Remove yourself from SmartBackgroundChecks: steps, timeline, and what comes back (2026)
Most relevant if this is you:Privacy for families
SmartBackgroundChecks sells access to personal data on millions of Americans: full name, age/DOB, current and past addresses, phone numbers. The free preview confirms your identity. The paid report hands over the dossier. No verification of who is searching or why.
What is SmartBackgroundChecks?
A people-search and background-check aggregator that compiles names, addresses, phones, relatives, and public records from public and commercial sources.
What makes SmartBackgroundChecks notable is that it surfaces information most people do not realize is publicly available. A single search reveals your home address, the names of your family members, and your approximate age, all without any verification of who is searching or why.
What data SmartBackgroundChecks has on you
A SmartBackgroundChecks profile can include a surprisingly detailed picture of your life. Here is what they typically display:
- full name
- age/DOB
- current and past addresses, often going back 10 to 20 years
- phone numbers, landline and mobile, sourced from commercial providers and public records
- email addresses, often going back 10 to 20 years
- relatives/associates, family members and known associates, often with links to their profiles
- social network info
- public records
Not every profile contains all categories. Depth depends on what public records exist in your jurisdiction and how much commercial data has been linked to your identity. For most adults with any public record history, SmartBackgroundChecks has enough to paint a detailed picture.
Prefer it handled for you? Delist finds your SmartBackgroundChecks listing, files the opt-out, and re-checks that it stays down — start with a free scan.
How to opt out of SmartBackgroundChecks: step by step
- Go to smartbackgroundchecks.com and click 'Do Not Sell My Personal Information' in the footer
- Enter your email, check the confirmation box, complete the CAPTCHA, and click Accept Terms & Start Removal
- Search your first/middle/last name, city, and state
- Click your name to open your profile
- Click Request My Record To Be Removed
- Open the verification email and click the link
How long does SmartBackgroundChecks removal take?
After you complete the opt-out, SmartBackgroundChecks typically processes removals within 72 hours (some sources cite 3-9 days). By broker standards, that is relatively fast. Many sites take 7 to 45 days.
The catch: your data comes back
The most important thing to understand about SmartBackgroundChecks removal: it is temporary.
SmartBackgroundChecks refreshes data from Enformion and other public sources, so your listing can reappear. Recheck periodically.
This is not unique to SmartBackgroundChecks. Every data broker works this way. Your opt-out removes one listing. It does not stop the data pipeline. The only way to stay off is to repeat the process every few months yourself, or use a service that detects re-listings and re-submits automatically.
This is the part Delist handles. SmartBackgroundChecks is one of dozens of sites holding your information, and removals do not stay removed on their own. Delist finds where you are exposed, files each opt-out, and re-checks for re-listings — re-filing when your data comes back.
Run your free scan →What SmartBackgroundChecks's opt-out does not cover
- Other brokers are not affected. Removing yourself from SmartBackgroundChecks does nothing to advancedbackgroundchecks.com, cyberbackgroundchecks.com, fastbackgroundcheck.com, or the dozens of other sites where your data is exposed. Each requires its own opt-out.
- Cached copies may persist. Google and other search engines may cache your SmartBackgroundChecks profile for days or weeks after it is removed. Use Google's content removal tool to request de-indexing.
- Multiple profiles may exist. If you have lived in multiple states, changed your name, or have multiple phone numbers, SmartBackgroundChecks may have built separate profiles for each variation. Search and opt out of each.
Tips for a successful opt-out
Use a dedicated email. Use an alias or a separate account for removal requests. Keeps your primary inbox out of SmartBackgroundChecks's system and keeps confirmation emails organized.
Search every angle. Do not just search by name. Try phone number and email too. You may have more than one listing.
Set a calendar reminder. Your data will likely be back within a few months. Set a recurring reminder to re-check and re-submit. It's tedious but necessary if you are doing this manually.
Document the request. Screenshot the confirmation page and save the confirmation email. Useful if you ever need to prove you requested removal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SmartBackgroundChecks take to remove my information?
Does SmartBackgroundChecks put my data back after I opt out?
Is the SmartBackgroundChecks opt-out free?
What's the difference between SmartBackgroundChecks and advancedbackgroundchecks.com?
Do I have to opt out of SmartBackgroundChecks if I use Delist?
Steps current as of 2026-06-22. Verify on SmartBackgroundChecks's official opt-out page.