How to opt out of PeopleFinders

PeopleFinders is an online data broker that displays the personal information of millions of people. Its database includes phone numbers, property ownership information, criminal histories, marriage records, and more. This broker aggregates data from various public sources and sells this information.

Sites like PeopleFinders pose a serious privacy risk, as scammers, hackers, and fraudsters are constantly trying to gather personal information to orchestrate illegal acts like identity fraud and hacking.

To protect yourself from these threats, you must ensure that your personal information is not easily accessible to strangers on people search sites like PeopleFinders.

This guide will explain how to opt out of PeopleFinders and wipe your information from its website. We’ll also show you different ways to remove your records from data brokers' databases.

What Is PeopleFinders?

PeopleFinders is an online data aggregation service that collects, stores, and sells the personal information of people in the United States. This California-based data broker has been operating for over 20 years and was once voted one of the fastest-growing internet-based companies.

Individuals and businesses mainly use PeopleFinders for background checks and reverse phone lookups. You can dig up a lot of information about a person on PeopleFinders, including their full name, address, phone number, criminal record, family information, employment history, and even property records.

While the company compiles this data from various public sources, the fact that it makes detailed personal information about individuals readily available to anyone raises glaring privacy concerns.

Platforms like PeopleFinders increase the risk of identity theft, unwanted contact, and a general invasion of privacy. These are just a few reasons you should opt out of PeopleFinders, and you'll be happy to know there are several ways to do this.

How to opt out of PeopleFinders?

There are two main ways to opt out of PeopleFinders’ database. You can use an automatic data removal service or manually request that your data be deleted.

We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Removing your data automatically

You can opt out of PeopleFinders using a data removal service that scans sites for your data and automatically sends removal requests to them on your behalf. This method requires no manual intervention, which is why many users prefer it.

Data removal services like Incogni and DeleteMe make opting out of people search sites easy and convenient. All you need to do is create an account and authorize the service to delete your information from these sites.

Incogni is one of the leading data removal services available today. It’s trusted by millions of people worldwide who value privacy, so we’ll use it in this guide. Below is a step-by-step guide explaining how to sign up for Incogni and remove your data from people search sites like PeopleFinders.

1. Visit Incogni's website and click "Get Started." Select a plan and create an account.
2. Incogni will need permission to request data removal from brokers on your behalf. You must sign an authorization form to authorize Incogni to do so.
3. Once you sign the authorization form, Incogni will start sending opt-out requests to data brokers. You can monitor Incogni’s progress on your dashboard, which shows how many requests have been sent and how many platforms have removed your data.

One of the main benefits of using a data removal service like Incogni is that it continuously ensures your data doesn’t appear on sites like PeopleFinders.

Keep your data private with Incogni

Removing your data manually

Some people prefer to take matters into their own hands, which is understandable. You can manually opt out of sites like PeopleFinders. While the process is time-consuming and requires your full attention, it’s just as effective as the automatic method.

Here's how to opt out of PeopleFinders manually:

1. Go to the PeopleFinders website. Type in your name and city. Choose your state, and then click "Search."
2. Locate your profile and click on "View details."
3. Wait briefly until you see the window with a button that says "Build your report." Click on that.
4. You'll arrive at a paywall that unlocks your report, but you don't need to pay to continue. Simply copy the URL of this page from your address bar.
5. In a new browser tab, head over to the PeopleFinders opt-out page. Scroll down, paste the URL you copied, and enter your email. We recommend using an anonymous email address for extra privacy. Now, complete the CAPTCHA and click "Send request."
6. Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for the verification message and click on "Remove [Your Name] profile."
7. Solve the CAPTCHA again and click "Send request."

If you don't receive an email, try resending the request and double-checking the address you entered. If problems persist, contact PeopleFinders' support.

Overall, this is a longer process than the automatic method, but you get the peace of mind of having opted out yourself!

Alternative PeopleFinders opt-out methods

As an alternative to the automatic or manual PeopleFinders opt-out methods described above, you can contact PeopleFinders' customer support directly at 1-(800)-718-8997 to speak to a representative.

When you reach a representative, request they remove your name and data from the PeopleFinders database. Be clear about this.

PeopleFinders customer service is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST and 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST on weekends.

You can also consider legal actions, such as sending a formal cease and desist letter, especially if your requests have not been honored.

Of all the opt-out methods, using a data removal service like Incogni is the easiest and most effective way to safeguard your privacy.

Reasons to remove information from PeopleFinders

In the increasingly digital world, there are several risks to your privacy, and it’s crucial that you are aware of these threats.

Due to the nature of their data aggregation business, data brokers like PeopleFinders often (sometimes inadvertently) expose extremely sensitive data online. This can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, cyberstalking, phishing attacks, and dangerous scams.

For instance, hackers can use your personal details to commit fraud. You could also become the victim of online harassment, where a malicious individual uses the personal data they've collected to track you.

Remember, PeopleFinders is just one of the many data brokers. You also have to be wary of brokers like PeopleLooker and TruthFinder. among others. The most effective way to keep your data from these sites is by using a data removal service like Incogni.

Conclusion

Opting out of people search sites like PeopleFinders is essential for protecting your privacy and controlling the information about you floating online. You can do this manually or use a trusted tool like Incogni.

Regardless of the method you choose, it will help to reduce your chances of being a victim of identity theft, data breaches, spam, and online harassment.

Remember, bad privacy practices have a long-term domino effect on your security. You don't want strangers accessing bits of data about you and, worse yet, piecing together this information for illegal purposes.

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