You might notice (more)spam callsblowing up your phone or fishy texts sliding into your inbox.
Scrub your sensitive data from the internet and safeguard against identity theft, financial fraud, and credential theft.
Preferred partner (What does this mean?)
Step 1: Google yourself
First things first - go ahead and Google your number.
This will help you see where your number is floating around.
punch in in your name along with your phone number and check what comes up.
If you want to dig deeper, hit up some people-search websites likeWhitepages,PeekYou, or Spokeo.
Many of these people-search platforms, including Whitepages and Spokeo, feature opt-out options for removing your details.
Here is the drill:
Heads up: this isnt a one-click wonder.
You will need to visit each site separately.
But hey, think of it like the spring cleaning for your digital life.
It only takes a minute, but it can save you from a lot of unsolicited attention.
This is because every so often, search engines hold onto the cached versions of old pages.
Just plug in the URL where your personal information used to be, and it will work its magic.
Caller ID on steroids, if you will.
Keep in mind though that it is not foolproof, more like an additional layer of armor against spam.
And remember, this only covers legitimate marketers.
Scammers might still slip through, so stay cautious with any unknown numbers.
Dont take the bait!
Instead, just delete them.
Dont let those scammers reel you in.
Tools likeGoogle Voiceallow you to create another phone number that forwards to your actual equipment.
Should your public number start getting spammed too, no worries.
you’re able to change it easily, without the hassle of switching your primary phone number.
You also might consider a privacy monitoring tool.
The less it is available to whomever, the better.
Remember, however, that you are doing everything in your power to protect your privacy.
And hey, in todays digital jungle, a little bit of labor goes a long way.
So, pour yourself a cup of tea (or whatever you like) and take it easy.
you’re able to do this.
TechRadar Pro created this content as part of a paid partnership with Incogni.
The content of this article is entirely independent and solely reflects the editorial opinion of TechRadar Pro.
