How to Opt Out of People-Search Sites Yourself (Step by Step)
Want to try the do-it-yourself route first? Use this checklist to find your listings and submit opt-out requests safely.
A data broker is a company that collects information about people and sells or licenses it to others. Some sell to marketers, some to background-check customers, and some publish everything on a public “people-search” website where anyone can look you up for a few dollars.
Where the data comes from
- Public records such as property deeds, voter files and court filings.
- Marketing lists from loyalty programs, warranty cards and online purchases.
- Apps and websites that share or sell usage and location data.
- Other brokers: profiles are traded and merged constantly.
Why it matters
A single listing can show your current address, phone numbers, age and relatives. That is exactly what scammers, stalkers and identity thieves need to make a convincing approach.
What you can do
Most brokers offer an opt-out process, and several U.S. state laws give you the right to ask for deletion. Doing it yourself works, but it is slow and has to be repeated because profiles reappear. A removal service automates the requests and keeps checking for you.