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Scammers Exploit Personal Data: Keep Your Birthday Private

Scammers Exploit Personal Data: Keep Your Birthday Private

First seen 1 Nov 2026, 12:18 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •November 1, 2026 at 13:19 UTC
  • •Sharing your date of birth online increases the risk of identity theft.
  • •Recent breaches have exposed DOBs, aiding scammers in impersonation efforts.
  • •Experts recommend using fake DOBs or omitting them on online forms.

Cybersecurity experts warn that sharing your date of birth (DOB) online can facilitate identity theft. Recent breaches, such as the hack of Asos, have exposed customers' DOBs, which scammers can use to impersonate victims or create convincing phishing attempts. Eight out of fourteen retailers surveyed still require DOBs for account sign-ups, raising concerns about data privacy. Experts recommend using fake DOBs or omitting this information when possible to limit exposure. The combination of DOB with other personal data can lead to identity fraud, as criminals can build detailed profiles from leaked information. Users are advised to be cautious of unsolicited contacts that appear legitimate due to the information scammers may possess.

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Common questions

How can I protect my personal information online?
Consider using fake dates of birth or leaving optional fields blank to limit data exposure.
What should I do if my data has been compromised?
Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider changing your passwords.
Are all retailers requiring DOBs at sign-up?
No, but a significant number still do, which raises privacy concerns.