How to Remove Your Information from People-Search Sites
How to Remove Your Information from People-Search Sites (Step-by-Step Privacy Guide)
Type your name into Google and you might find your home address, phone number, relatives, or even your social media profiles listed on dozens of people-search websites. Sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, BeenVerified, and MyLife collect and sell personal data without direct consent — putting your privacy at risk. The good news: you can remove your information from most of them. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to cleaning up your digital footprint.
1. What Are People-Search Sites and Why They Matter
People-search sites aggregate publicly available data from social media, public records, and marketing databases. They’re popular with employers, identity thieves, and data brokers. While some use them for background checks, they also expose personal data that can lead to stalking, scams, or identity theft.
If your goal is digital privacy, removing your information from these sites is one of the most effective steps you can take.
2. How to Opt Out of Major People-Search Websites
| Site | What It Exposes | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spokeo | Name, address, relatives | 2-5 days |
| Whitepages | Address, phone, age | 1 week |
| BeenVerified | Court records, contact info | 1-2 weeks |
| MyLife | Reputation scores, background data | Up to 10 days |
| Intelius / TruthFinder / Instant Checkmate | Aggregated background reports | 24-72 hours |
| FastPeopleSearch | Address and relatives | 2-5 days |
| PeekYou | Social links, usernames | Varies |
Be thorough — new data brokers appear often, and many resell data to one another.
3. Use an Automated Data-Removal Service (Optional)
Manually removing yourself from dozens of sites can take hours. For faster cleanup, consider automated removal tools such as:
- Incogni – Handles opt-outs across 180+ sites automatically.
- DeleteMe – Offers recurring removal and monthly reports.
- PrivacyBee – Removes and monitors personal data exposure.
These services typically cost between $8–$15 per month, and can be an easy win for long-term privacy maintenance.
4. Lock Down Your Data to Prevent Re-Listing
Even after removal, data can reappear when new records are indexed. Protect yourself by:
- Using a VPN (e.g., NordVPN, Surfshark, or ProtonVPN) to hide your browsing IP.
- Setting social media profiles to private.
- Avoiding sweepstakes and online forms that request personal information.
- Creating a secondary email for sign-ups.
- Using a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane to generate unique, secure passwords.
5. Submit a Google Removal Request
If search engines are still displaying your old records, submit a removal request directly to Google:
- Go to Google Content Removal Tool.
- Select “Remove information you see in Google Search” and follow the prompts.
Google won’t delete the original source, but it can remove indexed links, reducing visibility.
Removing your information from people-search sites takes time but pays off in peace of mind. The fewer public records tied to your name, the harder it is for data brokers, scammers, or identity thieves to find you. Combine these steps with privacy tools, cautious sharing, and routine monitoring to keep your personal data where it belongs — private.
FAQs
How long does it take to remove my information?
Most removals take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the site’s response time.
Can my data reappear later?
Yes. Data brokers frequently re-harvest information. Setting a reminder to recheck every 3–6 months helps keep listings down.
Are data-removal services safe?
Reputable ones like Incogni and DeleteMe use encryption and handle opt-outs securely. Avoid any service that asks for unnecessary personal data upfront.
Is it possible to remove all traces of my information online?
Complete removal isn’t possible, but you can drastically reduce exposure by cleaning up people-search sites and maintaining strict privacy practices.
