Pretexting
Impersonating someone credible to extract information or access.
In more detail
A pretexting attack opens with facts about you that only a legitimate caller should know — your address, your previous address, your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of an account. Those facts are usually bought from a data broker for a few cents.
Why it matters to you
The reason a scam call is convincing is the accurate detail at the start. Removing your broker listings directly reduces the quality of the script someone can build.
What to do
Remove broker listings, and separately set a verbal passcode on your mobile carrier account and your bank.
- SIM swap
An attacker persuades your mobile carrier to move your phone number to their device.
- Doxxing
Publishing someone's private identifying information — usually a home address — to expose them to harassment.
- Data broker
A company that collects personal information about people it has no relationship with, and sells it.
More terms
- People-search site
- Skip tracing
- Swatting
- FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA)
- File disclosure
- Expungement
- Record sealing
- Clean Slate law
- Ban the box / fair-chance hiring
- Adverse action notice
- California Delete Act
- DROP (Deletion Request and Opt-out Platform)
- CCPA / CPRA
Full glossary