Protecting Your Identity: Removing Personal Info from People Search Sites

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why People Search Sites Are a Privacy Risk

People search engines like Whitepages, Spokeo, MyLife, BeenVerified, and TruthFinder compile data from public records, social media, and commercial sources. While they claim to promote transparency, the reality is more invasive.

These platforms:

• Expose your full name, age, current address, and previous residences
• List phone numbers, email addresses, and household members
• May display criminal records, court judgments, and property ownership
• Can be exploited by scammers, identity thieves, and stalkers

Having your life details available at the click of a button is not just a privacy issue—it’s a security threat.

Where Do They Get Your Information?

People search sites are powered by data brokers that gather and sell information. Some common sources include:

• Voter registration rolls
• Real estate transactions
• Vehicle registrations
• Social media profiles
• Public court records
• Online shopping databases

Once your data is online, it’s aggregated across multiple websites—creating a persistent web of personal exposure.

How to Remove Your Info From People Search Sites (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify the Sites Listing Your Information

Start by Googling your name with combinations like:

textCopyEdit"Your Name" + address
"Your Name" + phone number
"Your Name" + site:whitepages.com

Create a list of all the websites displaying your details.

2. Opt Out of Major People Search Sites

Each site has its own opt-out procedure. Here are some of the most common:

• Whitepages Opt-out
• Spokeo Opt-Out Removal
• BeenVerified Opt-out instructions
• MyLife: Requires calling (888) 704-1900 or emailing [email protected]
• TruthFinder Record Removal

🛑 Pro tip: Some sites may take days to process requests and may republish your info later unless monitored.

3. Use a Scripted Opt-Out Letter

Here’s an example of an email template you can use to request removal of personal information from people search sites:

textCopyEditSubject: Data Removal Request Under Applicable Privacy Rights

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to request the removal of all personal information related to [Your Full Name, Address, and Date of Birth] from your site and database under applicable privacy regulations.

Please confirm this removal by replying to this message.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

4. Track and Monitor

Use reputation monitoring tools like:

• Mention
• Google Alerts

These platforms help monitor republishing and new exposures.

The Limitations of Manual Removal

Removing personal info is not a one-time process. Here’s why:

• New data gets added constantly
• Some sites refuse to honor opt-outs
• Data brokers may sell your info to other aggregators
• You may miss lesser-known people search websites

That’s where professional help becomes critical.

Defamation Defenders: Comprehensive Privacy Protection

At Defamation Defenders, we go beyond simple removals. Our privacy protection service includes:

• Exhaustive audit of 100+ people search sites
• Bulk data removal submissions
• Ongoing monitoring and suppression
• Legal takedown notices when applicable
• SEO strategies to suppress persistent listings

🔒 Get a free online reputation & privacy audit now

SEO Suppression: Making It Harder to Find Your Info

When data can’t be removed, we turn to search engine suppression.

Strategies Include:

• Publishing high-authority pages with your name
• Creating business profiles and social media content
• Using schema markup and keyword optimization
• Getting mentions on trusted websites and publications

This process buries people search links below Page 1 on Google, where they get far less visibility.

Legal Tools That Can Help

Certain privacy laws can be used to force takedowns:

• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): Allows California residents to request data removal
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Applies to European citizens, even if listed on U.S. websites
• State-Specific Data Broker Laws: Maine and Vermont require broker registration and opt-out transparency

When legal backing is needed, Defamation Defenders coordinates with attorneys for:

• Cease and desist letters
• Court petitions
• Privacy rights enforcement

How Personal Info Exposure Can Harm You

🛑 Identity Theft

Cybercriminals use this data for:

• Account takeovers
• Phishing scams
• Tax fraud

🛑 Stalking and Harassment

Publicly visible addresses make you vulnerable to:

• Personal harassment
• Doxxing
• Domestic abuse risks

🛑 Career Damage

Employers may Google you and see:

• Court appearances
• Criminal records (even dismissed)
• Personal relationship history

Protecting your personal data means protecting your life, livelihood, and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions