A data broker is a company that collects your personal information from public records, social media, and other sources, then sells reports about you. People-search sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and BeenVerified are the most visible type of data broker. Most of these sites let you “opt out,” which means asking them to stop selling your information. You can do this yourself for free, site by site, or pay a service to do it for you.
How People-Search Sites Get Your Information
These sites build a report on you by pulling from several places at once. According to the Federal Trade Commission, that includes:
- Other data brokers
- Public social media profiles
- Government public records, including property records, driving records, voter registration, criminal and civil court records, and marriage, birth, and death records
With just your name or phone number, someone can buy a report showing your age, past addresses, marital status, employment history, court records, and even the names of your family members.
Step-by-Step Checklist to Opt Out Yourself
Opting out on your own is free but takes time, since there are many people-search sites. Follow these steps for each one:
- Search your own name, phone number, or address on the site to see what it shows.
- Look for an “opt out,” “remove my information,” or “do not sell my info” link on the page with your report.
- If you can’t find one, search online for the site’s name plus “opt out” to find its removal page.
- Follow the site’s instructions. Many require you to verify your identity before removing your listing.
- Repeat the process for other people-search sites.
- Check back periodically. If your public records change, your information can reappear on these sites.
Doing It Yourself vs. Using a Paid Removal Service
Both options can work. The right one depends on how much time you have and how many sites you want covered.
Opting out yourself:
- Free, but time-consuming since you handle each site one at a time
- Gives you direct control over which sites you target first
- Requires you to check back on your own for new listings
Using a paid service:
- Costs money but saves time by submitting requests for you
- Before signing up, ask how many sites it covers, whether it sends a report showing what it removed, and how often it rescans for new or reappeared listings
- Still requires you to verify your identity in most cases
Realistic Expectations After You Opt Out
Opting out has limits. Even after you’re removed from a site, a few things can still happen:
- Your information may still show up in reports pulled by relatives, neighbors, or associates
- If your public records change, such as a new address, your listing can reappear
- Opting out does not delete the underlying public record itself, so someone could still find it directly on a government website
- Some information, like sex offender status, typically cannot be opted out
Opting out reduces how easily your information is packaged and sold. It does not erase every trace of it online.
Decision Path: Which Approach Fits You
- Just a few sites you know about? Opt out yourself, one by one, starting with the biggest people-search sites.
- Concerned about many sites and don’t have time to track them all? Consider a paid removal service, and confirm what it covers before paying.
- Personal safety concern, such as escaping domestic violence or stalking? Prioritize removing your address and phone number first.
- Found signs your information was already misused, like unfamiliar accounts or bills? Go to the identity theft recovery steps below before continuing with opt-outs.
If You Suspect Identity Theft, Not Just Data Exposure
Opting out of a people-search site is different from recovering from actual identity theft. If you find accounts, charges, or benefit claims you don’t recognize, use IdentityTheft.gov’s step-by-step recovery plan. It walks you through placing a fraud alert, checking your credit reports, and creating an Identity Theft Report with pre-filled letters. Our guide on checking medical bills and benefit records for identity theft covers one common type in more detail.
Data brokers themselves are not required to keep your data private in most cases. There is currently no general federal law requiring this, unless the data is used for credit, employment, insurance, or housing decisions.
Extra Caution Groups
Some people face higher stakes from exposed personal information and may want to prioritize opt-outs:
- Survivors of domestic violence or stalking, who may not want their address or family members’ names easy to find
- Older adults, who are frequently targeted by scammers using publicly available details to sound convincing. Our guide on verifying a suspicious government contact explains how scammers use personal details to build trust.
- Anyone who has already had a Social Security number or benefits misused. See our guide on verifying a real Social Security call for related steps.
Evidence Limits
This guide reflects general FTC consumer guidance current as of this writing. It cannot tell you which specific people-search sites list your information or guarantee removal timelines, since each site sets its own process. It also cannot confirm whether a paid removal service will meet its claims; verify any service’s coverage and reporting directly before paying. This is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is opting out of people-search sites free?
Yes, you can opt out yourself at no cost. Paid services exist to save you time by submitting the requests for you, but they are optional.
Will opting out remove me from every data broker?
No single opt-out covers every site. There are many people-search sites, and each one requires its own removal request.
Can my information come back after I opt out?
Yes. If your public records change, such as a new address, your information can reappear on these sites, and you may need to submit a new opt-out request.
Does opting out stop identity theft?
Not by itself. Opting out limits how easily your information is packaged and sold. If you already suspect identity theft, use the recovery steps at IdentityTheft.gov instead of relying on opt-outs alone.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not guarantee removal from any specific site or service. Always verify current steps directly with official government resources, including consumer.ftc.gov and identitytheft.gov.
