A gift to scammers: why you should probably keep your birthday a secret
At a glance
Medium rather than High: exposure is scored at a default because we cannot see your systems or suppliers. If it touches your systems or suppliers, treat it as High.
Briefing
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Next steps
Monitor- For awareness — no fixed action deadline for this reporting
No technical write-up beyond the summary below yet.
Next steps
Monitor- No immediate technical action — track if your estate depends on the products or vendors discussed
Summary
- Using a fake date of birth or leaving the field blank when creating online accounts may protect against identity theft.
- Criminals can use a person's date of birth as part of verifying information to impersonate others during phone calls.
Read the original reportThe Guardian Hacking(opens in a new tab)
Pulse
Last checked 2d ago · Recheck overdue since 8 Nov 2026, 13:35 UK time
- Story1 Nov 2026, 08:32 UK time · 1 Nov
Linked reporting from The Guardian Hacking (independent original reporter).
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Sources
- The Guardian HackingNews
A gift to scammers: why you should probably keep your birthday a secret
How we know
Statements extracted from sources. Higher confidence means stronger corroboration.
- ClaimedHeadline60% confidence
A gift to scammers: why you should probably keep your birthday a secret
- ProbableSummary fact75% confidence
Using a fake DOB or leaving the field blank when making an online account can offer protection from identity theft You get a call from your bank saying there has been suspicious activity on your account. They read out your name, address and date of birth so you are happy it is a legitimate caller. But you are talking to criminals who have used your date of birth as part of a web of verifying information to convince you they are someone else.