
Discover Card's SSN Alert feature is a game-changer for protecting your identity. This feature alerts you to any suspicious activity on your account.
With SSN Alert, you'll receive notifications if someone tries to use your card or account information for a purchase over $100. This added layer of security gives you peace of mind.
As a Discover Card holder, you can set up SSN Alert in your online account settings.
Broaden your view: Chase Credit Journey Alerts
What is Discover SSN Inquiry?
Discover SSN Inquiry is a feature that monitors your Social Security number on thousands of Dark Web sites. This is done to alert you if your SSN is found on any of these sites.
The service is available for all Primary credit card account members. If you have more than one Discover account, you can't opt into both.
Here are the specific alerts you'll receive:
- We'll notify you if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites that we are monitoring.
Discover Account Alerts
Discover offers a range of account alerts to keep you informed and protected. These alerts can be a lifesaver in preventing identity theft and fraud.
Here's an interesting read: Discover Card Alerts
You'll receive notification if your Social Security number is found on any of the thousands of Dark Web sites that Discover monitors. This is a daily check to ensure your sensitive information isn't being traded or sold.
The alerts also monitor your Experian credit report every day. You'll be notified when anyone pulls your credit, so you can recognize possible fraud. This includes new credit inquiries and new accounts, even if they're not Discover accounts.
The service is available for all Primary credit card account members. If you have multiple Discover accounts, you can only opt into one of these alerts.
Here's a breakdown of the types of alerts you can expect:
- Dark Web alerts: notification if your Social Security number is found on monitored Dark Web sites
- Credit report alerts: notification when someone pulls your credit or new accounts are listed in your name
These alerts are different from the existing fraud alerts on your Discover account. While those alerts keep you informed about activity on your Discover Card account, these alerts focus on your Experian credit report and Dark Web activity.
You'll receive a free alert when a new credit inquiry appears on your Experian credit report. This can happen when you apply for a loan or credit card, but it's also a sign that someone may be trying to access your credit information without your consent.
Security Threats
Over 15 million Americans were victims of identity fraud in 2016, with losses amounting to $16 billion.
Consumers are particularly vulnerable to identity theft after a data breach leaves their personal information exposed. This includes Social Security numbers and credit card information.
Stolen information may be listed for sale on illegal websites on the dark web, an area of the internet that can’t be indexed or located by search engines like Google.
Thieves can use acquired Social Security numbers and other private information to create accounts and take out loans, which can wreak havoc on a victim’s credit.
Discover’s Social Security alerts can help fight against identity theft by monitoring the dark web for your Social Security number.
Discover more: Do Credit Bureaus Sell Your Information
Discover SSN Alerts
Discover SSN Alerts help fight against identity theft by monitoring the dark web for your Social Security number. Discover will notify you via email or text message if your Social Security number is found on one of the thousands of dark websites they monitor.
Additional reading: Discover Card Security Code
You can opt into these alerts for all your Discover accounts, but not if you have multiple accounts with different primary card members. If you have multiple accounts, you can only opt into the alerts for one of them.
The alerts will also notify you of new credit inquiries and new credit accounts on your Experian credit report, even if they're not Discover accounts. This includes car loans, mortgages, credit cards, and other types of credit accounts.
You'll receive a free alert when a new credit inquiry appears on your Experian credit report, and when a new credit account is reported to your Experian credit file.
If you receive a Discover SSN alert, you should call Discover to get help identifying the right course of action. They may advise you to put a freeze on your credit report or put you in contact with an Experian fraud expert.
Here's a breakdown of the types of alerts you can expect:
- SSN Alert: notification if your Social Security number is found on a dark website
- New Credit Inquiry Alert: notification when a new credit inquiry appears on your Experian credit report
- New Account Alert: notification when a new credit account is reported to your Experian credit file
These alerts are different from the existing fraud alerts on your Discover account, which keep you informed about activity on your Discover Card account. The SSN, Inquiry & New Account Alerts provide additional protection by monitoring your Experian credit report and the dark web for your Social Security number.
Credit Card Alerts
Discover's SSN, Inquiry & New Account Alerts are a valuable tool for protecting your identity and credit. We'll monitor thousands of Dark Web sites to find your Social Security number.
If we find your Social Security number, we'll send you an alert and help you take action. This includes informing the credit bureaus and reporting the activity as fraudulent.
We also monitor your Experian credit report every day. This means you'll be notified when anyone pulls your credit, or when new credit cards, mortgages, car loans, or other credit accounts are listed in your name.
These alerts are available for all Primary credit card account members. However, if the card member has more than one Discover account, they can't opt into both.
Here are the three types of alerts you can expect:
- We'll notify you if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.
- We'll monitor your Experian credit report every day and alert you when anyone pulls your credit.
- We'll monitor your Experian credit report every day and notify you when new credit cards, mortgages, car loans or other credit accounts are listed in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Discover said they found my Social Security number on the dark web?
If Discover notifies you that your Social Security number was found on the dark web, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for personalized guidance on next steps.
Sources
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/member-benefits/security/ssn-newaccount-alerts/
- https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255087384
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2017/10/01/discovers-new-social-security-alert-feature-what-does-do/715230001/
- https://moneytips.com/credit/credit-cards/social-security-number-alerts-explained/
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/how-to-reduce-your-risk-of-identity-theft/
Featured Images: pexels.com