TL;DR: Doxxing is the act of researching and publicly publishing someone's private information — like their home address or phone number — usually to harass or intimidate them. Regularly check what's publicly findable about you, opt out of data broker sites that list your address and phone number, and tighten privacy settings on social media.
Doxxing is the act of researching and publicly publishing someone's private information — like their home address or phone number — usually to harass or intimidate them.
How Doxxing Works
Someone compiles information about a target from public records, data broker sites, social media, and old data breaches, then publishes it online (often on forums or social media) to enable harassment or threats.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Increased unwanted contact after an online dispute, being able to find your own home address or phone number easily via a search, and your information appearing on data broker sites.
How to Protect Yourself
Regularly check what's publicly findable about you, opt out of data broker sites that list your address and phone number, and tighten privacy settings on social media.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Employment Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Fake Charity Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Doxxing?
Doxxing is the act of researching and publicly publishing someone's private information — like their home address or phone number — usually to harass or intimidate them.
How does Doxxing typically work?
Someone compiles information about a target from public records, data broker sites, social media, and old data breaches, then publishes it online (often on forums or social media) to enable harassment or threats.
What are the warning signs of Doxxing?
Increased unwanted contact after an online dispute, being able to find your own home address or phone number easily via a search, and your information appearing on data broker sites.
How can I protect myself from Doxxing?
Regularly check what's publicly findable about you, opt out of data broker sites that list your address and phone number, and tighten privacy settings on social media.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Doxxing?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.