Your personal information is for sale online right now. Data brokers collect and sell your name, address, phone number, email, family members, income estimates, and more to anyone willing to pay. There are over 4,000 data broker companies operating in the United States alone, and most people have no idea their information is being traded.
What Are Data Brokers?
Data brokers are companies that collect personal information from public records, social media profiles, purchase histories, and online activity. They package this data into detailed profiles and sell them to marketers, background check companies, and unfortunately, to scammers.
Why You Should Remove Your Data
Identity theft prevention. Criminals use data broker profiles to steal identities. The more information available about you online, the easier it is for someone to impersonate you.
Reduce scam calls and texts. Data brokers sell your phone number and email to telemarketers and scammers. Removing your data reduces the volume of unwanted contact.
Protect your family. Your data profile often includes information about your children, spouse, and other family members. Removing your data helps protect everyone in your household.
Personal safety. For survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, having personal information publicly available can be dangerous.
How to Remove Your Personal Data: Step by Step
Step 1: Find Where Your Data Appears
Search for your name on major data broker sites like Spokeo, WhitePages, BeenVerified, Intelius, and PeopleFinder. You will likely find your information on dozens of sites.
Step 2: Submit Removal Requests
Each data broker has a different opt-out process. Some require filling out online forms, others need email requests, and some require mailing physical letters. This is tedious but important.
Step 3: Monitor and Re-Submit
Data brokers often re-add your information after you remove it. You need to check regularly and re-submit removal requests. This is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.
Step 4: Use Our Data Broker Removal Tool
Our free Data Broker Removal system monitors over 501 data broker sites for your information and helps automate the removal process. Instead of spending hours submitting individual requests, let our tool handle it for you.
Step 5: Reduce Future Data Collection
Limit the personal information you share online. Review privacy settings on social media, use a separate email for signups, and consider using a VPN when browsing.
What Information Can Be Removed?
Most data brokers will remove your name, address, phone number, email, and family relationships. Some may retain certain public record information that they are legally required to display.
How Long Does Removal Take?
Most data brokers process removal requests within 2 to 4 weeks. However, some may take up to 45 days. Our tool tracks the status of each removal request so you always know where things stand.