Doxxing Attacks Targeting Tesla Owners Create Widespread Fear and Vulnerability

The alarming increase in attacks against Tesla owners, dealerships, and charging stations has escalated into a disturbing campaign of intimidation. This initiative, propelled by weaponized personal information, affects not only Tesla owners but also innocent individuals across America.

Websites like Dogequest have begun publishing names, addresses, and phone numbers claimed to belong to Tesla owners. Strikingly, numerous victims listed have never owned a Tesla or have sold theirs long ago. Errors in public records and outdated databases have led to the misidentification of unwitting individuals, transforming them into targets for harassment and threats. The operators of these websites even demand proof of sale from those seeking to rectify these inaccuracies, forcing innocent people to jump through hoops to reclaim their privacy.

As the Department of Justice and the FBI classify these acts as domestic terrorism and intensify their investigations, a chilling reality emerges: virtually anyone, even those merely suspected of being Tesla owners, is at risk of exposure and intimidation.

The Launch of Dogequest

On March 18, 2025, a hacker group unveiled Dogequest, a website designed to showcase a searchable map of individuals alleged to be Tesla owners and employees. This platform does more than disclose dealerships and charging stations; it exposes the names, home addresses, phone numbers, and emails of individuals, occasionally even in real-time. The shocking aspect is that many of those listed are not Tesla owners at all.

The data fuelling this alarming attack primarily stems from public vehicle registration records and third-party databases, which are notoriously inaccurate. Some victims had sold their Teslas years ago, while others were never owners, merely linked by mere typographical errors, recycled phone numbers, or faulty database entries. Despite these inaccuracies, they find themselves on a digital hit list, with their privacy and security compromised.

Real-World Consequences

This issue transcends the digital realm, resulting in serious real-world consequences. Incidents of firebombings at showrooms, gunfire directed through dealership windows, and threats to families have all been associated with these doxxing campaigns. Law enforcement agencies, including the DOJ, now label these acts as domestic terrorism. Given the frequent inaccuracies in the available data, anyone could potentially become a target, irrespective of whether they have ever owned a Tesla.

The notion of safety becomes elusive, as the flawed data sources responsible for misidentifying Tesla owners exist for various other products, memberships, and affiliations. Today, the focus is on electric vehicles; tomorrow, it could pivot to political donors, healthcare professionals, or any group whose personal data is monetized.

How to Protect Yourself

Regardless of whether you believe you are safe due to not owning a Tesla, it is essential to acknowledge the omnipresent risk. The same unreliable data sources that misidentify Tesla owners can impact countless others. Personal data may be exposed through breaches, unauthorized disclosures, or scraping from people-finder websites, leaving everyone vulnerable. Understanding how to mitigate your exposure is crucial in avoiding becoming a target of a doxxing attack.

Taking Action

To help prevent your personal information from being mishandled, consider the following steps:

Data removal services: These people-search sites act as data brokers, compiling detailed profiles of individuals that anyone can access for a fee. They represent some of the most dangerous online sources of exposed personal information. Utilizing a personal data removal service makes it easier to tackle these brokers. These services can submit legally binding opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf, ensuring your information is removed.
Maintain ongoing protection: Although no removal service can guarantee complete data erasure, relying on a reputable service is an effective way to automate and manage your protection against numerous data-hungry websites over time.

While minimizing your online footprint is an important step, securing your digital infrastructure from both physical and virtual threats is vital for true safety in this challenging information age. Here are additional methods to bolster your security.

Steps to Enhance Digital Security

Utilize two-factor authentication: Safeguard your vehicle’s account and associated emails with authenticator apps instead of SMS, as SMS is susceptible to SIM-swapping attacks.
Employ a VPN: Mask your IP address when accessing your vehicle’s applications on public Wi-Fi to prevent unwanted tracking and potential man-in-the-middle attacks. VPNs protect you from those attempting to monitor your location.
Be cautious with cabin cameras: Unless absolutely necessary, disable Cabin Camera Recording under Data Sharing. While Tesla insists that footage is not linked to identities by default, vulnerabilities in third-party applications can expose this data.
Report doxxing or online harassment: If you become a victim of doxxing, do not hesitate to take action. File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or local law enforcement. Document evidence to support your case.

The unsettling reality of these attacks demands proactive measures. While the threats in our hyper-connected world may seem daunting, individuals do not have to remain helpless. By arming themselves with knowledge, utilizing the right tools, adopting smart habits, and remaining aware of potential dangers, individuals can take back control.

Future Legal Considerations

As we reflect on the current state of cybersecurity, a pressing question arises. Should companies face legal consequences for underinvesting in cybersecurity? Perhaps only then will organizations truly recognize the importance of safeguarding personal information. Share your thoughts with us.

For ongoing updates on tech tips and security alerts, consider subscribing to our newsletter, ensuring you remain informed and proactive in protecting your personal data.