Tesla doxxing attacks wrongly target nonowners across America
The recent surge of attacks on Tesla owners, dealerships, and charging stations has escalated into a disturbing campaign of intimidation, fueled by weaponized personal data. However, the repercussions extend beyond just Tesla owners.
Websites like “Dogequest” have been publishing personal information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of individuals supposedly linked to Tesla ownership. Shockingly, many of the victims listed on these sites never owned a Tesla or had sold theirs years ago. Some were misidentified due to errors in public records or outdated databases, resulting in innocent people becoming targets for harassment and threats. The operators of these sites have even demanded proof of sale from those seeking removal, placing the burden on individuals to clear their names.
As the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) classify these attacks as domestic terrorism and increase their efforts to investigate, the chilling reality is that anyone, regardless of Tesla ownership, can find themselves exposed and at risk.
The inception of the “Dogequest” website on March 18, 2025, marked a turning point in this cyber warfare. This site displayed a searchable map containing personal information of supposed Tesla owners and employees, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. However, a significant number of individuals listed had never owned a Tesla, with the data originating from flawed public vehicle registration records and third-party databases known for their inaccuracies. Some victims had sold their Teslas years ago, while others were never owners but were mistakenly linked due to errors in data sources.
The consequences of these attacks extend beyond the digital realm, with incidents such as firebombings at showrooms, bullets through dealership windows, and threats to families being linked to these doxxing campaigns. Law enforcement now categorizes these actions as domestic terrorism, highlighting the severity of the situation. Moreover, the misidentification of individuals underscores the fact that anyone could be targeted, irrespective of their Tesla ownership status.
The issue of misidentification is a concern for all individuals, not just Tesla owners. The same flawed data sources that led to the misidentification of Tesla owners exist for various other products, memberships, and affiliations. This underscores the importance of safeguarding personal data and being vigilant in the face of potential threats.
To protect oneself from data breaches, leaks, and exposure to online threats, several measures can be taken. Limiting the data provided to companies, deleting unnecessary accounts, and utilizing data removal services to erase personal information from people-finder sites are crucial steps in reducing exposure to cyber threats. Additionally, implementing two-factor authentication, using a VPN, and reporting instances of doxxing or cyber harassment are essential strategies for safeguarding personal data and privacy.
In conclusion, the escalating attacks on Tesla owners and the dissemination of personal information through weaponized data highlight the urgent need for individuals to protect themselves in the digital landscape. By taking proactive steps to secure personal data, stay informed about potential threats, and report instances of cyber harassment, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with online attacks. The evolving nature of cyber threats necessitates a proactive and vigilant approach to safeguarding personal information in an increasingly interconnected world.
