Step-by-step opt-out instructions for data brokers, people-search sites, and background check databases. Free, no subscription needed.
Start with Easy-rated guides, most take under 5 minutes and cover the highest-traffic sites
Block 2–3 hours for a full sweep · Guides are added every Friday in the newsletter
Schedule a quarterly re-check, brokers re-aggregate from public records regularly
Data brokers purchase, scrape, and compile personal information from public records, social media, and third-party sources.
Using these guides, you navigate each broker's opt-out process which varies from a simple form to a multi-step email verification.
Most brokers take 24 hours to 30 days to process requests. Some require email confirmation; others remove listings automatically.
Removal is not permanent. Brokers re-aggregate from public records. A quarterly sweep keeps your exposure minimal.
Start with the Easy-rated brokers - they cover the highest-traffic sites and take under 5 minutes each. Work through the table from top to bottom for maximum impact.
1
Easy
Highest public traffic anyone can search your name
WhitePages, Spokeo, BeenVerified
2
Easy
Used by landlords, employers, and lenders
CheckPeople, Instant Checkmate, Intelius
3
Medium
Aggregate more detail than open people-search sites
Radaris, MyLife, InfoTracer
4
Medium
Publish civil and criminal court records linked to your name
CourtCaseFinder, CourtRecords.us, StateCourts
5
Hard
Controls what appears when someone Googles your name
Google (search result removal)
Is removal from data brokers permanent?
No. Data brokers continuously re-aggregate information from public records, court filings, voter rolls, and other sources. Most opt-outs last 6–12 months before your data reappears. A quarterly re-check is the most effective long-term strategy.
Does it cost anything to use these guides?
These guides are completely free. Every opt-out process listed here is the official, no-cost method each broker is required to provide. You do not need to pay any service to remove your data — doing it manually using these guides achieves the same result.
What if a broker ignores my opt-out request?
Wait the full processing window listed in the guide (typically 7–30 days), then check again. If your listing is still present, re-submit the opt-out request. Persistent non-compliance can be reported to the FTC, your state Attorney General, or under applicable state privacy laws (CCPA, VCDPA, etc.).
Do I need to provide my real contact info to opt out?
Some brokers require email verification — in that case a real email you control is needed to click the confirmation link. Others only need your name and state. Where guides note "use a temporary email," we recommend a privacy-focused alias service to avoid feeding more data to the broker.
How long does a full sweep take?
Plan for 2–3 hours of active work to cover the Easy and Medium brokers. Hard-rated brokers may add another 1–2 hours due to identity verification requirements. The actual removal processing then happens in the background over the following days or weeks.
What if the broker's site doesn't match the guide?
Broker websites change frequently. If the layout differs, look for links or pages labeled "Privacy," "Do Not Sell," "Opt Out," or "Remove My Information." The guide's general steps still apply. Email [email protected] if a guide appears significantly out of date.
Can I use these guides to remove data for family members?
Yes. Each opt-out is tied to a specific name and record, not an account. You can follow the same guide steps on behalf of a parent, partner, or child by searching for their name and submitting the opt-out with their details. Some brokers permit an authorized agent process for this purpose.
Spotted a broker we haven't covered? Found a guide that's out of date? We update these guides regularly and rely on reader reports to stay current. Drop us a line, we read every message.
The removal guides on this page are provided for informational purposes only. Indigo Privacy LLC is not a law firm, and nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results may vary depending on the data broker, the information submitted, and individual circumstances.Opt-out processes are determined solely by each data broker and may change without notice. Indigo Privacy does not guarantee that any opt-out request will be accepted, processed, or honored. Guides are updated periodically, but steps may no longer reflect the current broker interface.Data that has entered the public record, including court filings, property records, and voter registration data may not be fully removable from all sources. Brokers that republish public-record data are under no legal obligation to honor opt-out requests for that data.Use of these guides is at your own discretion. Indigo Privacy is not responsible for any outcome, direct or indirect, resulting from following these instructions, including but not limited to failed removals, identity verification issues, or unintended data disclosure.Some links on related pages of this site are affiliate links. Affiliate relationships do not influence guide content, accuracy, or recommendations. Indigo Privacy only references services it has independently evaluated.
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