Private Investigators: How to Delete Yourself from People Search Sites
Private Investigators: How to Delete Yourself from People Search Sites
How to Delete Yourself from People Search Sites
You won't believe what private information the public can uncover let alone private investigators - this article could change your view of privacy forever. Today you will learn how to protect your online privacy and remove your information from free public databases. This is the 5th article in a series of Database Brokers and People Finders. Here is the information that Database Brokers do not want you to know.
In this eye-opening article, you'll discover the dark side of database brokering and learn how to protect your online privacy and remove your information. Trust us, once you've read this, you'll never look at privacy the same way again.
Are you an everyday citizen looking to remove your private information from people search sites? If so, it's crucial to understand the alarming reality of database brokers. Our series sheds light on how these brokers collect, analyze, and sell personal information such as physical addresses, cell phone numbers, emails, relatives, employers, and more. Before taking steps to protect your privacy, we recommend reading our series to gain insight into the extent of this issue and the potential risks it poses. Knowledge is the first step towards regaining control over your personal information.
Taking Control: Removing Personal Information from Data Brokers
In today's digital world, our personal information is collected, stored, and sold by data brokers without our explicit consent. This can leave us vulnerable to privacy breaches, targeted marketing, and even identity theft. Our personal information is constantly being collected, analyzed, and shared by various entities, including data brokers. These companies aggregate vast amounts of data about individuals, creating detailed profiles that can be sold to advertisers, employers, or even criminals. However, it's not a hopeless situation. By understanding how data brokers operate and taking proactive steps to remove our personal information, we can regain control over our online privacy. In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing your personal information from data brokers, empowering you to protect your digital footprint.
Utilizing a subscription-based service for data removal:
If you prefer a more hands-off approach and are willing to invest in a subscription service, there are subscription-based options available that specialize in removing personal information from data brokers. These services can simplify the process and save you time and effort. One Company to consider is DeleteMe.
DeleteMe: $129/yr DeleteMe offers a subscription service that focuses on removing personal information from data brokers. They employ a team of experts who conduct regular scans, identify data brokers associated with your information, and submit opt-out requests on your behalf. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help streamline the removal process and ensure comprehensive coverage.
By subscribing to DeleteMe or other services, you gain access to their expertise and resources, freeing you from the time-consuming task of individually contacting multiple data brokers. They handle the process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on other aspects of protecting your online privacy.
Taking a DIY approach to data removal:
If you're a do-it-yourselfer who prefers a hands-on approach, you can take steps to remove your personal information from data brokers on your own for free. While it requires more time and effort, it allows you to have full control over the process. Here's how you can go about it:
Opt-Out Procedures: Review the privacy policies and terms of service of each data broker you identified. Look for their opt-out procedures, which may involve filling out online forms, sending emails, or submitting written requests. Take note of the specific instructions provided by each data broker as they are not all the same.
Submit Opt-Out Requests: Follow the instructions provided by each data broker and submit individual opt-out requests. Be diligent and thorough in filling out the required forms or crafting emails/letters. Ensure that you provide accurate information to maximize the chances of successful removal.
Document and Follow Up: Keep a record of the opt-out requests you've made, noting the date of submission and any confirmation emails or reference numbers received. Data brokers may take some time to process your requests, so be patient. If you haven't received a response within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with a polite inquiry to ensure your request is being addressed.
Regular Monitoring: Even after submitting opt-out requests, it's essential to monitor your online presence periodically. Conduct searches using your name, email address, and other relevant identifiers to see if your information still appears on data broker websites. If you find any lingering information, repeat the removal process or contact the data broker directly to request immediate removal.
While the DIY approach requires more effort, it empowers you to take control of the data removal process. Stay organized, document your requests, and remain vigilant in monitoring your online presence to ensure your personal information is effectively removed.
Salt Lake Investigations, a reputable private investigation agency, has compiled a comprehensive list of the top data brokers. This is not a complete list but serves as an excellent starting point for individuals looking to protect their privacy and take control of their personal information. By identifying these prominent data brokers, you can better understand the scope of the issue and begin the process of removing your data from their databases. Utilizing this curated list, you can take proactive steps toward safeguarding your online privacy.
Top Data Brokers:
Acxiom: Acxiom offers a wide range of data services and is known for its extensive consumer database, including demographic, behavioral, and purchasing information.
Opt Out Link: https://isapps.acxiom.com/optout/optout.aspx
Experian: Experian is a global information services company that collects and provides consumer data, credit information, and analytics.
Opt Out Link: https://www.experian.com/privacy/opting_out
TransUnion: TransUnion specializes in credit reporting and risk assessment services, but it also maintains a vast database of consumer information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.transunion.com/consumer-privacy#:~:text=How%20can%20I%20stop%20TransUnion,at%20833%2D395%2D6938.
LexisNexis: LexisNexis is a leading provider of legal, regulatory, and business information. They also maintain a comprehensive database containing personal information on individuals.
Opt Out Link: https://www.lexisnexis.com/risk/prescreened-offers-optout/
Whitepages: Whitepages is a popular people search website that aggregates public records, contact information, and other data to create detailed profiles.
Opt Out Link: https://www.whitepages.com/suppression-requests
Intelius: Intelius offers background check services and access to public records, including information on individuals' addresses, phone numbers, and more.
Opt Out Link: https://suppression.peopleconnect.us/login
Spokeo: Spokeo is a people search engine that provides access to public records, social media profiles, and other personal information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.spokeo.com/optout
BeenVerified: BeenVerified is a background check service that provides public records information on individuals, including addresses, phone numbers, and criminal records.
Opt Out Link: https://www.beenverified.com/faq/opt-out/
Instant Checkmate: Instant Checkmate is a background check service that offers access to public records, including criminal records, addresses, and contact information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.instantcheckmate.com/privacy-center
PeopleFinders: PeopleFinders is a people search platform that provides access to public records, background checks, and other personal information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.peoplefinders.com/opt-out#IT
TruthFinder: TruthFinder is a background check service that compiles public records data, including criminal records, contact information, and more.
Opt Out Link: https://suppression.peopleconnect.us/login
MyLife: MyLife is a people search website that aggregates public records, social media data, and other personal information to create comprehensive profiles.
Opt Out Link: https://www.mylife.com/ccpa/index.pubview
PeopleSmart: PeopleSmart is a people search engine that provides access to public records, contact information, and background check reports.
Opt Out Link: https://www.peoplesmart.com/app/optout/search
PeekYou: PeekYou is a people search engine that compiles public records, social media profiles, and other online information to create detailed profiles.
Opt Out Link: https://www.peekyou.com/about/contact/optout/
PeopleLooker: PeopleLooker is a people search website that offers access to public records, background checks, and contact information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.peoplelooker.com/f/optout/search
Pipl: Pipl is a people search engine that scours the web for publicly available information, including social media profiles, public records, and other data.
Opt Out Link: https://pipl.com/personal-information-removal-request
ZabaSearch: ZabaSearch is a people search engine that provides access to public records, including addresses, phone numbers, and background information.
Owned by Intelius
Opt Out Link: https://suppression.peopleconnect.us/login
Radaris: Radaris is a people search platform that aggregates public records, social media data, and other personal information.
Opt Out Link: https://radaris.com/control/privacy
US Search: US Search is a people search website that offers access to public records, background checks, and contact information
Opt Out Link: https://www.ussearch.com/privacy-center
FamilyTreeNow: FamilyTreeNow focuses on genealogical data and provides access to public records and family tree information.
Opt Out Link: https://www.familytreenow.com/optout
InfoTracer: InfoTracer is an online public records search platform that provides access to various types of information, including background checks, criminal records, contact details, and more. It aggregates data from multiple sources and compiles it into comprehensive reports.
Opt Out Link: https://infotracer.com/optout/
TruePeopleSearch: TruePeopleSearch is a free people search website that allows users to look up individuals by name, phone number, or address. It provides basic contact information, including addresses, phone numbers, and possible relatives.
Opt Out Link: https://truepeoplesearch.net/remove-my-info
FastPeopleSearch: FastPeopleSearch is another free people search website that offers access to public records and contact information. Users can search for individuals by name, phone number, or address to find details such as current and past addresses, phone numbers, and potential associates.
Opt Out Link: https://www.fastpeoplesearch.com/removal
SpyDialer: SpyDialer is a reverse phone lookup service that provides information about phone numbers, including the owner's name, address, and other available details. It also offers a "SpyDial" feature that allows users to listen to voicemail messages associated with certain phone numbers.
Opt Out Link: https://www.spydialer.com/consumers/
IRB (IRBsearch): IRBsearch is a subscription-based data broker that provides access to public records, including criminal records, property records, and professional licenses. It caters primarily to businesses, law enforcement, and legal professionals.
Opt Out: send email to: customercare@irbsearch.com
TLO (TransUnion TLOxp): TLO is a comprehensive investigative platform that offers access to vast amounts of data, including public records, social media information, and proprietary databases. It provides detailed reports on individuals, businesses, and assets to aid in investigations and due diligence processes.
Opt Out Link: https://service.transunion.com/dss/ccpa_optout.page
Delvepoint: Delvepoint is a data aggregator and search platform that provides access to public records, including criminal records, property records, and professional licenses. It offers a range of search tools and filters to help users narrow down their queries.
Opt Out: https://www.delvepoint.com/resources-privacy.html
IDICore: IDICore is a data broker that specializes in identity verification, background checks, and risk management solutions. It provides businesses and organizations with access to various data sources to verify identities, screen individuals, and mitigate potential risks.
Opt Out: https://www.ididata.com/opt-out-policy.pdf
CLEAR: CLEAR, operated by Thomson Reuters, is a comprehensive investigative platform used by many private investigators. It offers access to a vast collection of public records, including criminal records, motor vehicle data, business information, and more.
Opt Out Link: https://privacyportal-cdn.onetrust.com/dsarwebform/dbf5ae8a-0a6a-4f4b-b527-7f94d0de6bbc/5dc91c0f-f1b7-4b6e-9d42-76043adaf72d.html
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other significant data brokers in existence.
Conclusion:
Removing personal information from data brokers is critical in safeguarding your online privacy. Whether you choose to handle the process independently, utilizing the outlined steps of identifying data brokers, reviewing privacy policies, and submitting opt-out requests, or opt for a subscription-based service like DeleteMe, taking action is key. Reclaiming control over your personal information can mitigate privacy risks and regain peace of mind in the digital landscape. Remember, regardless of the approach you choose, persistence and ongoing vigilance are vital in maintaining your online privacy over time.
