Your personal information can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the dark web — and you might not even know it exists.

From Social Security numbers to bank login information to medical records, cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data every day. Here's what your personal information is worth and how to protect it.

How much does your personal information sell for on the dark web?

On the dark web, not all personal information has the same value. Prices vary based on demand, data completeness, and how easily it can be exploited by criminals.

According to the Privacy Affairs Dark Web Price Index, here is a breakdown of what your personal information might sell for on the underground market.

Can you remove your information from the dark web?

Once your information is on the dark web, it cannot be completely removed. This is because data sold or shared on these underground networks is quickly copied, redistributed, and stored across multiple anonymous platforms.

Unlike legitimate websites, the dark web is not subject to deletion policies or centralized control, making it nearly impossible to fully trace or delete your data.

How to protect your personal information from fraud

While you cannot remove your personal information from the dark web once it has been stolen, you can take steps to protect your information and take proactive measures to understand what may already be out there:

Use strong and unique passwords. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to access multiple accounts once your credentials are stolen. Using a password manager can help you generate and store secure passwords.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text code or authenticator app, before granting account access.

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, connect through a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.

Monitor financial accounts regularly. Frequently review bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized charges early. The sooner you detect suspicious activity, the faster you can take action.

Limit online sharing. Be mindful of what you post on social media or fill out in online forms. Information like your birthday or hometown can be used by hackers to guess passwords or security questions.

Get a free dark web scan. Experian's dark web scan searches known dark web sources to check if your Social Security number, email address, or phone number has been compromised and alerts you if your information is potentially leaked.

Request a free personal privacy scan. Experian's personal privacy scan identifies which people-search sites may be exposing your personal information, such as your home address, age, phone number, and relatives, and provides steps to remove it.

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What to do if your information is found on the dark web

If you discover that your personal information is on the dark web, whether through a scan or an identity theft incident, you can take the following steps to limit the damage:

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You have the right to place a fraud alert on your credit file, which instructs potential lenders to verify your identity before extending credit. An initial fraud alert lasts one year and is renewable; an extended fraud alert for confirmed identity theft victims lasts seven years. If you place a fraud alert with one of the three major national consumer credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax), the other two will be notified and add the fraud alert to their reports.

Freeze your credit. You also have the right to freeze your credit, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name and provides strong protection against identity theft. However, you will need to temporarily lift the freeze on your credit reports with each bureau whenever you apply for credit.

Change your passwords. If your login credentials have been compromised, update your passwords immediately and enable MFA for added protection.

Monitor your accounts closely. Keep a close eye on bank, credit card, and investment accounts for unusual activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately to minimize potential losses.

Use identity theft protection services. Consider signing up for identity protection services, which may include credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, insurance, and specialized fraud resolution support.

Contact your financial institutions. If an account or service (such as your bank account or credit card account) has been compromised, notify the relevant institution immediately so they can help secure your account or issue new credentials.

Report identity theft. If you believe your identity has been stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report. You will receive a recovery plan and documentation for disputing any fraudulent activity.

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The bottom line

Once your personal information ends up on the dark web, it is nearly impossible to remove it. While you cannot reverse a data breach, you can take control of the aftermath. From strengthening your digital habits to setting fraud alerts and monitoring your accounts, small steps can make a big difference.

Experian's free credit monitoring service is one simple way to stay vigilant. It tracks changes to your credit report and helps you detect potential identity theft early, so you are not the last to know when something goes wrong.