21 Feb

Leaked personal data: how to recognize risks and protect yourself

🇬🇧 For the English version of this blog, read below. 🇳🇱  For the Dutch version, click here.

🌐 For other languages of this blog, click your flag below.

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Unfortunately, I also fell victim to the recent Odido hack, which received widespread media coverage for exposing the personal data (including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, IBANs and ID numbers) of around 6.2 million current and former customers after attackers used social‑engineering and phishing tactics to breach Odido’s customer contact system.

Because digital security is very important to me, I want to share what I have learned in this blog. Even though it started with a recent data breach, the advice applies to everyone, because we do more and more online every day, like banking, shopping, sending messages, and handling official documents. This means that personal information, such as your passport number, email, or phone number, can be exposed in many ways, sometimes without you even realizing it. By reading this blog, you will learn about the main risks of leaked data and discover simple steps to protect yourself. These tips can help you stay safe and maintain control in a world that is becoming more digital every day.

What does a leaked passport number mean in the crypto world?

It is important to understand that hackers can use information such as a passport number, address details, and date of birth to open accounts at many foreign crypto brokers (outside the EU) without your knowledge.

Many exchanges use a verification model often referred to as Tier 1 and Tier 2.

For Tier 1 verification, typically only the passport number, name, address, date of birth, and sometimes occupation are required, with the latter rarely being checked. On smaller or less strictly regulated platforms, hackers can conduct transactions of up to €10,000 this way without additional facial verification.

Research by Chainalysis (2024) shows that identity fraud and synthetic identities continue to play an important role in crypto-related scams. Europol (2024) also warns that leaked identity data is increasingly being used to create crypto accounts on foreign platforms, putting victims’ money and personal information at risk.

Why this is a risk in crypto and how you can further protect yourself

The crypto market differs fundamentally from traditional banks. Transactions are often direct and international, regulation is less uniform, wallets can be anonymous, and payments in many cases cannot be reversed. This makes it more attractive for malicious parties to abuse accounts.

Although full protection is not currently possible, you can significantly reduce the risks by taking several precautions. Check your email regularly and be alert to messages stating that an account has been created or that transactions have been carried out in your name. Never respond directly via a link in such a message. If you receive indications that a transaction has taken place via a broker in your name, always go directly to the official website of the broker, contact customer service, and request immediate blocking and deletion of your data. Only use the official channels of known parties, and never click on links in emails or text messages, even if the URL appears legitimate.

It is also wise to register with credit monitoring services; see below for more information. These services alert you to new credit applications or suspicious activities, so you can respond quickly if someone tries to abuse your identity.

Keeping good records is essential as well. Save bank statements, archive the history of your crypto wallets, and store annual overviews so you can always prove that you did not carry out certain transactions. This is not only important for your own protection, but also mandatory for tax purposes.

Pay close attention to phishing attempts and so-called “payment links” in text messages or emails. Even when a link looks like it comes from an official organization such as Stripe or PayPal, never click on it. Hackers use advanced spoofing techniques that make fake websites look identical to the real ones. SMS phishing, also called smishing, is according to the NCSC (2024) one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud between 2023 and 2025.

We are now also seeing a fake website online that attempts to mislead victims of the Odido data leak. The site asks for €49.99 and promises high compensation, which is false. Reliable claims organizations never ask for money in advance and are officially registered. Therefore, do not provide money or personal data via this site. Always follow official channels and seek advice from trustworthy authorities to avoid problems.

Furthermore, it is crucial to activate maximum security on all your accounts. Use two-factor authentication with an authenticator app instead of SMS, ensure each platform has a unique password, use a password manager, and enable additional email security.

Crypto regulation is fortunately also evolving. In Europe, the MiCA legislation has been in force since 2024 under the supervision of the European Securities and Markets Authority (2024). This legislation requires more brokers to implement stricter verification procedures, including facial recognition and more extensive KYC processes. Until this legislation is fully implemented worldwide, personal data abuse remains possible.

An additional risk is SIM swapping, where criminals attempt to take over your SIM card if your phone number is known. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (2024) has recently issued warnings about this method. It is therefore wise to request extra security from your telecom provider, such as a SIM lock and additional verification for number transfers.

Scan the Dark Web for your personal data

When your data is leaked in a breach, it can quickly end up on the Dark Web—a hidden part of the internet where personal information is traded. In 2024, more than one billion records have already been leaked and made available on the Dark Web, including data from major breaches at companies such as UnitedHealth, Ticketmaster, and AT&T. Once your data appears on the Dark Web, it is virtually impossible to remove it completely.

That is why it is crucial to actively check whether your personal information, such as email addresses, passport numbers, or phone numbers, has been exposed. You can do this using a free Dark Web scanner or, even better, with a comprehensive Dark Web monitoring system that alerts you as soon as newly leaked information about you appears.

An example of such a tool can be found at aura.com, and you can read more about Dark Web monitoring at www.aura.com/learn/what-is-dark-web-monitoring.

Additional tips and useful information on protecting yourself against identity fraud can also be found here (click here).

By scanning regularly and immediately updating your passwords if you discover anything, you can reduce the chance that malicious parties will abuse your data for identity fraud or to create unwanted accounts.

Protect yourself with a fraud alert

A fraud alert is a warning you can place on your credit report to indicate that someone may have stolen your personal data, such as your passport number. When you activate a fraud alert, credit providers must take extra steps to verify that you are the person applying for a loan, credit card, or other financial product. This makes it much harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name.

There are different types of alerts. A temporary alert lasts for 90 days, while an extended alert can remain in place for up to seven years, which is particularly useful if you have already been a victim of identity fraud. To set up a fraud alert, you contact one of the major credit bureaus, like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, which will then notify the other bureaus. Once the alert is active, you will receive a confirmation and can check your credit report for free to detect any suspicious activity.

A fraud alert does not affect your credit score but provides extra protection against misuse of your personal data. More information and step-by-step instructions can be found at Identity Guard.

Extra tips for better account security

Various studies show that many people still use the same password for multiple accounts, which creates a major risk in the event of a data breach. It is therefore wise to use a unique and strong password for each service, preferably in the form of a passphrase with at least twelve characters.

If you suspect that a password has been leaked, change it immediately to prevent malicious parties from accessing multiple accounts. By following these simple yet effective measures, you can greatly reduce the risk that a single security breach will cause further damage.

How criminals can further abuse your passport number

Criminals can misuse a passport number in various ways, such as applying for a new passport or facilitating human smuggling (LifeLock, 2025). They often combine a real passport number with other fabricated information, such as a fake name, date of birth, or address, to create a synthetic identity. Using this fabricated identity, they can request official documents, including passports, visas, and residence permits (PurePrivacy, 2025). Once a synthetic identity has gained sufficient legitimacy, it can lead to fraudulent passport applications or the production of forged passports via marketplaces on the Dark Web, which may then be used for international travel or criminal activities (LifeLock, 2025; RvIG, 2025a).

The risk is not limited to paper documents. Criminals can book travel under your name, pass border controls, or even carry out illegal activities—particularly in countries where biometric controls are less strict (RvIG, 2025b; Rijksoverheid.nl, 2025a). When multiple personal data points are available, such as email addresses, phone numbers, or passport photos, the risk of identity fraud increases even further. Signs that your passport identity is being abused can be subtle but are crucial to detect early. Examples include unexplained bills, loans, or credit cards opened in your name, correspondence from organizations whose services you do not use, or unknown changes with government services (Gemeente Zuidplas, 2023).

If you suspect that your passport number is being misused, immediate action is essential. Report it to the police and inform the municipality or passport-issuing authority so the number can be blocked (RvIG, 2025c). Applying for a new passport with a new number is strongly recommended, while simultaneously monitoring your accounts, credit, and social media. Awareness and quick action help limit the consequences of fraud and prevent criminals from making long-term use of your identity (Rijksoverheid.nl, 2025b; PurePrivacy, 2025). By recognizing warning signs early and notifying the appropriate authorities, you reduce the risk of your passport number being used for illegal activities and protect yourself from legal and financial harm.

Most important lessons learned

You must assume that your data may already be circulating. Never click directly on payment requests, monitor your email daily, and keep all relevant documents for possible tax inspections. Activate maximum security on all your accounts, even if the risk seems low. Report identity abuse immediately to the police and to the broker involved. Cybercrime in the crypto space continues to grow and is becoming increasingly professional. Interpol (2024) notes that identity fraud is internationally coordinated and can affect victims worldwide.

If you suspect significant fraud is occurring in your name, you can always apply for a new passport with a new number through your municipality.

Also keep in mind that hacks can happen in many ways. Today it may occur at Odido, but tomorrow it could affect other websites where you use services or products. It is therefore crucial to remain constantly alert and actively protect your personal data.

Finally

Complete security cannot yet be fully guaranteed. That is the harsh reality. Still, awareness, good record-keeping, and digital discipline can make the difference between maintaining control over your data and being unpleasantly surprised. Stay alert, stay critical, and take those extra security steps today.

I have also previously shared many tips on how to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world, for example against deepfakes. You can find more information here. To read the article in another language, click the corresponding flag at the bottom.

Visual summary of the blog is attached below. Click on the image to enlarge. Sharing online is allowed, provided my website is credited: www.maryayaqin.com.

References & further reading

 

 

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