{"id":8580,"date":"2023-12-01T06:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T11:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/?p=8580"},"modified":"2024-11-21T14:15:49","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T19:15:49","slug":"how-to-remove-your-data-from-people-finder-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-your-data-from-people-finder-sites\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Remove Your Data from People-Finder Sites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-are-people-finder-sites\">What Are People Finder Sites?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-remove-your-data-from-people-finder-sites\">How to Remove Your Data from People Finder Sites<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-is-my-information-on-people-finder-sites\">Why Is My Information On People Finder Sites?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow our guide below to learn how to remove your data from people-finder sites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest &#8211; the chances of getting a message from a long-lost friend who found you through a people finder site are slim.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, being scammed, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/what-is-doxxing-how-to-protect-against-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doxxed<\/a>, harassed, turned down for a job or house, or seeing your insurance premium rise as a result of your personal data appearing on a people finder site are\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/techpolicy.sanford.duke.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/08\/Data-Brokers-and-Sensitive-Data-on-US-Individuals-Sherman-2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">less slim<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To stop your personal details from being sold to just about anyone, you need to opt out from people finder sites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-people-finder-sites\">What Are People Finder Sites?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People-finder sites, also known as people search sites or <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/what-are-data-brokers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data brokers<\/a>, collect your personal info from public sources and compile it into comprehensive profiles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the data they collect comes from social media (such as Facebook, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-linkedin-from-google-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>, or Instagram), and some from public records (such as court and criminal records). The rest might come from other third parties, including other data brokers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical people finder profile contains information like your full name, date of birth, home address, phone number, family member details, employment, bankruptcies, etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AAHSmn2L3u-76ssyVII3OYfEVqYRew3lOTCj57GVGA_ry3UZZpBFI81xdKYGAm8VTTojE3rTZ400aDnMhPEw2bYtT44v2wSHqCtZAg00Y7oZpPOgsX3pLGMnj6UZSCdNckE1rxwuI-mRB_0v36-G__o.png\" alt=\"Data broker profile\" class=\"wp-image-8581\" style=\"width:381px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AAHSmn2L3u-76ssyVII3OYfEVqYRew3lOTCj57GVGA_ry3UZZpBFI81xdKYGAm8VTTojE3rTZ400aDnMhPEw2bYtT44v2wSHqCtZAg00Y7oZpPOgsX3pLGMnj6UZSCdNckE1rxwuI-mRB_0v36-G__o.png 509w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AAHSmn2L3u-76ssyVII3OYfEVqYRew3lOTCj57GVGA_ry3UZZpBFI81xdKYGAm8VTTojE3rTZ400aDnMhPEw2bYtT44v2wSHqCtZAg00Y7oZpPOgsX3pLGMnj6UZSCdNckE1rxwuI-mRB_0v36-G__o-213x300.png 213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, this information is available for free. Other times, you might have to pay a small fee to view someone\u2019s profile.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-remove-your-data-from-people-finder-sites\">How to Remove Your Data from People Finder Sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it isn\u2019t illegal for people search websites to publish and sell profiles of your personal information, that doesn\u2019t mean you have to put up with your data being sold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people finder sites let you opt out from their databases, and although it\u2019s a time-consuming process, it\u2019ll help you reduce the amount of personal data that exists about you online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to remove your personal data from people finder sites.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-google-your-name\">1. Google your name&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To start, you\u2019ll need to determine what people-finder sites have profiles on you. Go to Google Search (or a search engine of your choice) and enter your full name. You may also need to add geographic details (such as the city and\/or state you live in) to get an accurate match.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note of any people-finder websites offering information on you&nbsp; (common sites include <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-peekyou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PeekYou<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-whitepages-standard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Whitepages.com<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-us-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Search<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/data-broker-zabasearch-opt-out\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZabaSearch<\/a>).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add them to a list of data brokers to contact and request your profile removed from, as they will often be among the first stops for bad actors with malicious intent who are looking for information about you (such as doxers or stalkers).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-look-yourself-up-on-people-finder-sites-that-did-not-appear-on-google\">2. Look yourself up on people finder sites that did not appear on Google&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every people-finder site with a profile on you will appear in Google\u2019s search results. If you\u2019re serious about your online privacy, you\u2019ll need to go to each people finder website and search for your name.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you find a matching profile, copy its URL. You\u2019ll likely need to provide it later on when opting out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ynHXZ2SQWtf51Tf3G_g0iOQfZYtmqIQsmF4xzusP2-kAwkc4xQLKu3E76A5n980Ffd7QDOjaH-HwhHvhRAbJa3CYLzyAMELqKznmDxwqXQnN92LrApsMXqUMKBj41fmh8Ry1AYDzXg50CfvV_mBJi1c-1024x334.png\" alt=\"Data broker results \" class=\"wp-image-8582\" style=\"width:742px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ynHXZ2SQWtf51Tf3G_g0iOQfZYtmqIQsmF4xzusP2-kAwkc4xQLKu3E76A5n980Ffd7QDOjaH-HwhHvhRAbJa3CYLzyAMELqKznmDxwqXQnN92LrApsMXqUMKBj41fmh8Ry1AYDzXg50CfvV_mBJi1c-1024x334.png 1024w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ynHXZ2SQWtf51Tf3G_g0iOQfZYtmqIQsmF4xzusP2-kAwkc4xQLKu3E76A5n980Ffd7QDOjaH-HwhHvhRAbJa3CYLzyAMELqKznmDxwqXQnN92LrApsMXqUMKBj41fmh8Ry1AYDzXg50CfvV_mBJi1c-300x98.png 300w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ynHXZ2SQWtf51Tf3G_g0iOQfZYtmqIQsmF4xzusP2-kAwkc4xQLKu3E76A5n980Ffd7QDOjaH-HwhHvhRAbJa3CYLzyAMELqKznmDxwqXQnN92LrApsMXqUMKBj41fmh8Ry1AYDzXg50CfvV_mBJi1c-768x251.png 768w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ynHXZ2SQWtf51Tf3G_g0iOQfZYtmqIQsmF4xzusP2-kAwkc4xQLKu3E76A5n980Ffd7QDOjaH-HwhHvhRAbJa3CYLzyAMELqKznmDxwqXQnN92LrApsMXqUMKBj41fmh8Ry1AYDzXg50CfvV_mBJi1c.png 1118w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-find-the-opt-out-page\">3. Find the opt-out page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to opt out of a people-finder site\u2019s data collection services &#8211; or, to put it another way, when you\u2019re ready to request the removal of your personal information from their database &#8211; your next step is to find their opt-out page.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people-finder sites have an opt-out page viewable from the footer or FAQ sections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"642\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/asrjQJBVTVGn9LbdFEBEhjEngnmmS3hkph19BOUf5nSkoLXmuoMADjSgtWZjxIWT6fxRDY2dUC9g4MgCbRz6ufj-Px8KspPZqAm4nYgEgIxTzYtdMLeNMnhKeUn3-yXGNw30vSWUo7zBw8JKBpE7w7M.png\" alt=\"Data broker website footer - remove my info link\" class=\"wp-image-8583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/asrjQJBVTVGn9LbdFEBEhjEngnmmS3hkph19BOUf5nSkoLXmuoMADjSgtWZjxIWT6fxRDY2dUC9g4MgCbRz6ufj-Px8KspPZqAm4nYgEgIxTzYtdMLeNMnhKeUn3-yXGNw30vSWUo7zBw8JKBpE7w7M.png 642w, https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/asrjQJBVTVGn9LbdFEBEhjEngnmmS3hkph19BOUf5nSkoLXmuoMADjSgtWZjxIWT6fxRDY2dUC9g4MgCbRz6ufj-Px8KspPZqAm4nYgEgIxTzYtdMLeNMnhKeUn3-yXGNw30vSWUo7zBw8JKBpE7w7M-300x125.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The opt-out page should have instructions on how to remove your profile from that particular website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-submit-an-opt-out-request\">4. Submit an opt out request<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The opt-out process varies from one data broker to the next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people-finder sites have opt-out forms that you can fill out and submit, while others require you to email them specific information (sometimes even requiring you to verify your identity).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow each data broker&#8217;s instructions on the site\u2019s opt-out page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our free <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/opt-out-guides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DIY data broker opt out guides<\/a> if you need help. Some of our most popular guides are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-whitepages-standard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Whitepages<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-spokeo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Spokeo<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-beenverified\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from BeenVerified<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-peoplefinders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from PeopleFinder<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-radaris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Radaris<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-people-background-check\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from People Background Check<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-truthfinder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from TruthFinder<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-mylife\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from MyLife<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-intelius\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Intelius<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-fast-people-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Fast People Search<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-arrests-org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Arrests.org<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-checkpeople-com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from CheckPeople.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-yourself-from-instant-checkmate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remove yourself from Instant Checkmate<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When submitting your opt out request, remember that you\u2019re dealing with a data broker. Be very careful about what you share &#8211; including your real email address. Most data brokers require you to click on a confirmation email before they accept your opt out request. You may want to set up a temporary account or use a masked email to avoid unwittingly giving out your contact information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some data brokers maintain multiple profiles on the same person. Make sure to include each profile that\u2019s connected to you in the removal request.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-repeat-the-process-for-each-site\">5. Repeat the process for each site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since people-finder sites operate in isolation, you will need to repeat the opt out process for each one that has a profile on you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember to reference Google search results and manually check data broker websites to find any profiles connected with your identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-repeat-the-process-in-a-few-months-time\">6. Repeat the process in a few months time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, opting out of a people-finder site doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll be removed from it forever. People search websites frequently refresh their databases, creating new profiles when they find new information about you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means you\u2019ll need to go back to each people finder site a few months after you opt out to see if your profile has reappeared.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a new profile has appeared, you\u2019ll have to repeat the removal process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can subscribe to a <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data broker removal service like DeleteMe<\/a>. Our privacy experts will continuously opt you out of people-finder sites on your behalf.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-is-my-information-on-people-finder-sites\">Why Is My Information On People Finder Sites?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Data is valuable, and that means that data brokers are interested in selling your sensitive information whether you\u2019re aware of it or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as your information is publicly available on social media platforms, public records, and online accounts, it\u2019s at risk for collection by people-finder sites, who will compile it into a profile and sell it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the information they deal in is public, data brokers aren\u2019t breaking the law by selling it, even though you haven\u2019t given consent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having your personal information for sale like that doesn\u2019t just impinge on your privacy; it can actually harm you. Anyone can use people search sites and data brokers (doxxers, stalkers, scammers, hackers, advertisers, etc.) to find your personal information and target you with personalized ads, hack into your accounts, send you scams, or commit identity theft.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can minimize your exposure to people-finder websites by limiting what you share on the internet. Change the privacy settings on your social media profiles, remove your contact information from public facing accounts, and avoid including personal details in your posts and comments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how you can remove your personal information from people finder sites.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":8586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,26,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-data-privacy","category-privacy-tips","category-staying-private-online"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8580"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8580\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}