
That being said, it’s not uncommon for data to leak from social media in other ways, as well. You should also never use your personal phone number when setting up a business profile on a site like Yelp, or any other platform like it. Some people will just list their phone number right on their Facebook, or any other social media profile, and if you’re one of these, remove it and any other personal information right away. Social media is the main harvesting site for your information. So how did your number get to all those data-collection sites in the first place? But remember, data-collection sites can make personal information removal pretty difficult, even going so far as demanding a photocopy of your driver’s license or other ID. Below is a list of guides to remove yourself from some of the most common and most prominent data-broker websites. A good place to start is by looking at common people-search and background-check sites.įor some sites, opting out is merely a matter of filling out a form. The first step to removing your phone number from the Internet is to find out where it’s posted. Remove Your Number From People-Search and Background-Check Sites Fortunately, there are things you can do to remove your phone number from the Internet, so read on to learn how to minimize your risk.

Two-factor authentication is the main way people protect online accounts, but if a fraudster has your phone number, it’s easy to exploit.Īll told, phone scams result in almost $40 billion in losses a year in the U.S.

But the exposure of your phone number presents a serious risk.Ī hacker gets hold of your number and can suddenly intercept any call or message.
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In fact, it’s likely your phone number has been bought and sold at least once alongside much of your personal data. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones who can find it. Ever wondered how telemarketers get your phone number? Well, chances are, they found it online.
