How Data Brokers Sell Your Personal Information & What You Can Do About It

In 1989, the world-wide-web exploded onto the scene. But, as our screens flickered to life with a newfound global connection, a quiet trade-off began. The convenience of online information slowly chipped away at our privacy, leaving more and more personal details scattered across the digital landscape.

In the age of big data, consumer information has become a goldmine for businesses. This treasure trove allows them to delve deep into customer habits, precisely target marketing campaigns, and also personalize your customer experience. However, this data-driven approach comes with a flip side. As the web becomes a breeding ground for online scams, particularly cryptocurrency scams, the ability to shield your personal information has become more crucial than ever. With crafty scammers lurking online, safeguarding your data is akin to protecting your digital wallet, ensuring your financial security and peace of mind.

This article explores the importance of data privacy in the digital age, highlighting the risks of exposed information and offering information on some of the best data removal services available to you. 

What companies gather my personal information? 

Have you ever wondered where all your personal information ends up online? Look no further than data brokers. These shadowy figures of the digital world collect and sell troves of data on billions of people, including you. Imagine a vast network of digital filing cabinets, each overflowing with details about your demographics, purchasing habits, and even social media activity. That’s the realm of data brokers.

The good news? Most data brokers are required to comply with opt-out requests, allowing you to reclaim control of your digital footprint. However, the process can be a labyrinth — every data broker has its own procedures. Moreover, they sometimes require verification through personal information like your driver’s license. Notably, this could also be an issue for you, as some data brokers will re-list information that they acquire.

You can find a comprehensive list of companies that list your personal information online here. 

What are the risks of my personal information being listed online?

Leaving your personal data unguarded can have a ripple effect of negative consequences. Cybercriminals are cunning and can exploit your online footprint for financial gain. One particularly insidious tactic is SIM swapping. Imagine a criminal hijacking your phone number, essentially becoming a digital doppelganger. Armed with this personal information, they could impersonate you to your phone carrier and transfer your number to a new SIM card under their control. 

This stolen number then becomes the key to unlocking a treasure trove – your online accounts and potentially even financial information. With this access, they could commit identity theft, draining your accounts and ruining your credit score. Moreover, these scammers could access your online crypto exchanges or wallets and steal your funds.  

Phishing emails are another weapon in their arsenal. Criminals can exploit your readily available address to craft personalized emails that appear legitimate. Trusting one of these deceptive messages could lead you to unknowingly surrender sensitive details, further fueling their criminal activities.

Even more concerning, your personal address and phone number, readily available online, can be used for malicious purposes like stalking or harassment.

How can I protect my data privacy?

In today’s digital age, online data removal services may offer a valuable shield against potential misuse of your personal information. These services can help minimize the risk of identity theft and unwanted solicitations by scrubbing your data from public records and data broker websites. By taking control of your online presence, you gain peace of mind knowing that sensitive details like your address and phone number are less accessible to prying eyes, enhancing your overall sense of digital security.

It could take hundreds of hours to remove yourself from each individual website, so we have listed out a few of the top-rated removal services below. 

The takeaway

Cybercriminals want to know who you are so they can steal your personal information, especially your cryptocurrency investments. Although you may never be able to fully remove yourself from the internet 100%, it is best to limit your online exposure to data brokers. 

Don’t forget to equip yourself with a multi-layered security approach. Tools like ad blockers, VPNs, and hardware authentication devices can significantly reduce your risk of succumbing to online threats.

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