10 Signs Your Personal Data Is Being Sold Online and How to Protect Yourself
Your personal data is probably being sold right now. Scam calls, junk emails, and weird login alerts aren’t random. They’re warnings that your information is circulating through data brokers, often without your knowledge or consent. Major breaches, like the recent Adidas hack, have exposed millions of names, emails, phone numbers, and home addresses. Once this data is leaked, it’s fed into a vast marketplace of data brokers who package, sell, and resell your information to advertisers, spammers, scammers, and even cybercriminals.
Think it hasn’t happened to you? The article presents 10 telltale signs that your personal information might be circulating. For example, receiving unsolicited product offers from companies you’ve never contacted suggests that your data has been sold. An increase in unknown phone calls, many of which may be robocalls, are another red flag. These calls often come from spoofed numbers and can range from fake IRS agents to tech support scams.
Similarly, encountering unfamiliar password reset prompts could mean that your online accounts are at risk. Additionally, small unauthorized charges and losing access to your digital accounts indicate that your personal information might have been exploited. The article emphasizes that once data is out there, it’s difficult, sometimes impossible, to reclaim. However, you’re not powerless; the more proactive you are, the safer you’ll be.
Proactive measures include using privacy services to remove your information from people finder and data broker sites. Enhancing security by improving passwords and enabling two-factor authentication can prevent unauthorized access. Monitoring financial accounts regularly and setting up alerts for any unusual activity is essential. The article also recommends using alias email addresses for online activities to keep your primary account secure and reducing spam.
Being cautious about what you post publicly is another key step. Avoid sharing personal details like birthdays, hometowns, or photos of your home and license plates. Social media platforms are heavily scraped by bots and bad actors. Additionally, having strong antivirus software installed on all your devices can protect against phishing attempts and malware that may access your private information.
Finally, the article advises blocking robocalls and using third-party apps to screen and block known scam numbers. It’s important to avoid answering unknown calls, as even pressing a button to ‘opt out’ can confirm your number is active and result in more spam. The article concludes by urging readers to take control of their digital footprint and act now to prevent bigger problems later. Protect your privacy, defend your accounts, and stay one step ahead of the scammers.