Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Intelius is one of the most well-known people search websites on the internet. While it can be a useful tool for locating old friends or researching public records, it also collects and displays sensitive personal information without consent. If you’re concerned about privacy, identity theft, or online harassment, removing your data from Intelius is a smart step.
This in-depth guide walks you through how to complete the Intelius opt out process in 2025, monitor for re-listings, and protect your data from resurfacing.
How to Remove Yourself from Intellius
Why You Should Remove Your Information from Intelius
Intelius aggregates and publishes a range of personally identifiable information (PII), including:
- Full legal name
- Current and past addresses
- Date of birth
- Phone numbers
- Relatives and known associates
- Property ownership records
While this data is sourced from public records, having it centralized and searchable online exposes you to:
- Identity theft and scams
- Stalking and harassment
- Doxxing and social engineering
- Discrimination and loss of job opportunities
Removing yourself from Intelius reduces your online footprint and strengthens your privacy posture.
Moreover, even individuals who have no active online presence can find themselves targeted when their data is made readily available by sites like Intelius. Private citizens, whistleblowers, victims of domestic violence, and even public servants have seen this kind of exposure result in serious security risks.
Is Intelius Legal?
Yes. Intelius is a legally operating data broker, sourcing information from government, utility, court, and commercial records. However, it must comply with:
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)
- Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)
- Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)
- Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)
- Other emerging state privacy laws
Under CCPA and similar laws, you have the right to opt out of the sale of your personal data. Residents in these states can also request access, correction, or deletion of their data.
Step-by-Step: Intelius Opt Out Process (2025)
Step 1: Go to the Opt-Out Page
Navigate to the Intelius opt-out form at: https://www.intelius.com/opt-out
Make sure to use a desktop browser in private or incognito mode to avoid cached results and tracking.
Step 2: Search for Your Listing
- Enter your full name and state of residence
- Click “Search” to bring up profiles
- Review the list carefully
- Select the listing that best matches your personal data
If multiple profiles appear, repeat this process for each one individually.
Step 3: Submit a Removal Request
- Click on the profile
- Enter a working email address (preferably one not easily tied to your name)
- Confirm the listing and click submit
- Complete CAPTCHA verification
If you receive a removal denial, escalate by contacting their support team at privacy@intelius.com.
Step 4: Confirm via Email
- Check your inbox for a confirmation link
- Click the link to verify your request
Processing time: Usually 72 hours, but allow up to 10 business days for full suppression.
What Happens After You Opt Out?
Once Intelius approves your opt-out, your profile is removed from public-facing search results. However, the underlying data may remain in backend databases. This means:
- Your profile could return during future data refreshes
- Other data brokers may already have copied the profile
- Cached versions may still exist in search engines
Pro Tip: Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool to remove the preview snippet from search results.
How to Monitor for Reappearance
Even after opting out, your data may reappear due to:
- Record updates
- Database refresh cycles
- Third-party re-listings
- Affiliates republishing outdated data
Use these tools for ongoing surveillance:
Set alerts for various name permutations and outdated locations to catch re-listings quickly.
Protecting Your Info from Data Brokers
To prevent future exposure:
- Avoid signing up for sweepstakes or free trials that require your full name, address, or phone
- Minimize use of social media with publicly available bios and posts
- Use masked or alternate email addresses and phone numbers
- Install browser extensions that block data-scraping trackers
- Periodically audit your online footprint with manual searches
Also check:
- OptOutPrescreen.com for credit offers
- DMAchoice.org for mail advertising
- Nai.org for ad targeting
Should You Use a Third-Party Removal Service?
Third-party services can:
- Automate removal from 50–100+ people search sites
- Track and report back when listings reappear
- Save time and reduce stress for users without technical know-how
However:
- Services may be costly (up to $150–500/year)
- Not all providers guarantee results
- Some may only cover a subset of brokers
At Defamation Defenders, we provide:
- A verified removal and monitoring system
- Custom suppression strategies if takedowns are denied
- SEO enhancement to push down remaining listings
🛡️ Schedule your free privacy consultation today
Additional Sites That May List Your Data
After Intelius, search and remove your data from these top aggregators:
- Spokeo
- MyLife
- InstantCheckmate
- BeenVerified
- PeopleFinder
- FastPeopleSearch
- USSearch
- TruePeopleSearch
- Radaris
- TruthFinder
- ZabaSearch
- PublicRecordsNow
Each one has its own opt-out policy, and failing to remove your name from them can undo the progress made with Intelius.
FAQs About Intelius Opt-Out
No. Intelius may re-list your data as new records are added or purchased from updated public data feeds. Monitor monthly and repeat removals as needed.
Yes, with documentation proving you are a legal representative. Contact support if you cannot locate the listing.
No. Your data is still publicly available through those sources unless sealed or expunged. This removal only affects online aggregators.
Search variations of your name, including maiden names, misspellings, and old addresses. You may also be listed under relative search results.
No. Intelius does not operate as a FCRA-compliant credit reporting agency. Employment screenings or housing applications remain unaffected.
Related Content from Our Blog that You Might Like:
