It is not a secret that often personal information ends up on people search sites. Such websites collect personal data from publicly available sources and then publish it or try to sell it. The data often consists of names, addresses, or phone numbers, and it is frequently published without the consent of the individuals involved. Removing such personal information and clearing digital prints, in general, has become crucial for protecting personal privacy rights. It also significantly reduces the risks of identity theft-related crimes. Here are our suggestions on how to remove such personal information from people search sites. Keep in mind that reclaiming privacy is not an easy task, but following these steps will help minimize online footprint and remove such personal details from the internet. 

Key Takeaways

  • Find out which specific sites have such information.
  • Explore and follow their opt-out process to remove the questionable data. 
  • Keep an eye on online presence regularly.
  • Consider using privacy tools to leave fewer digital prints and adequately manage removal requests.

How does personal information end in the hands of data brokers?

People search sites aggregate public data from sources such as court records, voter registrations, and even social media, often without obtaining user permission. These platforms profit by selling access to this type of personal details, which raises privacy concerns. Removing personal information from the internet reduces risks such as fraud, phishing, or cyberstalking. Sites that publish such data include Whitepages, Spokeo, and TruthFinder. Here are more details on how to remove personal data from online directory companies. 

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Identify the sites that have your info

Search for yourself on Google using variations of your name, city, or phone number (e.g., “John Smith California”). A mixture of your name, addresses (previous and present), and cellphone numbers (work and personal) will likely show up on Google. We strongly suggest you use the incognito tab to do the search – staying “hidden” prevents Google from showing personalized search results. 

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Start the opt-out process 

Most people search sites are legally obliged to have an opt-out process. The companies are often not excited to receive those requests, so they often bury them at the bottom of the page, under or close to the privacy or opt-out links. Here are a few examples below;

  • Spokeo: Navigate to their “Do Not Sell My Info” and enter your profile URL and email address to start the process.
  • Whitepages: Scroll to the bottom of the page and hit the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” button. Then, follow the process by adding your profile URL. 
  • BeenVerified: Hit that “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” button at the bottom of the page and add your name, address, and confirmation email.

The process to remove the information is similar to that of all other sites that store personal information. It is essential to maintain a record of your submission – make a screenshot of every confirmation and keep any email correspondence with them. Those will be helpful in case you need legal representation and/or need to follow up. 

Continue to monitor your personal and repeat the first two steps

Sadly, removed data can reappear due to new aggregators or updates. Setting up a Google Alert for your name can be very helpful in monitoring a name. People are advised to review their media presence every 3-6 months and submit requests as needed. 

Consider using tools to navigate the process and prevent personal data leaks

  • Google Alerts: it will help you get notifications when personal data is published.
  • PrivacyDuck or OneRep: if money is no object, use services that automate removal requests.
  • Panda Dome: use protection software to prevent leaving digital prints. 

Additional tips to protect privacy

Make sure that you do your best to limit your public data. Users can adjust their social media privacy settings to ensure their details are not considered public information. Get in touch with government offices (such as the county treasurer-tax collector) and ask them to limit publishing such information, and lastly, avoid sharing personal details on random sites. 

If you’ve identified a website in question that refuses to remove a record, people are welcome to consider using reputation management agencies and/or consult a lawyer. 

Conclusion

Fraudsters are utilizing the data provided by people search services all the time. Often, such websites are where they go to select a target. Know where your information is published. Delete it. That’s the first step to avoid becoming a victim. Persistence is key. Deleting entries once helps. But monitor for future violations. Aggregators often republish after a few months.. If you wish to maintain a fair level of privacy while browsing, consider using antivirus software with a VPN – the good ones often offer one as part of their protection package.

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