Are your details on the dark web? How a data breach could leave you at risk of a scam
It’s a question many will ask themselves, whether it’s in the wake of a scam attempt or amid preemptive action to reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam. The question is important too, as fraudsters knowing personal information about the person they’re targeting can make their deviance seem genuine.
He explained the internet is one way to gain access to information, but he thought his grandma may have filled out a questionnaire – potentially up to 20 or 30 years ago.
“There are these legacy data lists which get shared around and it’s the non-compliant companies that eventually get hold of these lists,” he said.
Mr Shakeshaft added: “Eventually, scammers get their hands on it, and that’s usually the reason for people receiving a load of cold calls.”
However, there is another way in which fraudsters could end up getting their hands on innocent people’s data.
