Accounts And Identity
Data broker scam
A scam using personal details to seem credible.
What it means
A scammer uses information found in leaks, public records, social media, or data broker profiles to make a message feel personal and believable.
Example
An email includes your old password, address, or workplace to make a threat seem real.
Warning signs
- The scammer knows some real personal details.
- They use the details to scare or pressure you.
- They claim to have more information than they show.
- They demand payment or secrecy.
Safer next steps
- Do not assume the threat is real just because some details are correct.
- Change reused or exposed passwords.
- Review privacy settings and data broker removal options.
- Save evidence before blocking or reporting.