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Data Privacy Week is not just a time for awareness but for action. As the leader in data privacy solutions, we’ve compiled tips from renowned tech/privacy influencers to elevate your digital safety. This collection of expert advice is tailored to help you make informed decisions in the complex world of online data.

Understanding Your Digital Footprint

Most people probably know that their information can be found online, but they likely aren’t aware of how easy it is to find it, or how it got there in the first place. From social media platforms and shopping sites to search engines and communication apps, your digital footprint is constantly expanding. Every click, like, and share contributes to a collage of data that companies may collect, analyze, and potentially misuse.

With a quick Google search using your name and location, you can most likely find your home address, phone number, email address and information about your relatives. Your Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is posted online by data brokers that crawl the web for personal information of consumers, and then compile it into easy-to-find profiles. Data brokers assemble these profiles using information from a variety of sources like government records, self reported information (signing up for a sweepstakes, for example), social media, or even other data brokers.

Here are some great tips from our friends on how to prepare for Data Privacy Week 2024.

Protecting Your PII

Think before you post! When you post something on social media, ask yourself the question: “Could someone use this information against me?” Be super careful when posting pictures of your house, your kids, the school they attend, your car’s registration details, and any other identifying information. Once it is out there, it is almost impossible to completely erase it from the internet. You never know who is watching!

Liron Segev, Security Tech YouTuber

Using the “Could someone use this information against me?” rule of thumb from Liron Segev is a great way to mitigate theyour risk of your PII being exploited.

Another great tip is to use a unique email address for personal communications only: 

To protect your privacy, get a new, private email address that is not used to create logins or sign up for deals and is only shared with close friends and family. This way, you can insulate your private communication and keep that address off the searchable internet. 

Andy Murphy, The Secure Dad

Keeping your email address out of the databases of marketers and data brokers will greatly increase your online privacy and data security. 

Educate Your Network

One of the best things you can do to protect your online privacy is to tell your friends and family about ways that they can stay private online, and the risks associated with having your PII exposed. 

Grandma may think it’s harmless to post a photo of you on your birthday, but scammers can use that info to access your accounts. Make sure your entire family is informed about data privacy!

@notkahnjunior, Privacy Advocate, TikToker

Your PII is commonly linked to the PII of your family members. By educating them on the potential risks of data exposure, and ways to protect their privacy, they can, in turn, help to reduce your risk of data exposure and exploitation.

Parents, do not share personally identifiable information about your children on social media (i.e., full names, birthdates, addresses, schools, etc.) and check the privacy settings of your social media accounts.

Sarah Adams, aka mom.uncharted, Children Privacy Advocate

Social Media is a Treasure Trove of PII

It may be a hassle, but keeping up to date with the privacy policies of your social media platforms is necessary in order to reduce the risk of your personal data falling into the wrong hands.

Tip: Use a service like tosdr.org to grade the privacy policies of your social media platforms, and provide easy-to-understand elements of privacy policies.

Lock down your social media accounts! Unless you’re a public figure, there’s no reason that you should risk exposing all of this personal data on the internet. If you have a Facebook account, be sure that only your friends (not friends of friends!) can view your posts, photos and connections. On Instagram, make your account private. On Twitter, protect your posts so that only your friends can see them (it’s in the privacy settings). It only takes a few minutes of digging through the settings of each of these social media accounts, but it makes a profound difference for your data privacy online. 

Josh Summers, All Things Secured

Hackers and ID thieves can learn a ton about you just by looking at your social media profiles. They may be able to obtain parts of your personal information via the dark web or data breaches, and then use your social media profiles in order to piece together the full picture that they need to commit fraud or identity theft.

Never answer security questions truthfully! “What was your high school mascot?” “What’s your mother’s maiden name?” “What’s the model of your first car?” These questions are easy to find via social media so a malicious actor can easily find these answers (or make an educated guess!) to reset passwords or gain access to online accounts. If you’re forced to fill out these forms, answer these questions with entries that are randomly generated by a password manager or are not truthful. Keep the attackers guessing.

Shannon Morse, Privacy Advocate, YouTuber

Treat Your PII Like Your Home

Whether you rent or own your home, you have some type of insurance policy to protect your belongings in the case that something goes wrong. You lock your front door to ensure that people without the keys to your home can’t get inside. You should do the same with your personal information.

1. Guarding your data is as vital as locking your front door. A quick and easy step you can take today is to regularly update your passwords. Treat them like toothbrushes – change them every few months. It’s a simple habit that builds a strong defense against unwanted intruders.”

2. As a former CIA officer, I’ve learned the value of discretion. Treat your online data with the same level of caution. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible; it’s like having an extra lock on your digital door. This simple step can significantly enhance your data’s security, adding an additional layer that deters unwanted access.

Jason Hanson, former CIA officer, YouTuber

Stay Safe this Data Privacy Week

As you navigate the intricacies of the digital world, Data Privacy Week serves as a timely reminder that your online privacy is worth protecting. By understanding the importance of online privacy and actively participating in initiatives like Data Privacy Week, you can contribute to the creation of a digital world where personal information is respected, safeguarded, and used responsibly. Join us in celebrating Data Privacy Week by taking concrete steps to protect your digital information, and empower others to do the same.

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Upwork is a popular freelancing website that helps connect job hunters with clients around the world. Each year, millions of freelancers, like writers, video editors, and developers use the platform to find work opportunities. 

While Upwork has revolutionized the way freelancers connect with potential projects, it also comes with some risks. As a result of payments being processed through the platform and the huge scale of users that operate on Upwork, there’s sometimes room for things to go wrong. 

Below, we’ll take a look at how safe Upwork really is, and how to protect your privacy anytime you’re using the platform going forward. We’ll explore the following questions:

• How safe is Upwork to use in 2022? 
• What are the risks that Upwork users face? 
• How can you stay safe on Upwork? 
• How can you protect your privacy on Upwork? 

At the end we’ll also explore some popular Upwork safety FAQs, and provide final thoughts.

How safe is Upwork to use in 2022? 

Overall, Upwork is considered relatively safe to use for both freelancers and hiring clients. 

Like many platforms, Upwork takes security of users very seriously, even offering an in-depth guide on how to stay safe on the platform. 

Having said that, staying safe on Upwork is only possible if you take certain precautions. 

To access Upwork, users register and create a profile that details their skillset and fees. Freelancers can browse proposals created by clients and apply within the platform. Clients then hire freelancers based on the proposal and subsequent communication.

Upwork provides several measures to protect users while accessing the platform. 

• Authentication. The platform offers multi-factor authentication for login. Users can opt for a code sent to email or phone to use to access their account. There’re also custom timeout sessions so that accounts never remain logged in accidentally. 

• Asset Protection. All data on the Upwork platform is encrypted in transit using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). Developers also enforce HTTP Strict Transport Security.

• Virus Scanning. According to Upwork’s security center, the platform actually uses machine learning to protect users from the threat of viruses. That means messages or attachments users receive through the platform are scanned for viruses and malware before they open them. 

• Compliance. Upwork also offers a clear guide about compliance measures that their team adheres to in terms of data security. Certifications they hold include SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 & 27018. All demonstrate compliance with leading data and privacy protections. They comply with GDPR, CCPA, and have a voluntary anti-money laundering policy in place. 

Overall, we are very impressed with the information that Upwork provides about safety practices applied to their platform. To find out more, or talk to the Upwork team, you can do so here. 

What are the risks that Upwork users face?  

While Upwork offers a satisfying amount of safety features that are designed to protect users, unfortunately that doesn’t mean the system is foolproof. In fact, there’ve been several reports of users being scammed while using Upwork. 

Anytime you’re dealing with a platform on which you share personal information, there’s never a 100% guarantee that your information is safe.

With all this in mind, we’ve compiled some of the biggest risks you face when using Upwork. 

Scammers 

Upwork makes it relatively easy for users to sign up to the platform with just a few simple personal details. While easy access is a great feature for users, it also means that there’s a risk you might run into scammers on the platform. 

Both freelancers and clients can encounter users that aren’t using the platform for legitimate purposes. While there are ways to report scams to Upwork, sometimes this happens too late. That’s why practicing a degree of precaution when using the platform is very important. 

Risks for freelancers 

Scammers may target freelancers in order to get information. For example, scammers might pretend to be employers and claim they need certain information before offering a job. 

If you share details like name, address, or social security number, there’s a massive risk your information could be used against you. If someone has access to your social security number, for instance, they can try to open lines of credit in your name, among other fraudulent activities. 

Scammers might trick freelancers into purchasing something they believe they need for a project, for example. A client might insist on a freelancer enrolling in an online course they say is needed to get the job done, when in reality it’s a scam.

Worse still, a scammer might share a link claiming to be work related that’s actually malicious.

Risks for clients 

Scammers pretending to be freelancers might request information they claim to use to verify your identity, and you don’t realize it’s a scam until it’s too late. 

In other cases, fake freelancers might share a link claiming to be to their portfolio, when in reality it’s a phishing website that steals your information without you knowing. 

Payment failures

It’s worth remembering that these issues most typically occur with payments made outside the platform. Upwork makes profit by charging a small fee to freelancers for using the platform. This is usually taken out of their pay, whether it’s hourly or per project.

As a result, some users may try to contact you outside of the platform in an effort to avoid paying that fee. Not only does this go against Upwork terms and conditions, and users can be banned, it’s also an added risk for scams surrounding payment transactions. 

When freelancers and clients leave Upwork and communicate privately on different platforms, neither one is covered in the case of a payment issue arising. 

Risks for freelancers 

When a freelancer is the victim of fake payments on Upwork, it’s probably the result of both parties agreeing to take the transaction off the platform. 

While, again, this technically goes against Upwork’s policy, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Unsuspecting freelancers may get sent a fake check that bounces long after the work’s been completed. If it happens off Upwork, you can’t file a complaint or get your money back. 

Risks for clients 

Scammers may also pretend to be freelancers and ask to be paid upfront and not on the platform. Once the money’s been sent, scammers disappear. This leaves clients out of pocket without a completed project. Funds that aren’t paid via Upwork can’t be retrieved.

Data breaches

It’s clear that Upwork takes user data very seriously. That means they apply the best protections to make sure your information is safe. So far, Upwork hasn’t officially reported any major data breaches on their platform. 

However, if a hacker gains access to your email address, for instance, there’s a chance that they can compromise your Upwork profile as well. If any of your information has been shared online, with your knowledge or not, you’re at an increased risk of being exposed to fraud. 

This risk applies to both freelancers and clients using Upwork. 

More importantly, if you have earnings within your Upwork account, such a compromise puts your finances at risk as well. Overlooking common vulnerabilities like easy-to-guess passwords or public social media profiles could make you an easy target.

Bad working relationships 

In addition to scams and data breaches, there’s also simply cases of bad people who just don’t respect the platform or its users. While we hope you don’t encounter bad eggs like this using Upwork, it’s important to practice a degree of caution so you cover your back just in case. 

Risks for freelancers

Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for some clients to ask for a “sample” of work, only to use it and refuse to pay you. More frustrating still is that clients don’t owe freelancers anything once a project is “completed.” 

For example, even if you’ve had verbal confirmation with a client regarding ongoing work, they could just as easily “ghost” you—and this does happen!

Risks for clients 

Upwork relies on a lot of trust. An individual demonstrates their skills and sells their services as part of a trusted transaction. But, sometimes, this arrangement doesn’t go according to plan. 

For one, there is a chance you’ve already received plagiarized work from someone on Upwork. 

A prominent YouTube channel hired a freelancer on Upwork to create a logo. A year later the company was notified there was a copyright claim against the logo. It turned out the freelancer simply copied the logo from another business. 

In the end, YouTube shut the channel down, costing them millions of subscribers and revenue. 

How can you stay safe on Upwork?

There are several common practices you can apply to stay safe when using Upwork, and these skills can also apply to any other online platform. 

Being aware of what risks to look out for and how to avoid them is the most effective way to tighten your Upwork security. 

Don’t rush into projects

Too often, freelancers send a bunch of applications and take the first project that replies. When reviewing a project breakdown, read the entire post and understand what the job involves. Don’t ignore the fine print and protect yourself by taking time to assess whether a role is right for you. 

By taking time to decide whether you should take on a project or not, you’re more likely to notice if something doesn’t seem right about it.  

Similarly, clients may be in a rush to get a project completed without properly checking the freelancer reviews and getting to know who they’re working with. Again, by slowing down and taking time to get to know who you’re hiring, you’re likely to notice if something isn’t right. 

Keep work relationships on Upwork

Upwork can only help to protect its users when they are operating within the platform. If clients or freelancers ask you to communicate through email or WhatsApp, the safety net is gone, as well as being a violation of the Upwork terms and conditions.

While Upwork does take a cut of earnings for helping connect freelancers with clients, it’s a modest amount and worth the investment to protect you from scams. If you operate away from the platform and get scammed, Upwork cannot and will not support you. 

Another important tip to remember when it comes to Upwork safety is to never agree to meet a freelancer or client in person. This can always put you in serious danger. 

If it’s too good to be true… 

We hate to say it, but you know how the rest of the saying goes. 

If you find a role offering payment far exceeding the scope of work, it’s a telltale sign something shifty is going on. Lucrative deals and big money is a trick straight out of a scammer’s playbook. 

Both freelancers and clients need to apply a critical lens when working with others on platforms like Upwork. This can be a powerful tool when it comes to protecting your safety. 

How can you protect your privacy on Upwork?

To limit opportunities for scammers to get your information, you need to protect your privacy both on Upwork and off.

Remove your data from data-broker sites

Data brokers gather online consumer information before eventually selling it off. This usually ends up in the hands of marketers and can lead to increased junk mail and spam calls. 

However, scammers can sometimes acquire this information to use it for malicious purposes, like hacking. With hundreds of data brokers operating in the U.S., that means your personal information could be available to them, even as you’re reading this. 

When you remove your profile from data-broker sites, you better secure your personal identifiable information (PII), increasing the chance that your Upwork profile, as well as other online accounts, will remain secure.

But, be warned: data brokers don’t make removing your information from their databases easy. Opt-out processes can take weeks if not months to process. 

Alternatively, however, a data broker removal service like DeleteMe can save a lot of time and effort by going through the process for you. We’ve helped millions of customers secure personal information and reduce the risk of scammers gaining access to private accounts. 

Don’t share personal information 

This is straightforward and something you should always practice on the Internet. While we might be tempted to share information for one reason or another, keeping your personal information safe means keeping it private, and that’s vital.

Sharing details, like real names or addresses, with others on Upwork means you’ve put yourself at an increased risk of having your privacy compromised and maybe being scammed. 

Complete Upwork’s identity checks

Upwork periodically asks users to go through identity checks to help keep the platform secure and fraud-free. This means, you might be asked to verify your identity by sharing an image of your government ID. You might also need to join a video call to do so.

It’s important to verify your account to keep on top of privacy. By looking after your personal details, you help Upwork support everyone in securing safe and legitimate jobs. 

Upwork safety FAQs

How can you spot a “fake” job posting on Upwork?

While these are never a guaranteed proving ground, there are a few telltale signs you’ve found a fake job posted on Upwork. These might include:

• The pay is way too good to be true.
• The user asks you to negotiate off the platform.
• The user requests personal information, like your social security number.

Can you stay anonymous on Upwork?

Upwork requires identities to be verified against government IDs, meaning you need to use your real name to access the platform. 

So the answer, ultimately, is no—you will not be anonymous on Upwork. 

In your profile, your name is displayed as your “First Name” and “Last Initial,” providing some degree of anonymity, but you’re required to use a professional headshot. However, you choose what information to share with clients when having a private conversation with them. 

Clients are not necessarily required to reveal real names on Upwork. This is because they are allowed to use company information instead of personal information on profiles.

Does Upwork share your address?

As per the privacy policy, Upwork does not share personal information, such as your address. 

However, they may share this information with investigators or legal representatives if there is a police matter involved. 

Should you include your phone number on Upwork?

Though you cannot share your phone number on your public Upwork profile, there’s no policy against freelancers providing phone numbers to clients privately. 

Having said that, we urge you to practice caution when sharing any personal information that could be used maliciously with anyone.

Final thoughts on Upwork safety

Upwork is a fantastic platform for freelancers to connect with potential clients. Thankfully, there are many safety procedures in place to help everyone keep their information secure. Like any online platform, your own awareness about your safety and security is always the key. 

We believe the best way to stay safe on the Internet is to protect your personal information on multiple fronts. In addition to securing your online accounts, it’s important to make sure your data doesn’t ever fall into the wrong hands as well.

Now that you have all the tools you need to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your privacy, we’re confident you can enjoy working on Upwork safely.

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Garnet Hill is a fashion retailer that distributes catalogs to prospective customers. But, if you’re not in the market for womenswear, kidswear, accessories, or home decor, it can be frustrating to watch your mailbox fill with unnecessary mail.

If you are indeed on Garnet Hill’s mailing list, it’s likely you get their seasonal catalog, catalogs from third-party partners, as well as marketing mail about upcoming sales and discounts. 

Removing your details from catalog mailing lists can be a hassle, which is why we made this easy-to-follow guide to help you opt out of Garnet Hill junk mail once and for all. 

How can I cancel the Garnet Hill catalog?

Like most retailers, Garnet Hill now offers online access to their catalog. This means you can view their products digitally, easily reducing paper waste.

To unsubscribe from Garnet Hill, you have to speak to their customer service team directly, and there are a few ways you can do that:

• Follow this link to access the customer service contact page on the Garnet Hill website to submit an email through an online contact form. 

• Call the customer service team directly at 1-800-870-3513, Monday thru Friday.

Although Garnet Hill doesn’t give a time frame for a mailing list removal to be processed, typically customers can expect catalog subscription preferences to be updated within 6 weeks. Keep in mind, it means you could receive marketing in the meantime. 

What if I keep receiving catalogs from Garnet Hill?

If you’re still receiving Garnet Hill junk mail after 6 weeks, and you’ve completed an opt-out request, you still have a few options:

• Send the mail back. If there’s a return address on the parcel, simply write “Refused: Return to Sender” and put it back in the mail.

• Consider filing a formal complaint with Garnet Hill by contacting their customer service.

• Take your security a step further and sign up with DMAchoice and CatalogChoice. These independent platforms help give you more control over junk mail. 

Also, don’t forget to read our guide to canceling catalogs. This includes step-by-step instructions on different ways to opt out of every catalog mailing list. 

How can I make sure I stay off Garnet Hill’s mailing list?

First things first, make sure you never consent to any marketing mail when or if you interact with Garnet Hill or their partners in the future. On top of that, if you really want to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, it’s more important to take full control of your online security. 

Data brokers are usually to blame for your personal information ending up on mailing lists that you never even signed up for. 

These companies gather sensitive information online and sell it to the highest bidder, usually for marketing purposes. These transactions, though legal, can lead to increased amounts of junk mail, spam texts, and even spam calls. 

Removing your information from data-broker sites is possible, but it certainly isn’t easy. That’s why a data broker removal service like DeleteMe might be the best solution. We’ve helped millions of customers remove their personal information and stop junk mail in its tracks. 
Find out more about how DeleteMe can help you, for as little as $10.75 a month.

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Fashion retailer Sundance promotes their latest collections in catalogs they send to recipients from their mailing list. But if you’re tired of having a mailbox clogged with wasteful catalogs, and want to know how to make them stop, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Originally founded by actor Robert Redford, Sundance stocks mens and womenswear, as well as accessories, gifts, and art, all found in the catalog, but also accessible online. 

Read on and learn to stop unnecessary paper waste with this step-by-step guide to unsubscribe from Sundance, and additional tips on stopping junk mail once and for all. 

How do you cancel the Sundance catalog?  

Honestly, Sundance doesn’t make it clear on the website how to unsubscribe from the catalog. But, we did some digging, and to remove your details from the Sundance mailing list, you need to complete a data rights request form. 

With this online form, you can request to stop receiving the Sundance catalog by mail and also request your data be deleted. Here’s how to do it:

• Enter your personal details—name, phone number, and email address—into the submission form and click “Submit.”

• Also, you can email their data privacy representative at dataprivacy@sundance.net and request a catalog opt out there. 

Sundance doesn’t provide a timeframe for the opt-out process, but, in our experience it can take between 4 and 6 weeks for most mailing list removals to be completed. 

Remember, this means that you might receive catalogs during this time. 

What do you do if you keep receiving catalogs from Sundance?

If you continue to receive Sundance catalogs more than 6 weeks after submitting your data rights form, there are a few steps to consider: 

• Write “Refused: Return to Sender” on the label and put the catalog back in the mail. 

• File a formal complaint with customer service. Use these contact details and request that they take immediate action. 

• Register with CatalogChoice. This company can ensure that catalog opt-out requests have been processed the right way. 

• Register with DMAchoice. For only $2 you receive 10 years of coverage and can manage the type of junk mail you receive. 

• Read our guide on the different ways you can opt out of catalog mailing lists. 

How do you stay off Sundance’s mailing list?

As it turns out, staying off mailing lists for good can be quite difficult. That’s because many companies use data brokers to access details on potential customers, such as email addresses, home addresses, even telephone numbers. 

To tackle this issue, you need to make sure data brokers don’t have your personal information on file. But, with hundreds of data brokers in the U.S. alone, this can be tricky. 

The best solution is DeleteMe. We’re the leading data broker removal service, and we opt our clients out of data-broker mailing lists on their behalf. We also monitor these databases to ensure that their information is never relisted. 

Allow the experts to help you take control of your data for as little as $10.75 a month.

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Any time your payment card, or its information, is used for illegitimate transactions without your knowledge or consent, you’ve become the victim of credit card fraud. 

There’s nothing worse than spotting an unusual payment on your statement or getting contacted by your bank to verify a purchase you didn’t make. Despite financial institutions taking security very seriously, credit card fraud is unfortunately on the rise in the U.S. 

If you suspect you’re a victim of credit card fraud, act quickly to stop scammers in their tracks. 

How hackers get your credit card information

Credit card fraud often happens when hackers acquire your personal information or banking details. There’re a number of ways they can do that.

• Unsecure websites. If your Internet browser connects to a website without a secure connection, it becomes vulnerable to hacking, and cybercriminals can compromise your personally identifiable information (PII).

• Physical records containing your social security number. Although social security numbers shouldn’t be on public records, yours could be printed on financial documents that can fall into the wrong hands if not disposed of correctly.

• Phone or email phishing. When scammers impersonate official sources to try to get personal information from you, it’s called “phishing.” This can occur via email, phone, or even text message. 

• Data breaches. Hackers are known to compromise companies’ private records in order to get the personal information of customers and employees. In 2021, there were 2,932 publicly reported breaches, just in the U.S. alone.

• ATMs and credit card readers. Scammers can affix a card-reading device to a legitimate bank or credit card reader—it’s known as “card skimming.” This means they gather card information from anyone unknowingly using the compromised machine. 

Additionally, much of your other personal information might be easily available online, such as on your social media accounts and profiles. 

What credit card companies do to deal with fraud

Of course credit card companies take fraud very seriously, which is why most institutions tend to have dedicated fraud teams and security safeguards to ensure that client data stays protected. 

If a credit card company suspects that your account has been compromised, they might automatically cancel your card alongside the notification that they suspect fraud. 

On the other hand, if you believe you’re the victim of fraud, each institution will have protocol in place to secure your account. Though it’s likely your card will still be canceled and you’ll be issued a replacement, you might need to detail statement charges you don’t recognize. 

If a credit card company determines that fraud has happened on your account, you’ll typically be refunded money lost to the bogus charges.

An investigation into the incident may take place, and in cases where fraud is linked to large amounts of money, banks may notify law enforcement to press charges. 

Steps to take if you’ve been the victim of credit card fraud  

If you’ve been a victim of credit card fraud, or any kind of identity theft, you’re not alone. Cybercriminals’ strategies are constantly evolving, and they’re relentless when it comes to devising and perfecting new methods.

Don’t panic, but try to act fast to get the situation under control, following these steps:

1. Call your card issuer immediately

First of all, notify your credit card issuer by phone. Every credit card company has contact details readily available on their website and a fraud team on hand to help you right away.

Major credit cards like Mastercard or Visa offer zero liability policies. That means you don’t get held responsible for any unauthorized payments made on your card. In most cases, banks also return money to your account immediately, even if your fraud case is still pending.

2. Monitor statements and credit reports

Take time to review your statements to look for charges made on your account. This helps fraud investigations and you, so you understand how long your account may have been exposed. 

Remember, you have rights. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a 1974 federal law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers are protected from unfair billing. For example, it allows you to dispute charges that you didn’t authorize or weren’t delivered. 

Find out more about how to dispute charges on the FTC website. 

3. Change all related passwords and PINs 

In an incident of fraud, it’s essential you change passwords and PINs relating to your financial account, and even your email, just in case hackers accessed other accounts of yours as well.

Even if you canceled your card and changed your account details, you have to remain vigilant going forward so any future fraud gets noticed instantly.

4. Notify credit bureaus  

Notifying credit bureaus that you’ve been a victim of fraud might be a necessary step in securing your accounts. 

The reason for that is, if someone has access to your social security number they might be able to open new lines of credit in your name. 

When you contact the credit bureaus, request the following: 

• A Fraud Alert – requires lenders to verify your identity before opening lines of credit
• A Credit Freeze – restricts access to your credit report; a big red flag for lenders

5. File a report 

Now, not all cases of credit card fraud need to be handled by police. However, you may want to file a police report if it’s been confirmed you’ve been a victim of credit card fraud.

Before you do, visit IdentityTheft.gov and report the fraud to the FTC. This report can be used by law enforcement in their subsequent investigation. 

How DeleteMe can help with credit card fraud 

Many individuals—even those who’ve been the victim of credit card fraud—might be unaware that personal information is constantly being harvested online by data brokers. Credit card fraud stems from knowing your billing address – and that kind of information can be gleaned from public data brokers that DeleteMe removes your information from. 

Data brokers are companies that operate legally, scouring the Internet for data with the goal of selling information like names, addresses, and phone numbers to the highest bidders. 

This information can lead to increased junk mail and robocalls, and also leads to fraud. If you want to reduce the chances of cybercriminals accessing your personal information, then you need to secure your online data. 
To mitigate your risk of credit card fraud, hire a data broker removal service like DeleteMe to scrub your information off data broker sites and keep it secured so that you can rest easy knowing your personal information is safe.

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You don’t need to be a social media influencer or a blogger for your personal information to appear online—simply browsing the web leaves a data trace behind you.

That being said, if you’re someone who wants to know how to better protect their digital privacy, knowing how to hide your identity online is imperative.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to conceal your identity online in just a few simple steps.

Why hiding your identity online is important

The more of your information that’s readily available on the Internet, the more vulnerable you become to nuisances like spam calls or junk mail, and threats like identity theft, scams, cyberstalking, online blackmail, doxxing, or data breaches. 

So, if all your personal details are found on every popular social media platform there is, it requires very little of a fraudster to make you an easy target for increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes and scams.

While you do have some control over your security in some cases—not clicking a suspicious link in a spam text sent to your phone, for example—in others, like a big company data breach, there’s not much you can do. Once the information gets out, it’s out.

Therefore, the more online information about yourself you can hide, the safer you are.

The information of yours that can be found online

When it comes to your personal information online, it’s typically spread out across the Internet, with little pieces of data in lots of places. However, there are some specific places where it tends to accumulate more so than in others.

Below are places your information can be concentrated, along with what data is being collected.

Social media platforms

• Behavioral data – subscriptions, transaction information, cart abandonment, repeated actions, task completion, devices used, time on site, time on app
• Engagement data – website and app interactions, website visits, most viewed pages, likes, shares, replies, email engagement, customer service interactions, ad engagement
• Personal information – full name, location (including country, state, city, zip code, or exact physical address), email, login details, date of birth, gender, race, ethnicity, employment history, credit card details

Online shopping sites

• Personal data – social security number, gender, IP address, web browser cookies, device IDs 
• Engagement data – website and app interactions, most viewed pages, email  engagement, customer service interactions, ad engagement
• Behavioral data – transaction information, cart abandonment, repeated actions, task completion, devices used, time on site, time on app
• Attitudinal data – consumer satisfaction metrics, purchase criteria, product desirability

Data-broker sites

• Personal information – name, phone number, address (including current and previous addresses), email, age, religion, ethnicity, marital status, political party, number of children, names of relatives, household interest, criminal background, medical history, sexual orientation, property value
• Behavioral data – consumer behavior, browsing history

Google and other search engines

• Personal information – name, gender, birthdate, phone numbers, address, workplace, hobbies, interests
• Behavioral data – recent searches, websites visited, videos watched, exact location (for the last several years)  
• Search results – mentions or images of you on any indexed websites 

5 steps to take right now to “hide” yourself on the Internet

Simply keeping your personal information private is the first major step towards minimizing the risk of your data being compromised. Here are a few steps you can take to do it.

1. Clean up your social media

A first easy step to hiding your identity online is to delete any current social media accounts as well as your old accounts that are no longer being used.

When you log onto each platform, make sure to choose to “delete” your account instead of merely “deactivating” it. By deleting the content attached to your profile, you minimize the risk of someone accessing your personal information. 

For any social media platform you truly can’t live without, consider using a nickname instead of your real name, avoid giving out any personal information when registering, and set your profile to “private”—don’t allow other users to tag you. 

Lastly, make sure to carefully go through your privacy settings to disable location tracking for all social media apps on all your devices.

2. Remove Google search results 

This can be a bit complicated, so, for starters, simply Google your name and make a list of every site your name or other personal information is referenced. 

Next, send every site owner or operator a polite request to remove that information. If you’re unsure how to make contact, you can either look for the contact details provided on the website itself, or search for the site owner using the database at Whois.com.

If sensitive information (such as social security number or bank details) is available on a particular site and the site owner refuses your removal request, or simply doesn’t respond, ask Google for help. Fill out this information removal request form and send it in. 

Although Google doesn’t have the authority to remove your information from the site directly, they can stop it from appearing in search results. 

If none of these are successful, you can try to hide certain results by forcing negative content down the search algorithm to overshadow the content you don’t want others to find.

3. Use a VPN and private browsers

A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your IP address and disguises and encrypts your browsing traffic while you surf the web. It’s a great way to prevent anyone from tracking your behavioral or engagement data.

While there are plenty of free VPNs to choose from, always make sure to carefully read privacy policies and customer reviews so you can be confident your VPN provider doesn’t sell your information in exchange for free software.

Also, we recommend using a privacy focused browser like DuckDuckGo to prevent third-party tracking. Private browsers automatically erase browsing history, search history, and cookies. A private browser also limits web tracking, making it harder for websites to keep tabs on you.

4. Protect your email, phone number, and address details 

A good rule of thumb is to never share your email, phone number, or address with anyone online, aside from a few exceptions.

For example, when online banking, adding a phone number to enable two-factor authentication to your account can create an extra layer of security, so in this case it’s a good idea.

But, when online shopping or signing up for free platforms, it’s a different matter altogether. 

In these cases, we recommend using prepaid phone numbers not connected to your name, temporary email addresses (or a separate email address for just these purposes), or using privacy focused email providers such as ProtonMail. 

5. Remove your information from data-broker sites

Data brokers collect and amass consumer personal data from various online sources, such as public records, social media, and browsing histories, and sell it off for big profits. 

There are over 500 data brokers operating in the U.S. alone, spreading your information around the web to the highest bidders. While what they do is legal, it is one of the main reasons why your personal information ends up compromised and published online. 

Therefore, removing yourself from each of these databases is an essential step to reinforcing your Internet privacy. To do this, you can either go through the process on your own using our free DIY opt-out guides, or sign up for our service at DeleteMe and we can do it all for you.

Taking control of your online security 

With a better idea about the kind of information that’s collected about you online, and where it’s collected from, perhaps it provides you with a clearer understanding of some of the dangers that exist when you don’t take your online security seriously.

Be smart about what you share online, remove sensitive information from social media, Google, and data-broker sites, and use a VPN and private browsers at all times. Then, you too will be able to keep your information safe and protect your online privacy. 

You can now directly request personal information to be removed from Google. To request the content removal you just need to answer a few questions and provide necessary evidence by filling out Google’s Content Removal Request.

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The dangers of sharing your personal information online are often underestimated. 

In fact, sharing various personal details online is so commonplace at this point, it’s almost impossible to bear in mind that it makes you more vulnerable to multiple different online security threats, including spam, cyberstalking, doxxing, online blackmail, even identity theft.

Read on to learn the risks of sharing your personal information online, the personal information you should never give out, and how to better protect your information on the web.

How your information ends up online in the first place

You often are your own worst enemy when it comes to sharing private information online. 

However, the bad news is, even if you’ve never willingly shared your details yourself, it’s likely there’s still a lot of information about you on the Internet that’s readily available. That data comes from sources that you may not be aware of including utility providers. 

The reason for this is the work of data brokers.

Data brokers collect and amass consumers’ personal data from various online sources, like public records, social media, browsing histories, and they sell it off to reap big profits. Often, it’s to third-party marketers, but it can also simply be to the highest bidders. 

Technically, data broker transactions aren’t illegal. After all, they collect information that’s available to the public, and simply bundle it together into a detailed profile. This is the main reason why your personal information ends up compromised.

With hundreds of operating data brokers, this means there are also hundreds of listings of your, and everyone else’s, personal private information. 

Below is an example of a data broker site called Whitepages and the diverse array of details they’re able to collect about consumers like you.

They have phone numbers, current and previous addresses, even your criminal records, all readily available for anyone willing to look, and pay.

The risks of sharing personal information online

The dangers of sharing personal information online are numerous. Bottom line: the more information of yours available on the Internet, the more vulnerable you are to threats.

1. Identity theft

If enough of your information is compromised online, you can become a target for identity theft. 

Personal data can be used to make online purchases, apply for credit cards or loans, even claim unemployment benefits. Untangling the web identity theft can weave when you become a victim is incredibly stressful, and it may take a long time to get your life back.

2. Online spam and scams

There are many different methods to online scams, like spam texts or robocalls, that pose as banking institutions or government agencies. The more information that is available about you on the Internet, the more sophisticated these frauds targeting you can be.

3. Doxxing

Doxxing (or doxing) is when your identity, or sensitive personal information, is exposed without your permission. 

This became known as a revenge tactic hackers took to reveal identities of rivals, but has been regularly used of late to harass, intimidate, or punish innocent victims. Public figures, reporters, and gamers are often targets, but anyone with compromised information is at risk.

3. Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a crime that involves the use of technology to harass or stalk someone. 

The goal of most cyberstalkers is to annoy, embarrass, or threaten victims. Common forms include false accusation, data manipulation, online blackmail, online threats, or monitoring a target’s online and offline activity.

4. Online blackmail

The threat of having your sensitive private information exposed online can also make you a victim of online blackmail (often referred to as online extortion). 

This is when someone has threatened to reveal damaging private information about you online in exchange for payment or some other benefit.

Examples of personal information you should never give out 

As we’ve stated, the more information available about you online, the more vulnerable you are to the aforementioned dangers. 

However, some information can be more sensitive than others. After all, a criminal can do a lot more damage with your social security number than they can with your marital status. Below are some examples of the most sensitive information you should never give out online.

Addresses and locations

If your address is published online it doesn’t just result in junk mail. It can also make you a target for privacy threats like stalking and doxxing.

Phone numbers

A phone number published online will make you a target for relentless telemarketing and deceptive robocalls. This is reason enough to keep your number private, but there’s more risk as well. You could also become the victim of a sophisticated phishing scam.

Social Security or ID numbers 

As a general rule, never share your social security number (SSN) or ID number online.

While legitimate online platforms might require you to confirm your identity using your SSN or ID number, in these cases you should always double-check to make sure the website is legitimate and you’re not the unwitting target of a phishing scam. 

If your SSN or IDN ends up in the wrong hands, it can easily lead to identity theft.

Financial details

For obvious reasons, you should never give out financial details online, but this doesn’t just refer to credit card or bank account numbers. Never give out passwords or login details, and make sure never to allow any automatic authorizations.

What you can do to keep personal information private right now

Simply keeping personal information private is the first important step towards minimizing the risk of your data being compromised. 

Taking the actions below will help effectively delete your personal information from the Internet.

1. Remove yourself from data-broker sites

As mentioned, data brokers are one of the main reasons your personal information gets compromised in the first place. Therefore, removing yourself from each and every one of their databases is an essential step to reinforcing your Internet privacy.

To do this, you can go through the process on your own using these free DIY opt-out guides, or you can sign up for our service at DeleteMe and we can do it for you.

While these opt-out processes aren’t impossible to do on your own, they are time consuming. 

With over 500 sites in the U.S. alone, many of which are notorious for relisting profiles after they’ve been removed, constantly monitoring them to ensure your personal information remains safe and secure can be a task that might be too big for just you.

2. Use strong passwords

An easy step toward better online security is being smart about passwords. 

Passwords should be changed regularly,and you should never use the same password across different devices or sites.

Unique passwords (at least 12 characters with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols) for each account is a great way to keep your information safe. 

We also recommend using a password manager to generate strong passwords and keep them all safely in one place.

3. Use a VPN and a private browser

A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your IP address and disguises and encrypts your browsing traffic while you surf the web. It’s a great way to prevent anyone from tracking your browsing history, and especially important when using free WiFi.

There are plenty of free VPNs you can choose from, but always make sure to carefully read privacy policies and customer reviews so you can be confident the VPN provider doesn’t sell your information in exchange for free software.

Also, we recommend privacy focused browsers like DuckDuckGo to prevent third-party tracking.

4. Secure your social media profiles

If you haven’t already, set all your social media profiles to “private,” and always use a nickname.

Delete any content that may reveal too much private information about yourself, and it’s also a good idea to delete any old accounts you’re no longer using. 

You should also disable location tracking for all social media apps on all your devices.

5. Verify all your apps

Many apps (especially free ones) make money by selling user data. 

Always make sure to review the app terms of use and check privacy settings with all apps and your phone. Disable the tracking feature to prevent apps tracking you, and, additionally, delete apps you no longer use or need. 

After you’ve deleted an app, contact an app admin directly and ask for all your information to be removed from their databases.

6. Be careful shopping online

Whenever possible, avoid giving out personal information such as phone number, full name, or email address when making online purchases. 

Avoid creating accounts for various e-commerce sites and delete accounts you might already have. This information is often sold to data brokers.

If you make an online purchase and have to provide an email, we recommend masked email.

Protecting your privacy one personal detail at a time

If you want to protect your privacy and reinforce your security, the first line of defense is to never share personal information online and remove as much existing information as possible.
Information like your address, phone number, social security or ID number, and financial details should always be kept safe and secure at all times in order to avoid various threats like spam, cyberstalking, doxxing, and identity theft.

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Adam & Eve is a popular retailer for adult products that’s also been known to send frequent marketing materials to recipients on their mailing list. 

However, if you’re not in the market for a sex toy or lingerie, it might be a little awkward to receive the company’s catalogs and promotions in you mailbox

If you want to opt out of receiving the Adam & Eve catalog, or other junk mail, you’ve come to the right place. Below, find an easy method to remove yourself from their mailing list. 

What type of junk mail does Adam & Eve send?

Adam & Eve’s product line stocks a collection of sex toys for men and women, as well as other intimate products like lingerie and lube. All marketing is based around these products.

While all purchases are delivered discreetly in an anonymous brown envelope, it can be fairly obvious where a package, or even a catalog or marketing mail, has arrived from. 

How do I cancel Adam & Eve marketing mail?

Adam & Eve customers can easily update marketing settings in their online account. If you’re either unable to access your account, or don’t have one, do the following: 

• Contact Adam & Eve customer service directly by calling them at 1-800-382-1888. You can also contact them via email with this online contact form. 

• Alternatively, put your request in writing, and mail it to Adam & Eve care of: Customer Service, PO Box 8200, Hillsborough, NC 27278, Attention: Privacy. 

On the company website, Adam & Eve states it can take up to 2 weeks for an opt-out request to process. Keep in mind, you could receive solicitation from the company during that time. 

What if I keep receiving catalogs from Adam & Eve?

If you’ve opted out of receiving Adam & Eve marketing, but are still getting junk mail from them after 6 weeks, there are still actions you can take.

The first thing you can do is try to send the junk mail back to them. If the parcel has a return address, write “Refused: Return to Sender” on it and put it back in the mail. 

Also, you may want to consider making a formal complaint to Adam & Eve by contacting their customer service team directly at the contact information listed above.

For further precaution, we suggest you also sign up with CatalogChoice and DMAchoice where you can take more control over the type of spam you’re sent by mail.

Make sure you also read our guide on canceling catalogs for step-by-step instructions on opting out of different kinds of catalog mailing lists. 

How can I make sure I stay off Adam & Eve’s mailing list?

The most important thing to do is to be careful about privacy terms you agree to when or if you communicate with Adam & Eve in the future. 

Also, bear in mind, it’s quite hard to keep your name off marketing mailing lists because companies employ the use of data brokers to acquire your marketing data. Also, companies often share this customer information with third parties. 

If you want to tackle the problem at its root cause, removing your profile from data-broker sites is the only effective solution. Unfortunately, it might be confusing where to begin this process because any of the hundreds of data brokers in operation might have your information. 

At DeleteMe, our online privacy experts have helped millions of customers remove their information from data-broker sites, and kept it secure. We continue to monitor these databases to prevent you from ever receiving more spam, including robocalls and texts.

Sign up today for as little as $10.75 a month to put a stop to junk mail once and for all.

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Athleta, a sister brand to Old Navy, GAP, Banana Republic, is an athletic clothing line that often sends marketing and promotional material by mail to prospective customers. 

However, if you’re not interested in updating your gym wardrobe, you might want to put a stop to this unnecessary junk mail building up in your mailbox. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you how to put an end to Athleta junk mail by opting out of the mailing list.

The type of junk mail Athleta sends

The cornerstone of Athleta’s marketing mail is its catalog, a look book that showcases the retailer’s latest collections. 

However, it’s also possible you might also receive fliers or leaflets for seasonal deals or special offers, both from Athleta and the other brands it’s linked to. 

How do you cancel the Athleta catalog 

Although Athleta makes it easy to sign up to receive their catalog, the same can’t be said for what it takes for recipients to unsubscribe. 

What you need to do first is visit the Communication Preferences page on the Athleta website. Enter your email address to unsubscribe online marketing. 
However, you also need to visit the Privacy Settings page on GAP’s website to request that your personal information be deleted from their records.

You can also call Athleta customer service to speak directly to a team member and request to be removed from the company mailing list. The number is 1-877-328-4538.

While Athleta doesn’t provide a timeframe for the mailing list removal process, in our experience this can take between 4 to 6 weeks before it takes effect. 

What to do if you keep receiving catalogs from Athleta

If you’ve opted out of the Athleta mailing list but are still receiving marketing mail after 6 weeks, we suggest taking a few supplemental actions.

For one thing, you can send the junk mail back. Simply write “Refused: Return to Sender” on the parcel and put it back in the mail. 

If the junk mail persists, file a formal complaint with their customer service department. You can find additional contact information here, and you can also contact them via Twitter. 

As an added precaution, we also suggest you register for CatalogChoice and DMAchoice, two independent platforms that can help you reduce the amount of spam you receive. 

Furthermore, don’t forget to read our guide on canceling catalogs for many different ways you can opt out of catalog mailing lists. 

How to make sure you stay off Athleta’s mailing list

Most importantly, don’t consent to receive any further marketing if or when you purchase products from either Athleta, or any of its partner brands. 

Unfortunately, however, even if you take some or all of the measures above, it may not be able to guarantee that you’ll stop receiving junk mail for good. That’s because many companies work with data brokers to acquire your marketing information. 

Data brokers amass publicly available information online to sell to the highest bidders. Not only is this what leads to the uptick in junk mail and catalogs you receive, spam texts and robocalls as well. If you want it to stop, you need to take back your data from data brokers. 

While it is doable, it’s not easy. There are hundreds of data-broker sites in operation, and you need to remove your information from each one, individually. 

Alternatively, you can also hire data-removal specialists to do it for you. DeleteMe scours data-broker sites for your information on your behalf, opts you out wherever you’re listed, and ensures a decrease in the amount of junk mail you receive. 
Sign up for only $10.75 a month and take control of your online personal information.

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Designer Shoe Warehouse, or DSW, is a popular American retailer that sells name-brand shoes, handbags, and accessories. 

Unfortunately, they also send frequent marketing material to encourage prospective customers to buy products—solicitations that can easily be classified as junk mail.

For anyone who wants to put a stop to DSW junk mail and unsubscribe from their mailing list, we’ve put together this straightforward guide to do just that, and more. 

The type of junk mail DSW sends 

Since DSW is an online retailer, you can obviously expect to receive your purchases via mail if you’re currently a customer. 

However, whether you want to or not, you’ll also receive catalogs, product announcements, as well as fliers advertising upcoming special offers or sales events. 

How to unsubscribe from the DSW mailing list 

In order to keep marketing to you, most companies tend to make unsubscribing from their mailing list confusing, unclear, or difficult.

This appears to be the case with DSW, as no useful information is provided on the website in regards to use of personal information or opting out of mailing lists. 

In light of that, we suggest you contact the DSW customer service department directly to make a formal request for your information to be removed from their mailing list.

• Contact DSW customer service by phone at 1-866-379-7463
• Contact DSW customer service by email at customerservice@dsw.com

You can also get help unsubscribing from DSW by registering at CatalogChoice. This independent service helps customers opt out of junk mail, specifically catalogs.

Also, consider registering with DMAchoice as well, another independent service that filters out marketing mail you don’t want to receive (note: this applies only to mail from marketers you’ve never had correspondence with).  

While DSW doesn’t provide a timeframe for how long a mailing list opt-out process might take, in our experience you can expect to wait between 4 to 6 weeks for it to take effect.   

What to do if you keep receiving marketing material from DSW 

As mentioned, your request won’t take immediate effect. But, if it’s been 6 weeks since your opt-out request was confirmed and you still receive DSW junk mail, try the following: 

• Write “Refused: Return to sender” on the front of any junk mail from DSW with a return address and put it back in the mail.

• Make a formal complaint to DSW by contacting their customer service team. Further contact details, as well as a live chat option, can be found here.

How to stay off DSW’s mailing list for good 

If you think you receive too much unwanted marketing mail from companies, including DSW, the best thing to do is opt out from as many mailing lists as possible. 

However, it can be incredibly difficult to stay off these marketing lists, even if you’ve never had any correspondence with a particular company before. It’s because there’s a good chance online data brokers sold them your personal information without your consent.

Data brokers gather publicly available information online, and package it to sell for marketing purposes—sometimes to the highest bidder. It’s completely legal, but can lead to increased junk mail, robocalls, and spam text messages for you. 

Therefore, the only effective way to stop junk mail once and for all is to opt out of the data brokers themselves. This is doable, but with over 500 individual data brokers operating in the U.S. alone, each with different opt-out processes, it takes a lot of time and energy. 

As an alternative, you could hire a data-broker removal service to do all of it for you. DeleteMe is the market leader, and for over ten years has helped customers take control of their data. 

DeleteMe specializes in removing personal data from data broker sites, and once removed, monitors these databases to make sure your information never gets relisted.Plans start at $10.75 a month, so click here and start seeing a reduction in junk mail right away.