A dark web campaign is targeting Tesla owners using old parking app data, inciting vandalism and harassment across the U.S.
At a Glance
- A site called DogeQuest is exposing Tesla owner info from a 2021 ParkMobile data breach.
- The site encourages harassment and vandalism of Tesla vehicles and high-profile individuals.
- ObscureIQ verified 98.2% of the leaked data aligns with breach victims.
- The campaign’s targets now include military and tech elites tied to Elon Musk.
- FBI and DOJ are investigating, with three suspects charged in related incidents.
A doxxing campaign fueled by old data
A coordinated doxxing operation hosted on the dark web is exploiting a years-old data breach to incite attacks against Tesla owners. The site, named DogeQuest, is reportedly publishing names, addresses, and contact information pulled from the 2021 ParkMobile data breach that affected more than 21 million users.
ObscureIQ, a data privacy watchdog, has confirmed that nearly all of DogeQuest’s posted information — 98.2% — matches users impacted by the breach. While ParkMobile initially downplayed the incident as compromising only “basic user information,” the targeted harassment now emerging suggests the data was far more exploitable than acknowledged.
Encouraging real-world harassment
Unlike many leaks that simply expose private data, DogeQuest actively urges malicious behavior. Messaging on the site reportedly glamorizes vandalism, with phrases like, “If you’re on the hunt for a Tesla to unleash your artistic flair with a spray can, just step outside — no map needed!” This content is accessible not only on the dark web but also via anonymized surface-web mirrors, further complicating takedown efforts.
While the site includes a nominal disclaimer stating it “neither endorses nor condemns any actions,” its language and targeting mechanisms appear intentionally designed to provoke real-world consequences. Authorities believe this incitement has already led to physical attacks, as multiple incidents of Tesla vandalism are under investigation.
Watch coverage of the Tesla data doxxing investigation.
Expanding the target list
What began as harassment of Tesla owners has grown into a broader campaign against so-called “high-value targets.” DogeQuest now lists individuals affiliated with Elon Musk’s ventures, including executives from SpaceX and X (formerly Twitter), and senior U.S. military officials. This expansion has intensified concerns about both cybersecurity and personal safety.
The Department of Justice has already charged three individuals in connection with attacks on Tesla vehicles, though no direct ties to DogeQuest have been publicly confirmed. The FBI continues to investigate the larger network behind the campaign, including related “swatting” threats — a dangerous tactic where fake emergency calls direct armed police responses to victims’ homes.
Accountability and long-tail risk
The fallout from the 2021 ParkMobile breach is proving to be far more consequential than initially disclosed. ParkMobile, which settled a class-action lawsuit last year for $32 million, had previously insisted that sensitive data — including payment details — were not compromised. But as DogeQuest demonstrates, even “basic” data like email addresses, license plates, and home locations can be weaponized years after exposure.
Critics argue the incident underscores a systemic failure in how companies handle personal information. “Consumers are told their data is secure, but even limited breaches can have devastating, long-term effects,” said a data protection analyst who reviewed the case.
For Tesla owners, Silicon Valley executives, and others caught in the crosshairs, the DogeQuest campaign is a stark reminder that digital negligence can lead to physical danger — years after the fact.
