Unscrupulous Doxxing Attacks, Mistakenly Identifying and Disclosing Personal Information of Innocent Individuals Not Owning Tesla Vehicles Across the U.S.
Title: Burned Cybertruck at Arizona Tesla Dealership: Arson Suspect in Custody, Domestic Terrorism Allegations, and Your Guide to Protect Yourself from Doxxing Attacks
The recent surge of attacks on Tesla owners, dealerships, and charging stations has morphed into a broader campaign of intimidation, fueled by weaponized personal data. A 35-year-old man is accused of arson after a Cybertruck was burned at a Tesla dealership in Mesa, Ariz., on April 28, 2025.
The fallout isn't limited to Tesla owners alone. Sites like "Dogequest" have published names, addresses, and phone numbers, targeting Tesla owners, yet many victims never owned a Tesla or sold theirs years ago. This isn't just an online problem; firebombings at showrooms, bullets through dealership windows, and threats to families have all been linked to these doxxing campaigns.
Essential Defenses Against Doxxing
On March 18, 2025, a hacker group launched "Dogequest," a website featuring a searchable map of supposed Tesla owners and employees. The site's flawed data sources have also led to misidentifications for those who never owned a Tesla in the first place. Here's how to protect yourself from doxxing attacks and maintain your privacy:
1. Limit personal data exposure
Fill in only the required fields, use email aliases, burner numbers, and a P.O. Box wherever possible. Provide fake details where it's practical and legal to do so.
2. Delete inactive accounts
Those online shopping accounts you never use anymore? They still hold your personal information. Look for options like "delete my data" and "delete data and close account" rather than just "close account."
3. Leverage data removal services
These services send legally binding opt-out requests across people-finder sites, ensuring your information is removed. For the best results, use a trusted service like [Recommended Data Removal Service][1].
4. Secure your digital infrastructure
- Enable two-factor authentication: Secure your vehicle's account and associated emails with authenticator apps instead of SMS.
- Use a VPN: Mask your IP address using a VPN to prevent location tracking and man-in-the-middle attacks when accessing your vehicle's apps on public Wi-Fi.
- Cabin cam caution: Disable Cabin Camera Recording unless absolutely necessary.
- Report doxxing or cyber harassment: If you've been doxxed, report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement.
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[1]: Top Pick Data Removal Service
- The recent surge in doxxing attacks, targeting Tesla owners and even those who never owned a Tesla, underscores the importance of safeguarding personal data in the realms of politics, general news, and crime-and-justice.
- With increased awareness about the impact of data breaches on public safety, it's important to consider the role of technology and cybersecurity in protecting individuals from such attacks, in addition to discussions on health and environmental issues.
- In light of the escalating doxxing campaigns associated with ongoing disputes in the technology sector, taking essential measures such as limiting personal data exposure, using data removal services, and securing digital infrastructure becomes crucial for the maintenance of individual privacy and safety.
