Here’s How Much Your Social Security Number Costs On The Dark Web

The sale of American social security numbers through dark channels is a booming business that rakes in millions upon millions for criminals.

It costs only $4 to buy a social security number (SSN) on the dark web, according to a new report that compiles the results of a two-year investigation by Atlas VPN, a leading virtual network provider.

How do your numbers end up for sale on the dark web in the first place?

One of the most common scams is a phone call telling you that your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity or because it’s been involved in a crime. The caller then requests the victim’s SSN to verify identity and to reactivate, or any other number of excuses.

In 2018, these numbers raked in nearly $17 million for criminals, and chances are, it’s still a booming business. That year, more than 63,000 Americans were taken in by this scam, based on reports to the Federal Trade Commission. That’s up from 3,200 in 2017.

As a result of this crime, consumers lost more than $16.6 million, or about $1,484 per person.

According to the Atlas VPN study, there is quite a menu of items for sale on the dark web, beyond your $4 SSN.