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What Are People Search Sites?
People search sites are online platforms that gather, buy, and sell personal information about individuals. This data can include age, date of birth, marital status, address, employment history, criminal records, and family details. These sites compile information from public records, social media, and other data brokers. Depending on the site, you may access this information for free, purchase a report, or subscribe for unlimited access.
While these sites can be used for legitimate purposes, such as reconnecting with old friends or conducting background checks, they also pose risks. Hackers, identity thieves, stalkers, and abusers can exploit these sites to find and track victims.
How to Remove Your Information From People Search Sites
Removing your information from people search sites can be challenging and time-consuming. However, you can take the following steps to do it yourself:
1. Search Your Name
Start by searching your name and identifying people search websites that appear in the results. This will give you a list of sites to target for removal requests.
2. Check Common People Search Sites for Your Information
Search for your information on popular people search websites such as:
- BeenVerified
- FamilyTreeNow
- FastPeopleSearch
- Instant Checkmate
- Intelius
- PeekYou
- PeopleFinders
- Pipl
- Spokeo
- TruthFinder
- Whitepages
Note that some sites may require payment to view full results, but this is not necessary to verify if they have your information before sending an opt-out request.
3. Tell the Company to Remove Your Information
Look for ways to send a removal request to each site. Search the company’s name along with terms like “remove,” “delete,” and “opt-out.” The process varies by site, and links to opt-out pages may change frequently.
Consider creating a new email account for this purpose to stay organized and avoid spam. Some companies control multiple sites, so you may be able to suppress your data from several sites at once. Be prepared to submit multiple requests if you have several profiles or name variations.
4. Wait and Check if Your Information Was Removed
It may take a few days or longer for the company to process your request. Verify by searching for your name on the site after a week, using an incognito browser tab for accuracy.
5. Recheck the Sites in the Future
Regularly recheck these sites, as new public records or data purchases can cause your information to reappear. Repeat the process every few months to maintain your privacy.
How to Protect Your Identity Going Forward
Removing your information from people search sites is an ongoing process. Here are some tips to protect your privacy and identity:
- Limit what you share online and review your social media privacy settings.
- Reduce your digital footprint by deleting old online accounts.
- Use Experian’s personal privacy scan to monitor and remove your information from people finder sites.
- Sign up for identity theft protection services that monitor multiple databases and alert you to potential threats.
If you are concerned about an abuser or stalker, look into address confidentiality programs in your state that can help keep your actual address confidential.
The Bottom Line
People search sites collect and sell data on millions of individuals, making it easy for others to learn more about you or steal your identity. Removing your information can be difficult, but it is possible through persistent effort or using services that handle the process for you. Keeping your information off these sites requires ongoing vigilance.
For any mortgage service needs, contact O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We are here to assist you with the best mortgage solutions tailored to your needs.
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