Data broker opt-out steps widows should take in 90 days
Scammers often target widows shortly after a spouse's death by using publicly available information from obituaries, death records, and data brokers. These fraudsters create detailed profiles to gain trust and extract sensitive information like Social Security and bank details. Experts advise taking immediate steps within the first 90 days to secure personal data and reduce exposure to such scams.
- ▪Scammers use obituaries, public records, and data broker sites to build detailed profiles of grieving families.
- ▪The Death Master File and probate records can expose personal and financial information to fraudsters.
- ▪Data brokers collect and sell personal information, making it accessible to malicious actors.
- ▪Elder fraud accounted for a significant portion of reported crimes among Americans over 60 in 2023.
- ▪Tech expert Kurt Knutsson recommends urgent actions within the first 90 days to protect against scams targeting widows.
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Social Security Data broker opt-out steps widows should take in 90 days How scammers use public records and data brokers to target widows and what to lock down fast in the first 90 days By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Fox News Published May 3, 2026 10:23am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video 'CyberGuy': How scammers exploited mom's fears to steal her life's savings Rising elder scams: How to recognize them and protect yourself and your loved ones. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson helps you outsmart the scammers. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Three weeks after her husband's funeral, Carol's phone rings. The caller knows her husband's name, their address and their daughter's name, even mentioning that she lives across town.
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