{"id":9031,"date":"2024-02-01T13:39:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T18:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/?post_type=doxxing&#038;p=9031"},"modified":"2024-02-01T13:39:59","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T18:39:59","slug":"the-dangers-of-doxxing","status":"publish","type":"doxxing","link":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/dangers-of-doxxing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Doxxing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-is-doxxing\">What Is Doxxing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#dangers-of-doxxing\">Dangers of Doxxing<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#harassment\">Harassment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cyberstalking\">Cyberstalking<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#stalking\">Stalking<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#impersonation\">Impersonation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#reputational-harm\">Reputational harm<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#swatting\">Swatting\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#vandalism\">Vandalism\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#identity-theft\">Identity theft<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#anxiety-and-psychological-distress\">Anxiety and psychological distress<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-does-doxxing-happen\">How Does Doxxing Happen?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#becoming-undoxxable\">Becoming Undoxxable<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Few people are aware of the dangers of <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/what-is-doxxing-how-to-protect-against-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doxxing<\/a>. But more need to know that having your personal information shared on the internet can be a gateway to malicious behavior and even serious crimes, as we\u2019ll see in this guide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-doxxing\">What Is Doxxing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-does-doxxing-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doxxing occurs<\/a> when someone else publishes your personal information online without your permission. It may be intentional or accidental &#8211; either way, it\u2019s considered doxxing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, doxxing incidents are on an upward trajectory. Anyone can become a victim of doxxing for any reason &#8211; including criticizing a celebrity or posting something someone doesn\u2019t like on social media or an online forum.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"709\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jv3fWjE0TiTx9aioiN4xazy5UhjE45qToqXSndeipRPjHD_I1YKDQ3KnRiNhsHAD-vJvGI33Wf95nyA8NI2qfJ32aCyn7fvbBlqaXWQnOxP_A8-Y46j2TUbIUG13QGWG4OqoRce04TjypnrH8FxM3cY-1-1024x709.png\" alt=\"Business Insider article headline about being doxxed by Taylor Swift fans for criticizing her Eras tour \" class=\"wp-image-9032\" style=\"width:485px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jv3fWjE0TiTx9aioiN4xazy5UhjE45qToqXSndeipRPjHD_I1YKDQ3KnRiNhsHAD-vJvGI33Wf95nyA8NI2qfJ32aCyn7fvbBlqaXWQnOxP_A8-Y46j2TUbIUG13QGWG4OqoRce04TjypnrH8FxM3cY-1-1024x709.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jv3fWjE0TiTx9aioiN4xazy5UhjE45qToqXSndeipRPjHD_I1YKDQ3KnRiNhsHAD-vJvGI33Wf95nyA8NI2qfJ32aCyn7fvbBlqaXWQnOxP_A8-Y46j2TUbIUG13QGWG4OqoRce04TjypnrH8FxM3cY-1-300x208.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jv3fWjE0TiTx9aioiN4xazy5UhjE45qToqXSndeipRPjHD_I1YKDQ3KnRiNhsHAD-vJvGI33Wf95nyA8NI2qfJ32aCyn7fvbBlqaXWQnOxP_A8-Y46j2TUbIUG13QGWG4OqoRce04TjypnrH8FxM3cY-1-768x532.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jv3fWjE0TiTx9aioiN4xazy5UhjE45qToqXSndeipRPjHD_I1YKDQ3KnRiNhsHAD-vJvGI33Wf95nyA8NI2qfJ32aCyn7fvbBlqaXWQnOxP_A8-Y46j2TUbIUG13QGWG4OqoRce04TjypnrH8FxM3cY-1.png 1283w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dangers-of-doxxing\">Dangers of Doxxing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having your personal information exposed without your consent can lead to the following malicious behaviors:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"harassment\">Harassment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once someone knows who you are and has your contact information, they can harass you. Harassment refers to any unwanted behavior, verbal or physical, that makes you feel uncomfortable, distressed, or humiliated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harassment can happen through various channels, including online messaging apps, social media platforms, phone calls and text messages, or mail. Perpetrators can sometimes target family members as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cyberstalking\">Cyberstalking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone uses your doxxed information to contact you or harass you repeatedly, it\u2019s considered cyberstalking &#8211; and it can be incredibly scary, as this Reddit post indicates.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8pX4yu4cQ31YTKnbbnK0S7GWaYmpkku-lxRMMapiGjoZCpBGbsE7-xD0wAtA8W7hsc6yDD0VoyLJshfqRW_174ItNbKmQUJGIWBErWcoEy94caqk5IHdT_OqTu8q6Vk4zMoinqoYbSq9qo43QJS6lUo-1024x402.png\" alt=\"Reddit post about being stalked online and not knowing what to do\" class=\"wp-image-9033\" style=\"width:578px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8pX4yu4cQ31YTKnbbnK0S7GWaYmpkku-lxRMMapiGjoZCpBGbsE7-xD0wAtA8W7hsc6yDD0VoyLJshfqRW_174ItNbKmQUJGIWBErWcoEy94caqk5IHdT_OqTu8q6Vk4zMoinqoYbSq9qo43QJS6lUo-1024x402.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8pX4yu4cQ31YTKnbbnK0S7GWaYmpkku-lxRMMapiGjoZCpBGbsE7-xD0wAtA8W7hsc6yDD0VoyLJshfqRW_174ItNbKmQUJGIWBErWcoEy94caqk5IHdT_OqTu8q6Vk4zMoinqoYbSq9qo43QJS6lUo-300x118.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8pX4yu4cQ31YTKnbbnK0S7GWaYmpkku-lxRMMapiGjoZCpBGbsE7-xD0wAtA8W7hsc6yDD0VoyLJshfqRW_174ItNbKmQUJGIWBErWcoEy94caqk5IHdT_OqTu8q6Vk4zMoinqoYbSq9qo43QJS6lUo-768x302.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8pX4yu4cQ31YTKnbbnK0S7GWaYmpkku-lxRMMapiGjoZCpBGbsE7-xD0wAtA8W7hsc6yDD0VoyLJshfqRW_174ItNbKmQUJGIWBErWcoEy94caqk5IHdT_OqTu8q6Vk4zMoinqoYbSq9qo43QJS6lUo.png 1384w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stalking\">Stalking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes doxxing victims are stalked not only online but in real life, too. If someone doxxes your home address or place of work, it\u2019s possible that a bad actor could show up in person to see you or follow your movements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with cyberstalking and harassment, it\u2019s not just you who might be stalked &#8211; your family is at risk, as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"impersonation\">Impersonation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While identity theft can result in serious financial trouble, impersonation brings its own level of distress with it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once someone has your personal information, they can set up fake accounts in your name and use them to mislead or steal from your friends and family, post hateful comments, or send threats to other users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/CZeWonO4CwKz3yB7HzMB_C6qbHP02PQeiMySnebZOvUmHx_TSXFJ8-2aka_V-bf0IiNqZNsKnT3LVXSXtsBqzqYkPuspvNcUBkZncEZf8wwoZAxKA8oHJMI3VnqWjF8H1fm2gK57bE7OOeaha3jssRA-1024x344.png\" alt=\"Reddit post about being impersonated on social media  \" class=\"wp-image-9034\" style=\"width:572px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/CZeWonO4CwKz3yB7HzMB_C6qbHP02PQeiMySnebZOvUmHx_TSXFJ8-2aka_V-bf0IiNqZNsKnT3LVXSXtsBqzqYkPuspvNcUBkZncEZf8wwoZAxKA8oHJMI3VnqWjF8H1fm2gK57bE7OOeaha3jssRA-1024x344.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/CZeWonO4CwKz3yB7HzMB_C6qbHP02PQeiMySnebZOvUmHx_TSXFJ8-2aka_V-bf0IiNqZNsKnT3LVXSXtsBqzqYkPuspvNcUBkZncEZf8wwoZAxKA8oHJMI3VnqWjF8H1fm2gK57bE7OOeaha3jssRA-300x101.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/CZeWonO4CwKz3yB7HzMB_C6qbHP02PQeiMySnebZOvUmHx_TSXFJ8-2aka_V-bf0IiNqZNsKnT3LVXSXtsBqzqYkPuspvNcUBkZncEZf8wwoZAxKA8oHJMI3VnqWjF8H1fm2gK57bE7OOeaha3jssRA-768x258.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/CZeWonO4CwKz3yB7HzMB_C6qbHP02PQeiMySnebZOvUmHx_TSXFJ8-2aka_V-bf0IiNqZNsKnT3LVXSXtsBqzqYkPuspvNcUBkZncEZf8wwoZAxKA8oHJMI3VnqWjF8H1fm2gK57bE7OOeaha3jssRA.png 1398w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reputational-harm\">Reputational harm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, the personal information that\u2019s doxxed &#8211; such as a message sent in confidence &#8211; can lead to significant reputational harm if shared with the public. If you\u2019ve ever said or done something that might be perceived as controversial, having it get out in the open could harm your reputation or even get you fired.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, doxxers might not even wait to confirm it was you who said or did something controversial.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the case of Nintendo staffer <a href=\"https:\/\/money.cnn.com\/2016\/03\/31\/technology\/nintendo-alison-rapp\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison Rapp<\/a>, who, despite having nothing to do with a particular change in Nintendo\u2019s games, was held accountable for the change by GamerGate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The passionate but misled users of GamerGate proceeded to harass Rapp and dig up any information they could on her. It was enough for Nintendo to fire her, ostensibly because the doxxing revealed she had a second job (which Rapp contended was not against company policy).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also instances of mistaken identity, which is what happened to finance executive <a href=\"https:\/\/nymag.com\/intelligencer\/2020\/06\/what-its-like-to-get-doxed-for-taking-a-bike-ride.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peter Weinberg<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weinberg was contacted late at night by multiple internet users who were accusing him of ramming adults with his bike, hitting children, and being racist &#8211; despite it not being him in the viral video.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mistaken but irate internet users doxxed Weinberg to find him, using an online app that publicly shared bike routes. Since Weinberg sometimes cycled the route and looked vaguely like the perpetrator, he was (wrongly) held accountable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"929\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Xekdqe8A0Do7yx-jpAGUGBXHDBJ1Kx5bT00ul6-_hJOFSWX8mbBBc8TQbtfUWbhFq-kDPOttkk8_b4N_JZMn88Ciu2AJ3qyUXguQGVl3x2pUAQxmDF5-O2xt-a1aYQhKNG5WwXATBv9UzFS0gopdb98-1-929x1024.png\" alt=\"X\/twitter post asking to identify the wrong man for hitting a child in the park\" class=\"wp-image-9035\" style=\"width:455px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Xekdqe8A0Do7yx-jpAGUGBXHDBJ1Kx5bT00ul6-_hJOFSWX8mbBBc8TQbtfUWbhFq-kDPOttkk8_b4N_JZMn88Ciu2AJ3qyUXguQGVl3x2pUAQxmDF5-O2xt-a1aYQhKNG5WwXATBv9UzFS0gopdb98-1-929x1024.png 929w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Xekdqe8A0Do7yx-jpAGUGBXHDBJ1Kx5bT00ul6-_hJOFSWX8mbBBc8TQbtfUWbhFq-kDPOttkk8_b4N_JZMn88Ciu2AJ3qyUXguQGVl3x2pUAQxmDF5-O2xt-a1aYQhKNG5WwXATBv9UzFS0gopdb98-1-272x300.png 272w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Xekdqe8A0Do7yx-jpAGUGBXHDBJ1Kx5bT00ul6-_hJOFSWX8mbBBc8TQbtfUWbhFq-kDPOttkk8_b4N_JZMn88Ciu2AJ3qyUXguQGVl3x2pUAQxmDF5-O2xt-a1aYQhKNG5WwXATBv9UzFS0gopdb98-1-768x847.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Xekdqe8A0Do7yx-jpAGUGBXHDBJ1Kx5bT00ul6-_hJOFSWX8mbBBc8TQbtfUWbhFq-kDPOttkk8_b4N_JZMn88Ciu2AJ3qyUXguQGVl3x2pUAQxmDF5-O2xt-a1aYQhKNG5WwXATBv9UzFS0gopdb98-1.png 1054w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking elsewhere online, you\u2019ll find this is not as rare as you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/uE1G6dbZd9O4fw44Zrb_efJ_RUHMyzRmXNFU0KswIElnZB5kNl9wH8AFgTAZBMyJYuOXD82KrMEjuqGmtFWldASGZP5lO9pUmFvITvd5W-aE6iq3fW9ybHMkMVXux75WKMC2Xll58r392rZ1Ae6jnJI-1024x285.png\" alt=\"X\/Twitter post about someone being mistakenly doxxed\" class=\"wp-image-9036\" style=\"width:478px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/uE1G6dbZd9O4fw44Zrb_efJ_RUHMyzRmXNFU0KswIElnZB5kNl9wH8AFgTAZBMyJYuOXD82KrMEjuqGmtFWldASGZP5lO9pUmFvITvd5W-aE6iq3fW9ybHMkMVXux75WKMC2Xll58r392rZ1Ae6jnJI-1024x285.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/uE1G6dbZd9O4fw44Zrb_efJ_RUHMyzRmXNFU0KswIElnZB5kNl9wH8AFgTAZBMyJYuOXD82KrMEjuqGmtFWldASGZP5lO9pUmFvITvd5W-aE6iq3fW9ybHMkMVXux75WKMC2Xll58r392rZ1Ae6jnJI-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/uE1G6dbZd9O4fw44Zrb_efJ_RUHMyzRmXNFU0KswIElnZB5kNl9wH8AFgTAZBMyJYuOXD82KrMEjuqGmtFWldASGZP5lO9pUmFvITvd5W-aE6iq3fW9ybHMkMVXux75WKMC2Xll58r392rZ1Ae6jnJI-768x214.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/uE1G6dbZd9O4fw44Zrb_efJ_RUHMyzRmXNFU0KswIElnZB5kNl9wH8AFgTAZBMyJYuOXD82KrMEjuqGmtFWldASGZP5lO9pUmFvITvd5W-aE6iq3fW9ybHMkMVXux75WKMC2Xll58r392rZ1Ae6jnJI.png 1184w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"swatting\">Swatting&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another criminal behavior that can arise from doxxing is <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/what-is-doxxing-and-swatting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">swatting<\/a>, which occurs when someone calls law enforcement to trigger an emergency response (such as from the SWAT team, hence the name) to your address.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, the goal of swatting is to inconvenience and scare victims, but it can also lead to injuries and even death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vandalism\">Vandalism&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a bad actor knows where you live or work due to a doxxing attack, they can potentially vandalize your property, including your home or your car.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"517\" height=\"775\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Y-NHqiNP4AHHriuxcm15mBWgAcUBxexAFzZge16j-8IPaIR-Gs8X8KRyWNdwt7Jx-SPoBWgeBeaAxDTrJy_BMDyKuhk_ftS8QEBQwCtndaC66WSAa6zkaC5Z2UgWOkuGr7nZbbFvjc3x8dTmpVOLa44-1.png\" alt=\"X\/twitter post and photo of a slashed tire after getting doxxed \" class=\"wp-image-9037\" style=\"width:335px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Y-NHqiNP4AHHriuxcm15mBWgAcUBxexAFzZge16j-8IPaIR-Gs8X8KRyWNdwt7Jx-SPoBWgeBeaAxDTrJy_BMDyKuhk_ftS8QEBQwCtndaC66WSAa6zkaC5Z2UgWOkuGr7nZbbFvjc3x8dTmpVOLa44-1.png 517w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Y-NHqiNP4AHHriuxcm15mBWgAcUBxexAFzZge16j-8IPaIR-Gs8X8KRyWNdwt7Jx-SPoBWgeBeaAxDTrJy_BMDyKuhk_ftS8QEBQwCtndaC66WSAa6zkaC5Z2UgWOkuGr7nZbbFvjc3x8dTmpVOLa44-1-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"identity-theft\">Identity theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since doxxed information can include a great deal of personal details, it\u2019s possible that someone who comes across your doxxed data online could use it to steal your identity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many real-world examples demonstrating how unsettlingly easy this is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one instance, an identity thief targeted Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. After determining what bank he used, the thief called the bank and, pretending to be Allen, changed both the address and the phone number associated with the account &#8211; and then requested a debit card sent to the new address.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In another example, one man opened several bank accounts under other peoples\u2019 names. He used them and the additional identity information he had to apply for and collect almost $200,000 in loans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anxiety-and-psychological-distress\">Anxiety and psychological distress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of the obvious criminal activities associated with doxxing &#8211; none of which are enjoyable to experience &#8211; having your personal information leaked for everyone online to see can lead to anxiety and stress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"137\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/L7ip9zshfpa06bX-T7o8t_TbkisBL3lIKweQgU-BTZ166JmU1SwPDu-tlsHlHfzoEa_EZ1svSFrJAVoqdg0Zi68dKo1fLQ8ObWfP3a-5FOgcz8tXhTNE8SkuwFJBInl67q8p2a-wzQEJMb4tRyanYR4-1024x137.png\" alt=\"Reddit post about being doxxed and losing grip on life and body as a result \" class=\"wp-image-9038\" style=\"width:583px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/L7ip9zshfpa06bX-T7o8t_TbkisBL3lIKweQgU-BTZ166JmU1SwPDu-tlsHlHfzoEa_EZ1svSFrJAVoqdg0Zi68dKo1fLQ8ObWfP3a-5FOgcz8tXhTNE8SkuwFJBInl67q8p2a-wzQEJMb4tRyanYR4-1024x137.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/L7ip9zshfpa06bX-T7o8t_TbkisBL3lIKweQgU-BTZ166JmU1SwPDu-tlsHlHfzoEa_EZ1svSFrJAVoqdg0Zi68dKo1fLQ8ObWfP3a-5FOgcz8tXhTNE8SkuwFJBInl67q8p2a-wzQEJMb4tRyanYR4-300x40.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/L7ip9zshfpa06bX-T7o8t_TbkisBL3lIKweQgU-BTZ166JmU1SwPDu-tlsHlHfzoEa_EZ1svSFrJAVoqdg0Zi68dKo1fLQ8ObWfP3a-5FOgcz8tXhTNE8SkuwFJBInl67q8p2a-wzQEJMb4tRyanYR4-768x103.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/L7ip9zshfpa06bX-T7o8t_TbkisBL3lIKweQgU-BTZ166JmU1SwPDu-tlsHlHfzoEa_EZ1svSFrJAVoqdg0Zi68dKo1fLQ8ObWfP3a-5FOgcz8tXhTNE8SkuwFJBInl67q8p2a-wzQEJMb4tRyanYR4.png 1452w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-doxxing-happen\">How Does Doxxing Happen?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that doxxing <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-does-doxxing-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">utilizes publicly available information<\/a>. When a bad actor wants to, they can compile this information using various techniques, such as browsing your social media profiles or looking through your old forum posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first resources doxxers use when looking for information is data broker websites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/what-are-data-brokers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data brokers<\/a> collect information on individuals from sources like social media platforms and public records and then sell them to more or less anyone, no questions asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, you can opt out of data brokers. Doing so will require contacting each one, and each data broker will have its own opt-out process (check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-your-data-from-people-finder-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of opt-out guides<\/a> for step-by-step instructions for common data brokers). Alternatively, subscribe to a <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data broker removal service such as DeleteMe<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"becoming-undoxxable\">Becoming Undoxxable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To reduce your risk of being doxxed, focus on shrinking your online footprint.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While that may sound a bit broad, you can approach it in a methodical fashion. For an idea of how to get started, you can begin by doxxing yourself &#8211; doing so will inform you where your data vulnerabilities are. Find out how in our <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/a-guide-to-doxxing-yourself-on-the-internet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to self-doxxing<\/a> using this <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/doxxing-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">list of doxxing tools<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people find that they need to do a combination of the following steps to reduce their personal data exposure online:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Changing their social media privacy settings from public to private.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opting out of data brokers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using unique usernames and passwords across all online accounts.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removing data from Google Search results and other Google products.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being vigilant and cautious about sharing any personal information on the internet.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Doxxing can be uncomfortable, frightening, and dangerous, but by taking steps to protect yourself, you can decrease the possibility that someone will dox you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more in our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to prevent doxxing<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Few people are aware of the dangers of doxxing. But more need to know that having your personal information shared on the internet can be a gateway to malicious behavior and even serious crimes, as we\u2019ll see in this guide.\u00a0 What Is Doxxing Doxxing occurs when someone else publishes your personal information online without your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":9039,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9031","doxxing","type-doxxing","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing\/9031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/doxxing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9031"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doxxing\/9031\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}