Calls and emails from scammers are common, which leaves many of us wondering, how they got my information. Some of the more popular ways are:
- Contests
- Warranty Cards
- Surveys
- Social Media
- Public Records
- Data Breaches
- Mail with Personal Information
- Death in the Family
• Contests. Online gateways to unwanted sales pitches. Not only do marketers collect information like name, age and address, they may learn that you like to travel or buying a car. Also, they know you believe in luck, which could make you a target.
• Warranty Cards. You fill out a warranty card that requests information about how much money you make is likely being sold to others, either legitimately or as part of a scam.
• Surveys. Completing questionnaires about your stay at a hotel or the service at a restaurant, selling data is big business, and marketing firms and criminals learn about you based on your preferences, type of home you own or car you drive.
• Data Breaches. Your information in the wrong hands can result in identity theft and cost you thousands and years to recover from. More info.
Don’t post personal information online unless you’re sure about the legitimacy of the website.
• Social Media. Scammers turn to social media postings to learn more about their target. Avoid real-time updates about your whereabouts and restrict who can see your posts.• Public Record. Available at all levels of government, including census data, property information, criminal records, bankruptcies and tax liens. Private companies gather this information and sell to anyone including criminals.
• Letter Mail. Shred it if it has your name, address, account numbers, or other personal infobefore discarding.
• Death in the family. Obituaries are treasure troves for scammers, who learn the names of vulnerable family. Honor the dead, but keep personal information to a minimum.