In 2023, the cost of a data breach increased by 15% from the average expenses of the preceding three years, amounting to USD 4.45 million.
And, your information might be exposed on many data broker sites like HodgesDirectory without your consent.
If you want to keep your information safe, this step-by-step guide will tell you how you can remove your details from HodgesDirectory.
HodgesDirectory is a data broker that collects information about someone’s phone number, postal address, and names, then puts it in a database, and sells it to other businesses or the highest bidders. And, these data harvesting businesses use your data to run ads or send promotional content.
HodgesDirectory, like other data brokers, is a comprehensive database that gets information from various public sources, including:
HodgesDirectory creates profiles of people using private data from their online activities, purchases, or public records. The platform sells these user profiles to businesses for marketing and research purposes.
HodgesDirectory shares information with businesses, helping them make smarter choices and learn about what consumers do.
It shares data with companies running marketing campaigns. This helps them reach the right people with better ads, improving their marketing strategy.
It shares data with research firms to help them understand market trends. This helps businesses make better decisions and stay competitive.
It shares data with analytics companies to help them understand consumer behavior. This helps businesses make smarter decisions and achieve better results.
Choosing to opt-out helps secure your information and privacy by protecting it from being shared, sold, or used for marketing purposes without consent.
Data brokers like HodgesDirectory might sell your information to advertising agencies or other interested parties. And, this is why you receive targeted or unwanted ads, which is actually a case of privacy intrusion.
Keeping your information private reduces the chance of identity theft and online fraud. Cybercriminals might use public information from such databases to impersonate you or hack important accounts.
By opting out you have more control over your personal information, allowing you to decide who can access and use it.
Step 1: Visit their website Hodges-directory.
Step 2: Select your city/state.
Step 3: After finding your information, click the trashcan icon to delete your information.
Step 4: Enter the security code.
You have submitted your removal request successfully
And that's how you can remove your information from HodgesDirectory.
Although this is a good first step towards online privacy, the stakes are higher for complete anonymity.
You have to prevent surveillance agencies, prying eyes, and data harvesters from regularly leeching your information.
And to do this, consider using PurePrivacy, an all-in-one privacy solution for all your unique needs.
PurePrivacy helps you keep your information private, lets you control who can access your data, and ensures it stays safe unless you choose to share it. It helps you make your privacy secure in the following ways:
You can send automated requests to 200+ data brokers to remove your information using PurePrivacy's Remove My Data option.
PurePrivacy's Social Privacy Manager helps you improve your privacy by providing simple tips, reviewing security vulnerabilities, and adjusting security settings.
Use the tracker blocker option to blacklist third party trackers and block unnecessary ads. You can completely block trackers and prevent ad agencies from profiling you.
HodgesDirectory collects your information when you use their website, fill out forms, or click on things. They may also get data from other companies they work with.
Opting out of HodgesDirectory usually takes a few days. Just follow the instructions carefully, and if you have any questions, you can ask them for help.
Once you have successfully opted out of HodgesDirectory, your data shouldn't be visible anymore. If you still see your data online on such databases, get in touch with the support team.
Yes, sometimes! HodgesDirectory may share your data with other companies or surveillance agencies for various purposes.
You can’t completely remove your online footprint by opting out of HodgesDirectory or any other data broker site like ThatsThem or Rocket Reach.
You have to take a step ahead and use a rock-solid privacy solution.
Consider using PurePrivacy to send recurring opt-out requests to multiple data brokers, secure your social media information, and maintain online privacy.