How Dark Web Scanners Find Stolen SSNs

The dark web is an unindexed part of the internet where stolen information, like SSNs (Social Security Numbers), is mostly sold. So, how do experts find these stolen SSNs? They use special tools called dark web scanners. These tools search the dark web for your personal data, helping protect you from identity theft. Let’s see in this blog how these scanners work and why they’re so important.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a secret part of the internet that you can't find through Google or visit using regular browsers. It's a place where websites and users stay anonymous, and you need special software like Tor to access it. While some people use it for privacy purposes, it's also known for illegal things because it's harder to trace the dark web.

Why is your SSN at Risk on the Dark Web?

Your SSN (Social Security Number) can end up on the dark web mostly due to data breaches and scams. When well-known companies get hacked, personal information like your SSN can be stolen and leaked.

Hackers also use methods like fake emails or websites to get people to hand over their details without knowing. Once your SSN is leaked, it can be sold or shared on the dark web, where others can use it for their own benefit.

Real Example: AT&T Data Breach in 2024

In 2024, AT&T suffered a huge data breach that exposed the personal data of around 73 million people. This included names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security Numbers. Later, this stolen information was found on the dark web, putting millions at risk of fraud and identity theft.

Why Hackers Want Your SSN

• They can sell it on dark web marketplaces.
• It helps them pretend to be you and open accounts in your name.
• It’s used to apply for loans or credit cards in your name.
• They can use it to file fake tax returns.
• It can be combined with other stolen information to create fake IDs.

That’s why even one leaked SSN can cause serious problems.

How Do Dark Web Scanners Find Compromised SSNs?

Dark web scanners are made to help you find out if your SSN has been exposed on secret parts of the internet. Here's how they find:

• They use special software, like Tor, to visit dark web sites where stolen data is often sold or shared.
• They search through forums and marketplaces where personal information like SSNs might be floating around.
• They check your SSN against databases of known breaches to see if it’s been exposed before.
• If your SSN is found, they will alert you so you can take action.

These scanners make it easier to stay aware of your personal information and find any leaks early.

Can Dark Web Scanners Detect SSNs Before They Are Misused?

Dark web scanners can help you find out if your SSN has been leaked on the dark web. They check secret websites and forums where stolen data is shared or sold. If they find your SSN, they will alert you so you can take action.

However, whether they find it before your SSN is misused depends on the tool you're using. Some scanners can alert you earlier, while others may only let you know once your information is already out there. So, it’s important to choose a scanner that works best for you.

What Should You Do If Your SSN is Found on the Dark Web?

If your SSN is found on the dark web, taking these quick actions can help protect your data:

Place a Fraud Alert

Contact one of the major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it difficult for someone to open accounts in your name.

Consider a Credit Freeze

Freeze your credit with all three bureaus to stop access to your credit report and new account openings.

Report to the FTC

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to make a recovery plan.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

Check your free credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity or new accounts.

Alert Your Bank and Creditors

Inform your bank and creditors about the exposure of your SSN so they can monitor your accounts.

Consider Dark Web Monitoring

Use the dark web monitoring service to keep track of your personal information online and get alerts.

Stay Alert 

Regularly review your financial statements and stay alert to phishing scams and strange activities.

Are All Dark Web Scanners Equally Reliable?

Not all dark web scanners work the same way. Some only check a few places and can miss important data. Others do not update quickly or just do a one-time scan, so if your information gets leaked later, they will not find it. That’s why some scanners may show no leaks even when your data is out there.

A good scanner should keep checking the dark web regularly and alert you right away if it finds your personal information. But not every tool does that. Some are just basic and do not go deep enough to find your leaked data, which can make you feel safe when you're actually not.

That’s why it’s better to use something you can trust, like PurePrivacy’s dark web monitoring. It watches the dark web 24/7 and lets you know if your data is found there. So instead of just checking once and hoping nothing’s wrong, PurePrivacy keeps you updated and protected all the time.

How Can PurePrivacy Help You?

Your SSN is really important, and even if you’ve never had any trouble with it, your personal information could still be at risk. If someone gets your SSN, they can pretend to be you, open accounts in your name, or even commit fraud.

Sometimes, the companies that have your SSN get hacked, and when that happens, your information can end up on the dark web, where malicious actors buy and sell it. The dangerous part is that you might not even know your SSN is out there until it’s too late.

That’s why it’s wise to use something like PurePrivacy’s Dark Web Monitoring. It watches the dark web for your SSN and other personal data. If it finds anything, you’ll get an alert right away so you can act quickly and stop things before they get out of hand.

How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN?

1. Download PureVPN on your device or update your existing app.
2. Visit the Members Area to get access.
3. Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.

4. Select Add Assets to Monitor.
5. Add your email address, phone number, passport number, credit card number, and SSN/NIN.
6. Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.

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

8. You can also mark breaches as resolved.

Wrapping Up!

As you know, your SSN is one of the most important parts of your personal information, and keeping it safe should be your top priority. The dark web is a dangerous place where stolen data is bought and sold, making it important to stay alert.

With the help of dark web scanners/ monitoring like PurePrivacy, you can find any leaks early and take action before it’s too late. So, don’t wait for something wrong to happen; take control of your personal information now, and protect your future.