Data Broker Removal Guide

Opt-out from Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and 50+ other sites

Quick Answer

You can request removal from most data brokers, but it's time-consuming and must be repeated regularly. Each site has different opt-out processes. This guide provides direct links and steps for major data brokers.

What Are Data Brokers?

Data brokers collect and sell your personal information from public records, online activity, and other sources. This information can include:

  • Name, age, and addresses (current and past)
  • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Relatives and associates
  • Property records and home values
  • Court records and criminal history
  • Social media profiles

Important to Know

Removing yourself from data broker sites is not permanent. They continuously re-add information from public sources. You'll need to repeat opt-out requests every 3-6 months.

Major Data Brokers - Opt-Out Instructions

1. Whitepages

Opt-out URL: whitepages.com/suppression-requests

  1. Search for yourself on Whitepages.com
  2. Click on your listing to view full details
  3. Copy the URL of your listing
  4. Go to whitepages.com/suppression-requests
  5. Paste your listing URL and submit request
  6. Verify via email
  7. Removal takes 24-48 hours

2. Spokeo

Opt-out URL: spokeo.com/optout

  1. Search for yourself on Spokeo.com
  2. Copy the URL of your listing
  3. Go to spokeo.com/optout
  4. Paste URL and enter email address
  5. Verify via email
  6. Removal takes 72 hours

3. BeenVerified

Opt-out URL: beenverified.com/faq/opt-out

  1. Search for yourself on BeenVerified.com
  2. Copy your listing URL
  3. Go to beenverified.com/faq/opt-out
  4. Paste URL and enter email
  5. Verify via email
  6. Removal takes up to 24 hours

4. PeopleFinders

Opt-out URL: peoplefinders.com/opt-out

  1. Search for yourself
  2. Copy listing URL
  3. Go to opt-out page
  4. Submit request with URL
  5. Verify via phone or email

5. Intelius

Opt-out URL: intelius.com/optout

  1. Search for yourself
  2. Copy listing URL
  3. Go to opt-out page
  4. Submit form with URL and email
  5. Verify via email

Additional Data Brokers to Opt-Out From

  • TruthFinder: truthfinder.com/opt-out
  • Instant Checkmate: instantcheckmate.com/opt-out
  • MyLife: mylife.com/privacy-policy
  • Radaris: radaris.com/page/how-to-remove
  • PeopleLooker: peoplelooker.com/opt-out
  • TruePeopleSearch: truepeoplesearch.com/removal
  • FastPeopleSearch: fastpeoplesearch.com/removal
  • CheckPeople: checkpeople.com/opt-out
  • USSearch: ussearch.com/opt-out
  • Pipl: pipl.com/personal-information-removal-request

💡 Time-Saving Tip

Create a dedicated email address for opt-out requests. Use a spreadsheet to track which sites you've opted out from and when, so you can repeat the process every few months.

General Opt-Out Process

1

Find Your Listing

Search each data broker site for your name, age, and location. Try variations of your name.

2

Copy Listing URL

Click on your listing to view full details, then copy the URL from your browser.

3

Find Opt-Out Page

Look for "Privacy," "Opt-Out," or "Remove My Information" links (usually in footer).

4

Submit Request

Paste your listing URL and provide required information (usually email address).

5

Verify Request

Check your email for verification link. Click it to confirm removal.

6

Wait for Removal

Most sites take 24-72 hours to process. Check back to confirm removal.

7

Repeat Regularly

Set calendar reminder to repeat every 3-6 months as information reappears.

Why Removal is Difficult

  • Public records are public - Data comes from government sources that anyone can access
  • Continuous re-aggregation - Brokers constantly refresh data from new sources
  • Multiple databases - Your info may appear under different names/addresses
  • No central opt-out - Must opt-out from each site individually
  • New brokers emerge - New data broker sites launch regularly

Alternative: Privacy Services

If manually opting out is too time-consuming, consider paid privacy services that automate the process:

  • DeleteMe - Removes you from major data brokers quarterly
  • Privacy Bee - Automated opt-out service
  • Incogni - Continuous data broker removal
  • OneRep - Monitors and removes listings

Cost: $100-200/year. Worth it if you value your time and want continuous protection.