How Did They Get My Info?

We’ve all been inundated with robocalls and SPAM emails lately. You may even receive personalized advertisements in the mail pertaining to your mortgage or another large-dollar loan. Receiving such specific mailers may make you wonder how your information got out there in the first place.

Rest assured, we do NOT sell or otherwise release your loan information to any unaffiliated organization. Still, you may receive mailings that seem to reference your Mortgage account. Why? Land records are public, which means anyone can access them. This data can be used to make a pretty convincing mailer. Take a look at this example below:

That tiny disclaimer at the bottom might be easy to miss, particularly if your name, creditor name, and account number are accurate. It’s best to treat these types of mailers as junk mail and shred them. If you doubt the legitimacy of the offer or if you think it may have come from your credit union, pick up the phone and call them. They will be able to confirm whether or not the mailer is from them or an affiliated party.

Not sure how much of your info is shared? Take a close look at your lenders’ privacy policy. It will outline when consumer details are shared with other entities. If it is not listed on that document, then the information used to generate the suspicious mailing was gathered by public records or alternate means and not shared by your financial institution.

 Did you have anything to add to this discussion? I want to hear from you! Leave a comment below or email me.

Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that help consumers reach and maintain financial security and start living the life they’ve always wanted.