Dark web monitoring is a service that scans the dark web for signs that your personal information is being used fraudulently.
While the dark web serves many legitimate functions, the anonymity of it also attracts people who are buying and selling illegal goods and services – including stolen personal information.
With so many data breaches exposing the information of millions of Americans every year, dark web monitoring is a helpful tool that can alert you when your information is put at risk, so you can take the necessary steps to protect your identity.
How Does Dark Web Monitoring Work?
Dark web monitoring uses a process called “scraping” that scans hundreds of chat rooms, websites and peer-to-peer networks that deal with stolen personally identifiable information (PII) such as:
- Credit and debit card numbers
- Log-in information
- Medical identification numbers
- Social Security numbers (SSNs)
- Passport numbers
- Phone numbers.
Types of Identity Theft that Can Happen on the Dark Web
Here’s a list of the most common types of identity theft that can happen from leaked information.
Credit card fraud
Credit card fraud occurs when someone uses your card without your consent. Even if your physical card is not present, a criminal can still make unauthorized transactions using your credit card number, security code and PIN.
SSN identity theft
Your SSN can is a powerful asset for criminals, especially if they have other pieces of information about you. With your SSN, an identity thief can do things like taking out loans, not pay the bills and negatively impact your credit.
Tax identity theft
Tax identity theft happens when criminals use your sensitive information to file a tax return in your name and collect a refund. You can identify tax identity fraud when you file a tax return and find that someone has already submitted it.
Protect Your Personal Information
A service that actively monitors your identity and scans the dark web for your personal information is essential. You can receive alerts if your personal information is vulnerable as well as identity theft insurance and restoration assistance if you do become a victim of an identity thief.
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