Technique

Data Brokers

Also known as: People Search Sites, Data Aggregators, Information Brokers, Information Resellers, Consumer Data Companies, Consumer Reporting Agencies

TARGETING

Companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information about consumers they have no direct relationship with. Data brokers compile profiles from public records, social media, purchase histories, web browsing, mobile apps, and other sources, creating detailed dossiers on hundreds of million…

Common attack flows

How it fits in a scam

This technique shows up duringTARGETING

Before

After

Defense

How to defend against this

How to spot it

  • Receiving scam calls with accurate personal details from unknown sources
  • Finding your info on people search sites you never signed up for
  • Getting targeted solicitations shortly after life events like moving or marriage
  • Unknown callers who know your name and address before you identify yourself
  • Personalized phishing referencing specific details you have not publicly shared
  • Repeated re-targeting by different scammers after falling for one scam (revictimization pattern)
  • Unsolicited mail from companies you have never interacted with using correct personal details

Tools you can use

Steps you can take

Further reading