It’s true. Everywhere. Your phone, email, physical addresses, even your relatives . . . and more.
Your personal data is legally, and easily, acquired through national data brokers—companies that compile and sell information drawn from public records, online activity, purchases, and more.
If you’ve ever received a phone call, a political flyer, real estate postcard, or credit card offer, you already know how this works. Anyone with a budget can purchase your data.
How Do They Get My Info?
Data brokers gather and blend details from a surprising number of sources, including:
- Property records
- Voter registrations
- Online purchases
- Social media profiles
- App activity and location data
- Search and browsing history
- Mobile phone tracking
Do you know your phone constantly pings your location? Many apps track you and sell that data to firms that map where you go, how long you stay, and how often you return. Retailers, marketers, sports teams, venues, and even political groups use this information to profile households and send targeted messages.
It’s legal—and it’s everywhere.
- How data brokers collect and sell your personal info (Consumer Reports)
- How cell data is used for location marketing (The Markup)
- 500+ data brokers listed by Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Want to See What’s Out There?
Google yourself. You’ll likely find your home value, estimated income, political leanings, family members—even hobbies.
The Point Is…
You weren’t “targeted.”
You weren’t “sold out by the POA.” (They did nothing wrong here to our knowledge)
You were identified using tools that have quietly shaped modern marketing and political outreach for decades.
Most brokers offer an “opt-out” option—but it’s tedious, and sometimes triggers even more data indexing in the process.
Your data was acquired and we simply want you, Big Canoe residents, to be informed. If we interrupted you, we apologize. All we want is to encourage community awareness, discussion, and participation.
We started our group because Big Canoe deserves open, honest, and uncensored conversation. We don’t need to agree on everything—but we do need a space where respectful dialogue is possible, even when views differ.
Civility might be rare online, but it doesn’t have to be in Big Canoe.
Let’s raise the level of dialogue—and the expectations we have for our community. Together.
With Respect, A Growing Group of Concerned Property Owners & Residents
