Social Security Number Hacked: In April 2024, a significant data breach exposed sensitive information of nearly three billion people. Bloomberg Law reported in early August that National Public Data, a background check company, had its database leaked on the dark web by cybercriminals known as “USDoD.”
The exposed data includes Social Security numbers, addresses, full names, family details, and more. If you’re concerned, you can check if your information was affected by visiting npd.pentester.com.
But what should you do if you find yourself impacted by the breach? Find out here.
How to see if my Social Security Number was Hacked in the National Public Data breach?
There are two websites that allow you to check for free whether your Social Security number is included in the stolen personal information store: One is npdbreach.com from the online privacy company Atlas Privacy; the second is npd.pentester.com by the Pentester cybersecurity company.
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Both lookup tools are easy to use and look through the stash for different pieces of information. You don’t have to enter your Social Security number for either of them. When I checked with the states I’ve lived in, they both said that my personal information had been stolen.
What steps is National Public Data taking to prevent it?
In an August statement, National Public Data acknowledged the security breach and reported that it is reviewing the potentially affected records and collaborating with government and law enforcement agencies. The company promised to notify individuals of any significant updates related to the breach and advised monitoring financial accounts closely for any unauthorized activity if your information was compromised. At the end of the statement, the company included an email address: breach@nationalpublicdata.com.
What to do if you Social security number was stolen or hacked?
If you think your Social Security number has been stolen, you should know that the Social Security Administration can’t do anything to stop someone from using your stolen identity to apply for jobs or credit. Here are some things you can do.
Sign up online for a Social Security account. If you make your own online Social Security account, no one else will be able to open one in your name and see your statement, change your address, or do other things.
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To obtain a personalized recovery plan, visit IdentityTheft.gov of the Federal Trade Commission and complete the form. This plan takes you step-by-step through everything you need to know to safeguard your identity and prevent fraud. Another number to try is 877-438-4337.
Calling the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if your Social Security number has been stolen will stop scammers from using it to apply for jobs or file tax returns. This might help you keep your tax debt off of your record. The IRS’s identity theft guide can help you and let you dispute any problems.
To stop online crime, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. This center keeps an eye on cybercrime. Check your credit report often for any strange activity. You can get a free report from www.annualcreditreport.com.
Also, if you think your Social Security number has been stolen, call the Social Security Administration to have your statements looked over.
How else can my data be leaked?
Theft can happen anywhere and at any time, it is not in your control. Someone could steal your wallet or purse, or they could look through your mail to find your credit card or bank information. Identity thieves may not only steal from physical sources, but they may also buy personal information from insiders or dig through trash to find useful information.
Watch out for calls, texts, or emails that look like they are real but are actually scams. These con artists might try to get you to give them personal information. Before sharing any information, you should always check the source.
