How Identity Thieves Use Your GPS Saved Locations: Scambusters #1,190
Leaving personal data in a rental car’s GPS can turn your trip memories into an identity thief’s roadmap.
GPS Identity Theft: The Hidden Threat in Your Rental Car
Renting a car gives you freedom and convenience, but it also comes with some hidden risks. Many modern cars have advanced screens and GPS systems. When you connect your phone using Bluetooth or a USB cable, these systems can save a lot of your personal data. This data might include your home address, recent locations you've visited, contact lists, and even text messages. If you forget to erase this data before returning the car, you could leave a digital trail for the next driver to see.
This is a real problem. Security experts and consumer protection groups have warned about this privacy risk for years. Not clearing your personal information from a rental car’s system can lead to identity theft, stalking, and other harmful activities. This article explains the dangers of leaving your data in a rental car, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you suspect your information has been compromised.
The Data Trail You Leave Behind in GPS
When you connect your phone to a car’s infotainment system, it makes things easier. It saves your "Home" location, shows your favorite contacts for hands-free calls, and records your recent trips. While this can be helpful, the stored information can become a privacy issue if it is not deleted properly.
In May 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a blog post addressing the issues of personal information and the illegal collection of that data. You can find the information here:
The Consequences of Exposed Information
If a thief accesses the data left in your rental car, the results can be serious. Scammers can use this information in different ways:
- Identity Theft – If scammers have your name, phone number, and address history, they might try to open fake accounts, file false tax returns, or steal your identity in other ways.
- Targeted Phishing – Scammers can use your contacts and call logs to create convincing phishing scams. They may pretend to be you and ask your friends or family for money or personal information.
- Stalking and Physical Threats – The biggest risk is the physical one. Your saved "Home" location and frequent destinations show a clear picture of your daily life. This makes you a potential target for stalking, burglary, or other physical threats.
How to Permanently Delete Your GPS Data
Most modern car infotainment systems let you do a "factory reset" or "master reset." This will erase all the data you added and return the system to its original settings. You can usually find this option in the "Settings" or "System" menu. Before you return your rental car, take a few minutes to look through the menus and complete this reset.
Is the GPS data really gone?
To protect your personal information, performing a factory reset is the best option. This usually deletes everything stored in the car. However, some car manufacturers might use cloud services that keep some of this data. Check the rental car company’s privacy policy to see how they and their partners manage your data. It’s a good idea to review this policy or ask the rental agent about how they delete data. Keep in mind that once your data is in the cloud, you have less control over getting rid of it completely.
Red Flags Your GPS Data Has Been Compromised
It can be hard to link a data breach to a specific rental car. However, there are warning signs that your identity might be at risk:
- Unusual Account Activity – Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit card bills for any unauthorized charges.
- Suspicious Emails or Calls – Be wary of unexpected emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Scammers might use details from your rental to make their attempts seem more legitimate.
- Mail Issues – If you stop receiving expected mail, it could mean a thief has submitted a change-of-address request on your behalf.
- Credit Score Changes – A sudden and unexplained drop in your credit score can be a strong indicator of fraudulent activity.
What to Do if You Suspect a Compromise
If you believe your personal information has been stolen, you need to act quickly to minimize the damage.
- Place a Fraud Alert – Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
- Report the Theft – File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides a personalized recovery plan and resources to help you deal with the situation.
- Contact Financial Institutions – Contact your bank and credit card companies about the potential breach. They will keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity or provide you with new cards.
- Change Your Passwords – As a precaution, change the passwords for your important online accounts, especially for email and financial services.
Determining the origin of an identity theft incident can be challenging. If the thief doesn't make a mistake or if there isn't clear evidence, it's hard to show that the problem came from a rental car. You should focus on securing your accounts and minimizing the damage.
Conclusion
Remember, your GPS data is your responsibility. Connecting your phone to a rental car is handy, but you need to protect your privacy. Make sure to do a factory reset on the car's infotainment system before you return the keys. This simple step helps keep your personal information safe. Don’t let a short-term convenience turn into a long-term security risk.
Remember, Stay Alert and Stay Informed!