’s often the first signal. Contact the relevant company immediately to report the fraud.
  2. Tax Problems: If you get tax forms from employers you’ve never worked for or the IRS informs you of a duplicate filing, someone may be using your SSN to work or file fraudulent returns. The IRS’sIdentity TheftCentral has detailed steps for what to do in these cases.
  3. Unexplained Changes on Your Credit Report: New lines of credit or other unexplained items on your credit report may indicate fraud. Request a free credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus throughcom. To stay more secure year-round, stagger these reports every few months to monitor any changes.
  4. Government Benefit Denials: If your Medicare, disability, or other benefits are unexpectedly denied, it could be a sign that someone is fraudulently claiming them. Reach out to the issuing agency immediately to rectify the situation.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think your SSN has been compromised, visit IdentityTheft.gov. This official FTC site will guide you through reporting the fraud and provide a personalized recovery plan. The IRS also offers an Identity Protection PIN to lock your tax account from outsiders.

Besides these, you should also check with your bank and credit card providers for any free fraud monitoring or identity protection services they may offer.