Data brokers: transparency and accountability
The FTC report explains how data brokers collect personal information from many sources and use it for identity verification, marketing, and fraud detection.
FTC + CFPB consumer guidance
Privacy Education Hub
A short, practical guide to the privacy and identity-theft basics people ask about most: credit freezes, fraud alerts, data brokers, and what to do after a breach.
1) Freeze access when you do not need new credit
FTC guidance explains that a credit freeze can stop new accounts from being opened in your name. A fraud alert works differently: it tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit.
2) If identity theft already happened, act fast
CFPB says victims should place fraud alerts or security freezes on their credit reports, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, and take steps to recover and block fraudulent debts or accounts.
3) Data brokers can widen your exposure
The FTC has documented data brokers collecting consumer information from many sources and using it for identity verification, marketing, and fraud detection. That makes broker exposure more than a nuisance — it can become a risk surface.
4) Keep your recovery tools ready
CFPB explains that security freezes and fraud alerts are both free consumer tools. Used early, they can reduce the chance of new accounts or fraudulent debts appearing while you sort out a breach.
Quick consumer checklist
- Check your credit reports after a breach or suspicious account activity.
- Use a credit freeze if you do not need instant new-credit access.
- File an identity theft report if you see fraudulent accounts or debts.
- Review broker exposure and remove data where you can.
These links are educational and sourced from the FTC and CFPB. They are not legal advice.
More FTC + CFPB sources
More reading on brokers, credit reports, scams, and breach response
Credit reports and scores
CFPB's credit reports and scores guidance explains how to review your reports, dispute inaccuracies, and use tools like freezes and alerts.
What to do after a data breach
FTC recommends changing passwords, reviewing accounts, and using IdentityTheft.gov/databreach to get a response plan after exposure.
Scam prevention source set
FTC and CFPB pages for phishing, impersonation, and fake debt collection
Phishing and spam text messages
FTC explains how to recognize scam texts that claim prizes, low-interest credit, delivery issues, or other urgent problems — and how to report them.
Impersonation scams
FTC warns that scammers impersonate government agencies and other trusted organizations, often using urgency and fear to push a fast response.
Fake debt collection / scam spotting
CFPB and FTC both explain how to tell whether a debt collector is legitimate, what details to ask for, and when a call is probably a scam.