US Search Opt-Out Guide: 6 Steps to Remove Your Info in 2023
In today‘s digital age, data has become a valuable commodity – and a potential liability. As we live more of our lives online, bits and pieces of our personal information end up scattered across the internet, ripe for exploitation by advertisers, scammers, and even stalkers.
One common place this data ends up is on people search sites like US Search. These data brokers make a business out of buying up public records and compiling detailed dossiers on virtually every American adult.
Your US Search profile can reveal extremely sensitive details from your:
- Full name and aliases
- Age and birthday
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Relatives and known associates
- Social media profiles
- Criminal and court records
- Property deed and tax documents
- And much more
Anyone with $2 and your name can access this treasure trove of personal info with just a few clicks. Understandably, that makes many people uncomfortable. But opting out and removing your data from US Search is unfortunately not as simple as clicking an "Unsubscribe" button.
Don‘t worry though – by following the step-by-step instructions in this comprehensive guide, you can fully delete your US Search profile and protect your privacy.
Table of Contents
- US Search & Data Brokers Explained
- Risks of Not Opting Out
- How to Remove Your Info from US Search
- Alternative Opt-Out Methods
- Tips to Limit Data Exposure
- FAQ on US Search Removals
I. US Search & Data Brokers Explained
Before we dive into the removal process, let‘s unpack what US Search actually is. Founded in 1994, US Search is one of the oldest and most well-known data broker sites. The company collects and aggregates personal information from a wide range of public sources, then packages it into tidy digital dossiers that anyone can purchase.
Some of the public records US Search draws from include:
- Federal, state, and county government databases
- Commercial business filings and licenses
- Property deed records and tax assessor files
- Utility company data
- Phone books and directory assistance listings
- Social media profiles and activity
- Court records like criminal convictions, marriages, and divorces
This data is combined and cross-referenced using machine learning algorithms to form comprehensive profiles. A 2014 FTC study found data brokers had info on 1.4 billion consumer transactions and over 700 billion data points.
How many people are in data broker databases? It‘s nearly impossible to know for sure given the industry‘s lack of transparency, but experts estimate it‘s upwards of 95% of US adults.
Data brokers like US Search don‘t just passively compile this info either. Many engage in a controversial practice called data appending – aka purchasing additional demographic details like income bracket and medical conditions from commercial sources to flesh out profiles further.
It‘s a lucrative business model. The global big data market is projected to hit $103 billion by 2027. People search sites earn at least $1 billion per year on the sale of personal data.
Sources:
- FTC: Data Brokers – A Call for Transparency & Accountability
- ConsumerReports.org: How to Avoid Being Listed on People Search Sites
- FastCompany.com: New report shows that people search websites make around $1 billion per year selling access to your personal data
- ReportLinker: Big Data Market
II. Risks of Not Opting Out of US Search
"So what?" you might be thinking. "I have nothing to hide. Why should I bother jumping through hoops to delete my US Search profile?"
Even if you lead a squeaky clean, law-abiding life, there are still very real dangers to having your personal details so easily accessible online:
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Doxxing & harassment: Imagine a stranger or online troll using your info to find and share your phone number, address, or embarrassing past photos to harass you. "Doxxing" is often used for targeted hate campaigns.
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Identity theft: Armed with key details like your full name, age, relatives, and past addresses, criminals can open financial accounts or take out loans in your name. An estimated 1 in 20 Americans are identity theft victims each year.
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Social engineering scams: Fraudsters can use your data to craft highly persuasive phishing messages and trick you into revealing login credentials or sending money. Imposter scams cost Americans $30 billion per year.
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Physical safety risks: Stalkers, abusers, and criminals can leverage your info to track you down in the real world, showing up at your home or work. This is especially dangerous for victims of domestic violence trying to escape their abusers.
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Reputational damage: Background reports can reveal embarrassing court records, like a messy divorce or DUI, to anyone who searches for you. This can hurt your chances of getting a job, loan, or housing as 90% of employers and 85% of landlords now conduct online background checks.
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Unwanted advertising: Appended demographic data means you could get bombarded with creepily hyper-targeted ads based on your income, health conditions, political affiliation, and more.
In short, scrubbing your US Search profile is a critical step in protecting your finances, safety, and peace of mind. No one should have to worry about their personal details being a few keystrokes away from falling into the wrong hands.
Sources:
- IdentityForce: Identity Theft Facts & Statistics
- FBI: Scams and Safety – Common Fraud Schemes
- HR.com: More Than 90% of Employers Conduct Background Screening
- Zillow: Landlords Are Using Screening Tools to Vet Prospective Tenants
III. How to Remove Your Info from US Search
Now that you understand the stakes, let‘s walk through how to opt out of US Search and delete your profile for good. The manual process involves 6 key steps:
Step 1: Locate your listing
Go to ussearch.com and enter your first and last name into the search bar. Add your city and state if prompted for more accurate results. Scan the list for your profile.
If no listings appear, try variations like adding your middle initial or searching past locations you‘ve lived. It‘s possible US Search doesn‘t have a profile on you (lucky!) or that it‘s under an old/alternate name.
Step 2: Copy your listing URL
Once you‘ve located your profile, right-click on your name in the results and select "Copy link address" to grab the direct URL. You‘ll need this to formally request removal. If you can‘t copy the URL, jot down your name exactly as it appears.
Step 3: Submit opt-out request
Visit US Search‘s opt-out page. Paste your profile link into the form field. If you don‘t have the URL, check the box that says "I do not have a link to my record."
Enter your email address and click the reCAPTCHA box to prove you‘re human. Then hit "Send Verification Link."
Step 4: Verify your email
Open your inbox and look for an email from [email protected] Click the verification link inside to confirm your request. If you can‘t find it, check your spam folder.
Step 5: Confirm your removal
After clicking the verification link, you‘ll be taken to a final confirmation page. US Search will remove your listing within 48 hours. You should receive an email once the process is complete.
Step 6: Follow up if needed
If it‘s been over 48 hours and you still see your profile on US Search, contact their support team for help. Send an email to [email protected] with "Opt-Out Request" in the subject line. Include your name, the profile URL, and the date you submitted your original request.
The manual opt-out process is straightforward but does require a few tedious steps. If you‘d prefer a more convenient, hands-off approach, consider the alternatives discussed below.
IV. Alternative US Search Opt-Out Methods
If you don‘t have the time or patience for the DIY route, there are a couple other ways to remove your info from US Search:
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Paid deletion services: For a fee, companies like DeleteMe and OneRep will handle the opt-out process for you. They‘ll also monitor for your info popping up on other data broker sites and remove it.
Expect to pay around $130-$230 per year. Whether the convenience is worth the cost is a personal decision. Keep in mind you may need to provide the service with additional info like a copy of your license to complete the removal.
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Direct customer support request: To save time filling out online forms, you can contact US Search‘s support team directly by phone or email to initiate an opt-out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 800-711-1145
Just state your intent to opt out and provide your listing URL if you have it. A support agent will verify your request and remove your profile within 48 hours.
Both paid services and direct support requests can streamline the opt-out process, but the end result is the same as the manual method. Your info should be fully purged from US Search‘s database within 1-2 business days.
V. Tips to Limit Personal Info Exposure
Removing your US Search profile is a great first step, but dozens of other data broker sites are likely also cataloging and selling your personal info. To minimize your exposure:
• Opt-out everywhere: Prioritize opting out of the most trafficked data broker sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, BeenVerified, Intelius, and PeopleFinders. But don‘t stop there – use a free tool like BrandYourself to scan 100+ people search sites for your info.
• Google yourself: A quick search for your name can reveal what personal details are publicly available. If you find sensitive info, try contacting the webmaster to remove it or look into legal options to forcibly de-index it from search results.
• Use private domain registration: If you own a website, your name, address, and phone number may be exposed via WHOIS lookup. Pay for private registration through your domain provider to hide those details.
• Set up a data breach monitor: Billions of private consumer records have been hacked in recent years. Use a free service like HaveIBeenPwned to get alerted if your info lands on dark web marketplaces or hacker forums.
• Opt-out of data appending: Ask the major data brokers to stop supplementing their profiles with third-party demographic and lifestyle data. The three largest brokers are Acxiom, Experian, and Oracle.
• Review privacy settings: Ensure your social media profiles are set to friends-only, and avoid oversharing personal details publicly. Adjust ad preferences on sites like Facebook to limit intrusive targeted advertising.
Ultimately, guarding your personal info online is an ongoing commitment that requires consistent monitoring and maintenance. But putting proactive systems in place can dramatically reduce your digital footprint and vulnerability to privacy threats.
VI. US Search Opt-Out FAQ
Can I remove a relative‘s info from US Search?
To protect privacy, US Search will only process opt-out requests directly from the individual. If you‘re trying to remove a family member‘s info, have them submit a request using the steps above. The only exception is for minors under 18 – a parent or guardian can opt out on their behalf.
How long does a US Search opt-out last? Will my info reappear?
Once your profile is deleted by US Search, it‘s permanent. However, the site is constantly aggregating new data from public sources. It‘s possible your info could repopulate in a new listing over time, especially if you move or have a major life event like getting married. Rechecking the site every few months is a good idea.
How much of my info will US Search remove?
US Search will delete your entire profile, including all personal details and background info. Keep in mind separate listings may still exist for your relatives or other people with your same name. You can only request removal for records pertaining directly to you.
Is there a way to prevent my info from appearing on US Search in the first place?
Unfortunately, US Search and other data brokers don‘t allow you to proactively opt out. They automatically pull data from public records. The only way to avoid being listed is to completely eliminate your digital paper trail – a near impossible feat unless you live totally off the grid. Periodic opt-outs are your best defense.
Does opting out of US Search hurt my credit score?
No, removing your US Search profile has zero effect on your credit score. The data used to calculate your FICO score comes from the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), not people search sites. You can safely opt out without tanking your score.
I have a stalker/abuser. How do I get my info off US Search ASAP?
If your physical safety is at risk, contact US Search right away by phone at 800-711-1145 or email [email protected] Clearly state you‘re in immediate danger and need your profile deleted urgently. The support team can expedite your removal within 48 hours.
Conclusion
In a perfect world, we could freely share pieces of ourselves online without having to worry about bad actors abusing that information. But the sad reality is, any personal data left exposed can and likely will be exploited for profit or more nefarious purposes.
Opting out of invasive data broker sites like US Search is a powerful way to take back control of your digital privacy. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can significantly minimize your attack surface and enjoy greater peace of mind.
Remember, guarding your personal info is not a one-and-done activity but rather an ongoing responsibility. Remain vigilant about monitoring your digital footprint and be proactive about opting out of any new data broker sites that emerge.
Your privacy is precious. Defend it fiercely.
