Scammers Selling Personal Information on the Dark Web
In a disconcerting trend, scammers are increasingly posting menus of stolen personal data on the dark web, making it alarmingly easy for cybercriminals to purchase sensitive information. Consider this: social security numbers and dates of birth are being sold for as little as $7. This disturbing reality underscores the urgency of safeguarding our personal information.
New Insights from the Better Business Bureau
A recent report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has shed light on the alarming state of identity theft in 2023. Their 2025 Identity Theft Scam Study reveals that individuals lost over $125 million to identity theft scams within just that year. The report details how hacker forums are actively advertising batches of stolen information for sale on the dark web, opening the door to widespread misuse of this data.
Meredith Radford, a representative from the BBB of Eastern Carolinas, emphasized the frightening ease with which this stolen information can be accessed. “If you pay enough money for it, you can gain access to all of that, just like you could buy any other product on the internet,” she remarked. This statement highlights the worryingly commercial nature of these cybercriminal operations.
The Scale of the Problem
The BBB study highlights a particularly notorious platform known as BreachForums, which, prior to its recent shutdown, boasted an estimated 14 billion pieces of stolen data. “That’s not a red flag, that’s an alarm,” said cybersecurity expert Kimberly Simon. The sheer volume of compromised information provides a stark warning about the scale and sophistication of these cyber threats.
Simon urges everyone to take these findings seriously. “If you’re thinking that, ‘hey, this could never happen to me,’ actually, it probably already did,” she cautioned, urging individuals to recognize the prevalence of identity theft.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybercrime
The BBB’s findings also reveal a troubling intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and identity theft. Fraudsters are leveraging AI tools to sift through vast quantities of data on the dark web, making it easier to locate leaked credentials, email addresses, and even biometric data. This technological advantage allows scammers to execute their schemes more effectively.
Radford elaborated on this point, explaining how AI can be programmed to identify high-value information swiftly. “You can ask AI to find particularly high value information within a set of data,” she noted, adding that this capability can dramatically increase the speed with which scammers access personal information necessary for activities like opening bank accounts.
The Real Impact on Individuals and Communities
The fallout from these identity theft crimes extends beyond mere inconvenience. Simon highlighted the high stakes involved, stating, “It’s more than just a minor inconvenience of ‘hey, someone stole my information and opened a store card in my name.’ It’s high value. It’s high impact, and it’s impacting communities and families all over the world.” Such remarks underscore how identity theft is not just a personal issue but a societal concern affecting many.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
In light of these alarming trends, experts emphasize the importance of taking proactive measures to protect your personal information. Here are several key strategies recommended by Simon and Radford:
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Activate this feature wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Password Management: Utilize a password manager to generate strong and unique passwords for each account. This reduces the risk of using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Report Fraud Attempts: If you detect any signs of fraudulent activity, report it promptly to law enforcement to help mitigate potential damage.
- Limit Personal Information on Social Media: Be cautious about the details you share online. Even seemingly innocuous information can be leveraged by scammers if they have access to your personal profile.
Radford also pointed out that sometimes authentication systems ask personal questions, such as the name of your childhood elementary school or your mother’s maiden name. This information can often be found on social media, posing an additional risk to your security.
Taking these steps can help individuals navigate the treacherous landscape of identity theft while maintaining their personal safety and peace of mind.
