While no one wants to think about doxing happening to them, it’s vital to know what to do if you get doxed. Acting as quickly as possible is the best way to protect yourself and maybe even prevent it from happening to others.
Document Everything
The first step is to document all evidence you’ve been doxed. Take screenshots to ensure the person or people doxing you can’t just remove their threats. You’ll need evidence to provide to law enforcement.
The more information you have, the better. Document any and all personal information that’s been publicly posted about you and where. Then, gather all threats and harassment related to it.
Doxing isn’t illegal in all states. However, using someone’s personal information as blackmail is illegal. Plus, harassment, dangerous threats, identity theft, and other crimes related to publishing someone’s information are illegal. So, don’t just put up with it. Document it and then report it.
Report Doxing Immediately
Nearly every website bans doxing in their terms of service. You’ll find many sites even include a section on what to do if you get doxed, including how to report the incident to them. This includes social media platforms.
Once reported, sites are supposed to immediately take down any personally identifying information, such as your address, phone number, social security number, etc. They’re also supposed to ban users who dox others. Sure, determined individuals can circumvent this, but at least websites try to protect you as much as possible.
Don’t stop at just reporting doxing to the site(s) it happens on. Report it to local law enforcement, including the local FBI branch or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. This is especially true if you’re receiving any threats. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Inform Friends and Family
If you’re a target, your friends and family could be next. It’s not unusual for doxers to go after those close to you. It’s another way to threaten and harass you.
Giving them a heads-up lets them better protect themselves. This includes going through the same processes as you.
Lock Down Social Media
Social media has made doxing more prevalent. Why? We share so much of our personal information without thinking about others using it against us. On top of that, hackers gaining access to your accounts also get access to information you haven’t made public, such as phone numbers and home addresses.
Always make sure you never share certain types of information on social media. You can even keep yourself fairly private on WhatsApp.
Immediately set all social media profiles to private and change your passwords. As mentioned before, report doxing to the platform so they can remove the information and ban the user(s) behind the incident.
If the platform won’t ban the user, block them. Post about who the doxer is so all your followers and connections can block them as well.
If the problem continues or hackers get back into your account(s), delete everything, including personal photos. While most platforms, such as Facebook, won’t delete your account for at least 30 days after you request it, immediate deletion is often approved in the case of doxing.
Change All Passwords
If someone’s gathered personal information about you that’s not easily accessible online, assume they also know details about any site you have an account on, including financial and shopping sites. While I know the last thing you want to do is have to change passwords for numerous sites when you’re already stressed about what to do if you get doxed, locking down your information will keep you safer.
If any financial information has been released, including credit card information, contact your financial institution(s). They’ll help you cancel credit cards and get new cards with new numbers. You should also lock your credit reports through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to help reduce the threat of identity theft. It’s free to do this and you can unlock them at any time. Experian provides details on how to do this on all three sites.
I’d also recommend keeping an eye on your credit reports for any unusual activity. Many places offer credit monitoring for free.
Request Content Takedowns from Google
Since Google is where most people think to search first, search for yourself on Google. Keep track of where personal information pops up. I know it’s frustrating that data brokers paste information about us all over people search sites. But, if it’s not already public information, you can send a takedown request to Google to have them remove it.
Google offers multiple categories and processes for removing specific types of information. Document what needs to be removed and why. The more detailed your request, the more likely Google will take action. Depending on the site, Google may even remove the site itself from search results. Also, see our guide on removing yourself from people search sites.
Keep in mind, this only removes it from search results, not from the site itself. Reputable sites will remove the information, but sketchy sites won’t.
Consider a Content Removal Attorney
If doxing is starting to harm your reputation, or it’s becoming impossible to stay on top of getting content taken down, consider contacting a content removal attorney. Not only do they specialize in tracking down and removing harmful content online, they’ll also advise you on your legal rights.
Whether you’re a business or an individual, these attorneys help mitigate damage to your online reputation, while protecting your identity. They can also ensure you have all the evidence you need for law enforcement.
While it’s difficult to prevent doxing completely, at least you know what to do if you get doxed so you can take action immediately. Prevent doxing by sharing as little information about yourself online as possible. Also, block webcams in your home as they can give doxers more information about you. This includes securing personal assistant speakers and displays.
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