How Data Brokers Collect and Sell Your Phone Number
Every time you use your phone number online, there's a chance it's being collected and sold by data brokers. Here's everything you need to know about this multi-billion dollar industry.
What Are Data Brokers?
Data brokers, also known as information brokers, are companies that collect personal information from various sources and then sell or license that information to third parties. This industry operates largely in the shadows, with little regulation in most countries.
The Size of the Industry
The data broker industry is worth an estimated $200 billion globally. There are hundreds of data broker companies operating around the world, collecting information on billions of people.
$200B+
Industry Value
How Many Data Brokers?
There are estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 data broker companies in the United States alone. Some of the largest include Acxiom, Experian, and Equifax.
2,000 - 4,000
Data Brokers in US
How Do Data Brokers Collect Your Information?
1. Public Records
Data brokers collect information from public records, such as property records, court records, marriage and divorce records, and bankruptcy filings. This information is usually available to anyone who requests it, but data brokers make a business out of collecting and aggregating it.
2. Social Media Platforms
When you sign up for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you often provide personal information including your phone number. Data brokers can collect this information from your profile or through partnerships with these platforms.
3. Online Purchases and Signups
Every time you make an online purchase, sign up for a service, or fill out a form, you're potentially giving your phone number to a company that may sell it to data brokers. This includes e-commerce sites, newsletters, loyalty programs, and more.
4. Mobile Apps
Many mobile apps ask for permission to access your contacts, location, and other personal information. Some apps may even collect your phone number and sell it to data brokers without your knowledge.
5. Data Aggregators
Data brokers also buy information from other data brokers and data aggregators. This creates a complex web of data trading, where your information can change hands many times.
What Information Do Data Brokers Collect?
Data brokers collect a wide range of personal information about individuals. Here are some of the most common types of data they collect and sell:
Personal Identifiers
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Physical Address
- Date of Birth
Online Behavior
- Browsing History
- Purchase History
- Social Media Activity
- Search History
- Device Information
Financial Information
- Income Estimates
- Credit History
- Home Ownership Status
- Investment History
- Employment Information
Personal Interests
- Hobbies and Interests
- Political Affiliations
- Health Information
- Lifestyle Preferences
- Family Status
Who Buys Data from Data Brokers?
Data brokers sell information to a wide variety of customers. Here are some of the most common buyers:
1. Marketing and Advertising Companies
The biggest customers of data brokers are marketing and advertising companies. They use this information to create targeted advertising campaigns and reach specific demographics.
2. Financial Institutions
Banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions use data brokers to assess risk, detect fraud, and offer products and services to potential customers.
3. Insurance Companies
Insurance companies use data from data brokers to price policies, assess risk, and identify potential customers.
4. Government Agencies and Law Enforcement
In some cases, government agencies and law enforcement may purchase data from data brokers to investigate crimes or locate individuals.
5. Scammers and Fraudsters
Unfortunately, data brokers sometimes sell information to scammers and fraudsters. This is why it's important to be careful about who you share your phone number with online.
How Can You Protect Your Privacy?
Use Virtual Phone Numbers
Instead of using your real phone number for online signups and verifications, use a virtual phone number. Our service provides virtual numbers from over 150 countries, so you can protect your real number from data brokers.
Opt Out of Data Broker Databases
Many data brokers allow you to opt out of their databases. You can do this manually by visiting each data broker's website, or you can use a service that does it for you.
Be Careful About What You Share Online
Think carefully before you share your phone number online. Do you really need to provide it to that website or app? If not, consider leaving it out.
Use Temporary Email Addresses
In addition to using virtual phone numbers, you can also use temporary email addresses for online signups. This protects your real email address from spam and data brokers.
Take Control of Your Privacy Today
Don't let data brokers sell your personal information. Protect your phone number and your privacy with our virtual phone numbers.