Charity scams related to hurricanes exploit data brokers to reach victims before storms hit
A typical day for a scammer during hurricane season might begin with a cup of coffee and a detailed spreadsheet. This spreadsheet could be packed with personal information like names, ages, addresses, and even family details. Scammers might acquire this data by purchasing it, pulling it from various people-search websites, or assembling it from publicly […]
GAO cautions that retirement plan providers could share data with data brokers
GAO Report on Retirement Plans and Data Privacy A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) raises concerns that personal information from Americans’ retirement plans could be shared or sold for marketing financial products and services. According to the GAO, there are over 126 million Americans enrolled in employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k)s, with […]
Data brokers reveal your address and family members even with secure passwords
A data broker’s profile can disclose more than we often realize. It typically includes current and previous addresses, phone numbers, and even public records that might not stem from phishing scams or data breaches. This can be quite frustrating because, despite using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and maintaining smart online habits, we can’t stop data […]
Authorities alert that a new wave of departures from California has begun as brokers receive a surge of inquiries.
Following SpaceX’s groundbreaking and discreet IPO involving OpenAI, a significant shift from California is anticipated, potentially bringing a wave of tech billionaires to Florida. SpaceX’s IPO, which took place on June 12, has valued the company at over $2 trillion, positioning Elon Musk as the world’s first trillionaire and creating around 4,400 new billionaires among […]
Data brokers gather extensive information about you based solely on the online ads you view. Here’s how to put a stop to it.
Digital advertising is everywhere on the Internet—think Google searches, social media, and even your go-to websites. If you’re online a lot, you might just tune them out. However, new research indicates that this persistent presence can actually unearth personal details about users, their interests, and beliefs. Even more concerning, with AI technology, this data can […]
Freedom Caucus Celebrates House Progress on Privacy Protections for Data Against Brokers in Appropriations Bill
House Appropriations Committee Moves to Protect Privacy Rights Members of the Freedom Caucus have expressed their support for the House Appropriations Committee as it passed amendments to a significant funding bill aimed at safeguarding Americans’ privacy from data brokers. “For too long, federal law enforcement has skirted the Constitution by buying and selling personal data […]
Why opting out of data brokers doesn’t completely shield retirees from scams
Have you ever tried to remove your personal details from a data broker site? Maybe you did a quick search of your name online, saw some unsettling information, and ended up spending hours filling out opt-out forms on sites like Spokeo or Whitepages. It’s quite a task, but it’s not entirely fruitless. Still, your information […]
How fraudsters exploit obituaries and data brokers to target widows
Beware of Scammers Targeting Grieving Families Just weeks after losing her husband, Carol received a troubling call. The person on the other end knew her husband’s name, her address, and even her daughter’s name. They claimed to be from a life insurance company, ready to process a claim, but needed Carol’s social security number and […]
How data brokers discreetly create comprehensive profiles from your personal information
Each spring, many of us take on the same tasks: changing smoke detector batteries, cleaning garage spaces, and organizing papers while reviewing our finances. These routines carry significance; they help avert minor issues from escalating into major problems. Yet there’s one area we often overlook: our digital exposure. Similar to our homes, our online presence […]
Data brokers concealed opt-out pages from Google following Senate investigation
Data Broker Opt-Out Pages Hidden from Search Engines If you’ve ever attempted to opt out of data broker sites, you probably know it can be an uphill battle. You search, scroll, and navigate through layers of legal jargon, all while questioning whether they even want you to find a way out. Recently, a U.S. Senate […]