As an Optery customer, why am I getting emails from data brokers?

When Might a Data Broker Contact Me Directly?

It may seem counterintuitive to hear from a data broker after Optery has sent a request on your behalf. However, many state privacy laws allow data brokers to reach out for two reasons:

1. Identity Verification: To ensure they aren't deleting the wrong person’s data.
2. Authorization Check: To confirm you actually engaged Optery as your Authorized Agent.

While these checks are permitted by law, they must be reasonable and proportionate. This means that you can challenge requests that feel invasive or unnecessary.

How to Respond: The "Reasonableness" Test

Before providing more information, ask yourself: "Does this broker already have the info they are asking for?"

• The Simple Confirmation (Recommended): If they ask for a simple click or a reply to confirm your identity, we recommend responding: "I confirm my identity and verify that Optery is authorized to act as my Authorized Agent for this and all future requests."
• The "Sensitive Info" Red Flag: If a data broker asks for a Social Security Number, a photo of your Driver’s License, or a Passport, they may be overstepping by attempting to collect more sensitive data than they currently have on you or that may be reasonable to request.

How to Challenge the Request

Under various state privacy laws, businesses must avoid "unduly burdensome" verification. If a data broker demands sensitive documents or information that seems excessive, you can challenge the request by sending the following "Challenge" response:

"I am exercising my right to [Opt-Out/Deletion] under my state privacy law. I decline to provide [SSN/ID Photo], as it is disproportionate and unnecessary for verification. Please process my request or provide a specific legal justification for why my existing data is insufficient for authentication."

Updated on: 08/01/2026