Remove yourself from data broker sites and prevent identity theft

Your personal information is out there, floating across the internet in a way that’s often out of your control. Ever wondered why your inbox keeps getting spammed with emails you didn’t sign up for? Or how your phone number ended up in the hands of marketers you’ve never heard of? You can thank data brokers for that.

Worse, this circulation of personal data can increase your risk of identity theft, stalking, and financial fraud. The good news? You can take action to reduce your digital footprint, remove your data from these sites, and protect your privacy.

What are data brokers and why are they a problem?

Data brokers are businesses that collect, compile, and sell your personal data. We're talking about details like your name, phone number, home address, age, income level, and even your social media activity. They gather this information from public databases, social media platforms, and online activity trackers (like cookies). Companies, marketers, and even individuals pay data brokers for access to this information.

What’s the risk of having your data floating around in these databases?

• Identity theft: Fraudsters can buy your information from data brokers and combine it with information they have about you to attempt to steal your identity, open new accounts in your name, or access your existing ones.
• Stalking and harassment: Sensitive information sold online can expose your home address or phone number to people you'd rather not share it with.
• Financial scams: Criminals can use your data to target you with phishing schemes and other malicious tactics.

Oversharing personal information online can be all too easy with all the activities people do – everything from social media to online shopping to sending emails.

If this sounds alarming, it’s because it is. But don’t worry—you’re not powerless. Roll up your sleeves and follow these three strategies to clean up your online presence.

Manually opt-out of data broker sites

Many data broker sites allow you to request the removal of your information, but the process can be time-consuming. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Locate opt-out pages for each site: Most data brokers have dedicated opt-out pages. Search for “[Broker Name] opt-out” or visit their privacy section. Some common ones include sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, and Radaris.
• Submit removal requests: Follow the instructions on each site to submit your opt-out request. You’ll likely have to provide proof of identity (like uploading an ID) to verify the removal.
• Verify and monitor: Once you've submitted your requests, double-check periodically to ensure your information is truly gone. Use people-search engines to see if your data has been successfully removed.

While manual removal is effective, it requires patience and diligence. You’ll need to revisit these websites regularly, as your data may reappear after updates, even if you previously requested its removal.

Why choose an automated service?

• Time savings: Instead of manually opting out on individual sites, you hand the task over to experts.
• Recurring monitoring: Data brokers frequently update their databases, but automated services ensure your information stays private over time.
• Ease of use: Most services streamline the process with user-friendly dashboards, giving you a bird’s-eye view of your progress.

Although some may shy away from the added cost, the peace of mind and convenience these services provide often make it worthwhile.

Cut down your digital footprint

Removing your data from broker sites is only part of the solution. Minimizing how much personal information you share online can help prevent brokers from obtaining your data again. Here are some tips to reduce your digital footprint:

• Delete unused apps: Many apps collect and store your data, even if you no longer use them. Uninstall outdated or unnecessary apps and request data deletion where possible.
• Check social media privacy settings: Tighten your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Limit what’s visible to the public, such as hiding your phone number, email, and location.
• Make your social accounts private: A private account restricts who can see your posts and details. This step also reduces the likelihood of your data being scraped by third parties.
• Enable do-not-track features: Adjust browser settings to block cookies or enable “Do Not Track” features, preventing websites from collecting your browsing data.
• Request data removal directly: If you stumble across websites or databases with your information, don’t hesitate to contact the webmaster or use tools like Google’s removal request form. 

Taking steps to remove your personal information from the internet can help safeguard your identity.

Don’t expose yourself to fraud  

Failing to clean up your personal data can leave you vulnerable to dangerous consequences, including identity theft, scams, and a loss of privacy. But by implementing these strategies—manually opting out, using removal services, and limiting the information you share—you can take meaningful steps toward securing your digital presence.

Looking for expert help? Want to stay a step ahead? Consider solutions like LifeLock Ultimate Plus for comprehensive identity theft monitoring, alerts, and expert restoration services.

FAQs

Is data broker removal worth it?

Yes! It’s a practical way to protect your personal information and reduce your exposure to financial fraud or identity theft risks.

How do I remove my email from a data broker list?

Track down the data broker website and use their opt-out page to request removal of your email address from their databases.

How do I opt-out of data collection?

Enable privacy settings, limit the information you share online, and submit opt-out requests to data collection services or use an automated removal platform.

Where do data brokers get your information?

Data brokers collect your information from public records, online activities, social media profiles, and third-party cookies.