Would it surprise you to know that in all likelihood your Social Security number is freely available for sale to anyone who wants to buy it? The same is true of your phone number, address, date of birth, and much more.
That’s because there are companies known as data brokers whose business is to buy personal data from websites, app developers, and other sources in order to offer it for resale. Fortunately, Incogni is here to help – 9to5Mac readers can get a massive 55% discount.
Whether we’re registering with a website or using a new app, we will typically be required to check a box saying that we agree to the privacy policy. Most of us never read it, but even if we did, it likely wouldn’t help much.
These lengthy texts are usually full of vague terminology like “we will share your data with selected partners.” It’s not at all obvious that this means they will sell it to data brokers who will in turn resell it to their customers.
In the best of cases, your personal data is purchased by companies wanting to target you with ads. In the worst case, hackers gain access to that data, where it is made available to scammers and identity thieves.
You don’t have to take our word for it. You can carry out your own Google search to find out what personal data is available, or you can even ask ChatGPT. You’ll likely find not only an eye-opening array of personal data, but also information about family members, relationships, and employment history.
While it is possible to issue your own takedown requests to data brokers, that’s far easier said than done. Many hide the links you need and force you to jump through lots of hoops in order to issue your requests. Others break the law by not providing the links in the first place. And if you do succeed, you’ll have to do it all over again shortly afterwards as new data is added all of the time.
The far simpler approach is to use Incogni. The service scrubs your personal data from the web, confronting hundreds of the world’s data brokers on your behalf – not just once, but repeatedly. And unlike other services, Incogni helps remove your sensitive information from all broker types, including those tricky People Search Sites.
One Redditor discovered that his phone number, home address, and mother’s name were all accessible in just two clicks after his personal data was used by a scammer.
“Someone called me, my ex, his girlfriend, my brother, my cousin, and my parents asking for me. He knew everyone’s names and even my workplace.”
Incogni works by continually tracking down and removing your personal data from a wide range of sources, including data brokers, genealogy websites, and social media.
With the company’s Unlimited plan, you can even send links you’ve discovered yourself and Incogni will take care of it for you.
For a limited time, 9to5Mac readers can use this link to claim a 55% discount.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
