How to remove yourself from people-search sites (2026)
At a glance
- Urgency proactive
- Category prevention
- Key action Search your name to find which people-search sites list you and copy each profile URL.
- Last verified 2026-06-21
Immediate steps
- Search your name to find which people-search sites list you and copy each profile URL.
- Start with the highest-traffic brokers: Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, Intelius, MyLife, Radaris, ThatsThem, PeopleFinders.
- Complete each site's opt-out (often requires copying your listing URL and confirming via email; some require phone verification).
Where to report
| Entity | Contact | What to report |
|---|---|---|
| Spokeo | https://www.spokeo.com/optout | Submit your listing URL + email to opt out |
| Whitepages | https://www.whitepages.com/suppression_requests | Paste your listing URL; phone verification required |
| BeenVerified | https://www.beenverified.com/app/optout/search | Find your record and confirm via email |
Removal actions
- Submit opt-out requests to each site that lists you.
- Re-check periodically — listings frequently reappear, and new brokers emerge.
- Consider an automated, monitored removal service to cover the long tail of brokers and resubmit when data returns.
Prevention and follow-up
- Set up Google 'Results about you' monitoring.
- Limit the personal data you share with new sign-ups and loyalty programs.
- Pair removal with a credit freeze for layered protection.
Legal context
Most people-search data comes from public records and commercial sources; many states grant opt-out/deletion rights, and California's data-broker registration and deletion mechanisms strengthen consumer rights. There is no single federal law forcing all brokers to delete data for the general public. This is general information, not legal advice.
Key mistakes to avoid
- Opting out of one or two sites and stopping.
- Providing extra personal data to a broker during opt-out.
- Not re-checking — data reappears.
- Assuming an opt-out at one broker covers its sister sites (it usually doesn't, though some are linked).
How Delist helps
People-search removal is a core Delist workflow: finding exposed listings across supported source categories, submitting opt-outs, and monitoring for re-listings. Consumer Reports' limited 2024 field study found that results varied substantially by service and that its manual control required significant time and effort. Delist has not yet published independently tested outcome data.
Find out what personal data is exposed about you online.
Run a free scan →Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal?
Most people-search data comes from public records and commercial sources; many states grant opt-out/deletion rights, and California's data-broker registration and deletion mechanisms strengthen consumer rights. There is no single federal law forcing all brokers to delete data for the general public.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
Set up Google 'Results about you' monitoring. Limit the personal data you share with new sign-ups and loyalty programs.
Should I contact the police?
If you are in immediate danger or receiving threats, yes — call 911 or your local non-emergency line to create a report. A police report creates a paper trail that platforms and legal processes may require.
Can Delist help with this?
People-search removal is a core Delist workflow: finding exposed listings across supported source categories, submitting opt-outs, and monitoring for re-listings. Consumer Reports' limited 2024 field study found that results varied substantially by service and that its manual control required significant time and effort. Delist has not yet published independently tested outcome data.
Sources
This guide provides general information for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or safety advice. If you are in danger, contact emergency services immediately.