The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy. If you’re not comfortable with your number being out there, here’s how to remove it. Group texts can be a great way to stay in touch with family, friends, or colleagues, but sometimes they can become overwhelming or annoying.
Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
All 50 states currently have some form of data breach notification legislation on the books, detailing how businesses or governments must inform those affected. Banks, credit card companies, lenders and online marketplaces now publicly disclose data breaches. If scammers can obtain your phone number from the Dark Web, there’s no telling what else they might find. Scammers can use your personal data to mine recent data breaches or data broker lists for more information.
The phone number found on dark web can indicate a serious privacy breach. Often, personal data is traded or sold on illicit online forums, leading to potential consequences for individuals whose information is leaked.
Watch Your Credit Cards & Bank Accounts Closely
Many whistleblowers, abuse victims, and political dissidents use the dark web to freely exchange information and help one another without the threat of being identified and persecuted. However, you needn’t sink into the depths of the dark web in search of your SSN. There are safer ways to determine whether your SSN landed on the dark web and if it is available to criminals shopping the cyber black market. Even though the dark web has an unsavory reputation due to illicit activity, it does provide value for legal uses like promoting free speech and is legal for anyone to access.
A dark web alert is a cybersecurity warning you may receive if your sensitive information is discovered on one of the many sites on the dark web. But before we explain how the alert works and what it means, you should know what it’s supposed to warn you about. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report. Perform a quick search using the IDStrong free dark web scan tool. Our free scan will show you if your information has been found on the dark web or not. After you sign up, you can see when a data breach occurred, what was breached, where it was breached from (the website), and also see actions that you need to take to fix the problem.
It could be a “phishing” email, designed to trick you into disclosing sensitive information to scammers. We live in a digital age, where our personal information is at risk of being exposed and misused without us even knowing. With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, having your phone number on the dark web can put you at an incredibly high risk of identity theft. Found your phone number or Dark web and even sensitive information like contact, address, SSN, or bank accounts? In this post, we’ll show you how to prevent your personal information from being misused while better protecting your online security and privacy.
What is the Dark Web?
One of the lesser known ways that scammers target you is by convincing your phone provider to send them a new SIM for your account. Known as a “SIM swap,” this scam gives fraudsters full access to your phone number — which means all calls and texts go to them, including 2FA codes and password reset links. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer or other company, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. All information, including rates and fees, are accurate as of the date of publication and are updated as provided by our partners. Some of the offers on this page may not be available through our website. A sudden increase in the number of unwanted calls you receive is typical of your number having been included in a data breach, telemarketing call list, or published on the dark web.
The dark web constitutes a small part of the deep web, requiring specific software to access. It is notorious for illegal activities, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Weapons sales
- Stolen data trading
- Hacker services
- Here’s a look at several of the illegal items you can buy — with prices — courtesy of Privacy Affairs’s Dark Web Price Index 2021.
- Meanwhile, Immuniweb’s full-time security experts handle the most complicated tasks—tasks that require nothing less than human intelligence.
- Regularly monitoring your accounts for potential Dark Web activity is a cybersecurity best practice that shouldn’t be put on the backburner.
- Honest pioneers build upstanding communities, yet there’s lots of room for criminals to roam free!
Within this realm, personal information such as phone numbers, emails, and full identities can be found, often compromising an individual’s security.
How is a Phone Number Found on Dark Web?
The process by which a phone number found on dark web might occur includes several steps:
- Data Breaches: Companies may experience breaches, leading to theft of user data.
- Phishing Scams: Individuals may unknowingly provide their information to fraudulent entities.
- Public Records: In some cases, publicly available records are aggregated and sold.
Once leaked, this information can be sold or utilized for malicious purposes.
Potential Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
Finding your phone number found on dark web can lead to various risks, including:
- Identity Theft: Criminals may exploit this information to impersonate victims.
- Harassment: Exposed phone numbers can lead to unsolicited calls or texts.
- Fraud: Scammers may use your number to access accounts or commit financial crimes.
What to Do If Your Phone Number is Found on Dark Web
Taking immediate action is crucial if you discover that your phone number is found on dark web. Follow these steps:
- Assess the Situation: Use dark web monitoring services to verify the exposure.
- Change Passwords: Update passwords on accounts that may be linked to your phone number.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Bolster security where possible.
- Consider Identity Theft Protection: Look into services that can help monitor your identity further.
FAQs About Phone Numbers Found on Dark Web
Q1: How can I monitor if my phone number is on the dark web?
A: Various online services can help monitor your information, alerting you in case of any breaches.
Q2: Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
A: While it’s challenging to remove data from the dark web, securing your accounts and reporting incidents can mitigate risks.
Q3: What signs indicate my phone number might be compromised?
A: Signs include unusual account activity, receiving strange calls or messages, and reports of fraud involving your identity.
Staying vigilant about your personal information is essential to minimize the consequences of data breaches and ensure your safety in an increasingly digital world.
