How to opt out of Intelius in 2026
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If you’ve ever tried to remove your personal information from a data broker, you know how frustrating and time-consuming it can be. As a major information broker, Intelius profits from selling personal information like phone numbers, along with addresses and background details, to paying customers. The good news? With the right steps, you can successfully opt out and take back control of your privacy.
In this article, we'll explore what Intelius is, why you might want to remove your information from its database, and how to do this. Whether you’re concerned about privacy or just don’t want your details out there, we’ll guide you through the opt-out process—both the quick, automated options and the more hands-on, manual steps to ensure your info stays private.
How to opt out of Intelius
- Visit the Intelius website and scroll to the bottom.
- Click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Info."
- Fill out the form with your personal details.
- Complete the CAPTCHA to verify.
- Confirm your request via email.
- Alternatively, instead of repeating manual requests, you can let Incogni handle the process automatically. Incogni sends opt-out requests on your behalf and keeps monitoring dozens of data brokers, including Intelius, to ensure your information stays removed.
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What is Intelius?
Intelius is a people search service that pulls together personal information from public records and other sources to create detailed reports on individuals. It offers services like background checks, reverse phone lookups, and public records searches. Users can access many personal details about someone with just a name, phone number, or address.
Intelius collects and displays information like names, phone numbers, addresses (current and previous), email addresses, job history, educational background, and even criminal records. It gathers this data from public sources and online platforms to make it easy for anyone to find and pay for a report on someone.
While these services can help reconnect with people or check someone’s background, they also raise serious privacy concerns. Having your personal information easily accessible to strangers can lead to problems like identity theft, unwanted contact, or even harassment. Because of these concerns, many people opt out of Intelius to protect their privacy and keep their personal details out of the public eye.
How to opt out of Intelius
If you want to remove your personal information from Intelius, you have two options: the automatic route or the manual process. The automatic method involves using a data removal service like Incogni, which is quick and efficient but comes with a price. On the other hand, the manual process is free but requires more time and effort. In this guide, we'll walk you through both methods, step-by-step, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.
How to opt out of Intelius automatically
Opting out of data brokers like Intelius with an automated service is the fastest and easiest method. Instead of submitting requests to multiple websites, you can use an automated service to do all the heavy lifting.
Incogni is a popular choice for automating this opt-out process. It automatically submits removal requests to hundreds of data brokers, like Intelius, on your behalf, saving you time and effort.
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Sign up. Head over to the Incogni website and create an account. After signing up, log in to your account and access the dashboard.
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Authorize Incogni to deal with data brokers like Intelius on your behalf. Completing this process allows Incogni to do the hard work for you by opting out of the data brokers directly.
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Verify your record(s). Confirm which records are yours. Incogni then starts automatically contacting data brokers like Intelius to opt out for you.
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Confirm the first round of automatic opt-outs. Incogni will automatically send opt-out requests for you to hundreds of data brokers like Intelius.
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Monitor progress. Incogni will automatically send regular removal requests to data brokers like Intelius to keep your information removed from their lists. Check your dashboard for updates and track the progress of your opt-out request.
Once you sign up, you can track the status of your requests and get updates right in your dashboard. This makes it an excellent solution for anyone who doesn't want to spend hours navigating the Intelius opt out process.
If you're short on time or just don't want the hassle of manually opting out of every site, Incogni is the way to go. It increases your chances of successfully removing your data and keeps you informed throughout the entire process.
How to opt out of Intelius manually
You can always manually opt out of Intelius if you have the time and prefer not to pay for a data removal service. Although this method takes longer and requires more effort, it’s completely free and gives you full control over the process. If you enjoy being hands-on or want to ensure every step is done correctly, the manual process may be your best option.
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Visit the Intelius website. Go to the Intelius homepage and scroll to the bottom of the page. Find and click on the ‘‘Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Info’’ link to be directed to their opt-out page.
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Enter your information. Fill out the required fields, including your full name, email address, and the URL to your Intelius profile. You can search for the profile URL on the site if you don’t know it.
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Verify your request. Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm you’re not a robot. Then, submit your opt-out request.
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Wait for confirmation. Once Intelius has processed your request, you should receive a confirmation email. Keep an eye on your inbox, as this might take a few days.
- Check for removal. After you get the confirmation, search for your name on Intelius to ensure your information has been removed.
Alternative Intelius opt-out methods
Opting out via email
You can send an Intelius opt out request via email. The email address to submit privacy requests for Intelius services is [email protected] (PeopleConnect runs Intelius), but the brand-specific address [email protected] is listed in PeopleConnect’s privacy policy.
Your email should describe your intention to delete your personal information from Intelius and provide enough data to identify your record (legal name, current address, previous addresses in the last year, telephone number, and online email address). To process your request, PeopleConnect may require identity verification, which you can complete through their email or alternative verification methods.
Opting out via phone
You can remove your information from Intelius by calling (877) 564-3253. Let the support agent know about your privacy suppression/opt-out request, and have your name, addresses, phone number, and email ready so they can find your listing and begin the suppression process. During the Intelius opt out process, the agent might require you to confirm your identity just like they do with email requests.
Opting out via mail (written request)
You may also send an Intelius opt out request to 501 W Broadway St., Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101. The letter must state “I am requesting that Intelius suppress/remove my personal information from your people-search products” along with your full legal name, current address, previous addresses within the last few years, a contact phone number, and email address for verification purposes. Sign and date the letter. Sending your request through certified mail gives you a delivery record, which can help if you need to follow up.
Intelius opt-outs are processed by PeopleConnect's Privacy/Suppression Center, which handles suppression requests for all its people-search brands, including Intelius. You have the option to begin your request through the Suppression Center online and then follow up by referencing it in your email or phone, or mail correspondence with support.
Should you opt out from Intelius?
If your personal information is listed on Intelius, you may unknowingly be exposing yourself to a ton of risk. Here are the main reasons why you should send out an Intelius opt out request.
Your privacy is at stake
The main issue here is privacy. Intelius gathers your personal details, such as your home address and phone number, and makes this information publicly available without obtaining your consent. People who know you or don’t know you have instant access to your personal data with just one click. Erasing your information from the website ensures your personal details are inaccessible to anyone for a fee.
Avoid harassment and unwanted attention
When your information is publicly available, you risk unwanted contact from telemarketers, scammers, and possible harassment. This is especially uncomfortable for people who have experienced stalking. Deciding to opt out of Intelius cuts down the potential of unsolicited communications and creates a better virtual wall to keep your whereabouts safe.
Reduce the risk of doxxing and cyber abuse
The practice of doxxing involves publicly sharing private information on the internet to intimidate or harass individuals and is increasingly becoming a serious issue. Intelius holds extensive information about you, which makes it simple for adversaries to find you and collect enough personal data to damage your reputation or safety. Deleting your records makes it more difficult for anyone to use your information in this manner.
Protect yourself from identity theft
Identity thieves need minimal information to perpetrate fraud and financial theft. With Intelius, they can access your name, address, and date of birth, enough details to impersonate you. They could, for example, apply for credit cards, loans, and utility services in your name with that information. By opting out, you reduce the pool of available data for criminals and reduce your risk for financial fraud and long-term credit damage.
Safeguard your online reputation
Potential employers, landlords, and business associates all conduct online checks to gather information about you. So if there’s misleading, inaccurate, or out-of-date information about you on Intelius, it could unfairly influence how others think about you. Incorrect information, such as a wrong phone number and outdated addresses, can create questions that you should never have to address. Opting out gives you more control of your online reputation, so it’s not tainted by outdated or incorrect records.
Regain control over your digital footprint
Each new listing on a data broker site forms part of your digital footprint. The more information there is about you online, the less control you have over what your online presence looks like. Opting out of Intelius gives you back the power to decide what others can (and can’t) find about you. This is particularly important if you are looking to keep a professional image online, to protect your family’s privacy, or even just to minimize the amount of personal data that’s online.
Minimize legal and family risks
In some jurisdictions, having personal data publicly available online can put you at risk of legal issues like defamation and public records misuse. Intelius opt out requests remove details like your home address. This protects your family against predatory searches by bad actors and other potential dangers.
How to keep your personal data from data broker sites
Sending an Intelius opt out request is a good first step, but data brokers are always collecting fresh information. If you want to keep your personal data private, you have to stay vigilant. Here are some of the biggest privacy risks you face and how to protect yourself against them.
Oversharing personal information
The more personal information you provide to apps, websites, and services, the easier it is for data brokers to collect data on you. Limit the amount of data you provide when setting up accounts whenever you can, and look for “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” options when they are provided.
Weak account security
Old accounts with weak or reused passwords are a goldmine for hackers. Once those accounts are breached, your data can be easily sold on to data brokers. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on any service that supports it.
Tracking and location data
Data brokers can collect and sell information from your cookies, browser history, IP address, and location records. Hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic, and make it harder for advertisers to track you by using a VPN.
Social media exposure
Public profiles on social media platforms serve as valuable data targets for both scrapers and hackers. To protect your personal information online, tighten your privacy settings, avoid oversharing details like phone numbers or addresses, and make your profiles private.
Dormant accounts and mailing lists
Abandoned accounts and old mailing lists are still a source of data leaks. Close those old accounts, unsubscribe from junk newsletters, and remove yourself from marketing databases like DMAchoice or OptOutPrescreen. The less data brokers can find about you, the less likely it is that your information will be collected and resold.
Conclusion
In a world where personal privacy is constantly at risk, taking steps to protect your information is more important than ever. Opting out of Intelius is a simple way to keep your personal data from being easily accessed. Whether you prefer the convenience of using an automated service like Incogni or the more hands-on, manual approach, both methods let you take control of your information.
We’ve covered why it’s so important to opt out, especially if you’re worried about privacy, online reputation, or potential risks like stalking or identity theft. By doing so, you can reduce the chances of your information being misused.
Take action today – opt out of Intelius and other people search sites, and regularly check what personal information is floating around online. Managing your data is key to protecting your privacy and keeping your personal information secure.
Explore other opt out guides:
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FastPeopleSearch opt out: how to protect your privacy in minutes
True People Search opt out: how I removed my data (and you can too)
Nuwber opt-out guide: how I removed my info from this people search site
FAQs
Can you opt out of Intelius?
Yes, you can opt out of Intelius by visiting their website, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking "Do Not Sell My Info." Follow the steps to submit your personal information, complete the CAPTCHA, and confirm your request through email. This removes your data from their public listings.
How do I delete my Intelius account?
To delete your Intelius account, contact their customer support directly via email or phone, requesting account deletion. You'll need to provide your account information for verification. Keep in mind that deleting your account doesn’t automatically remove your personal information from their public listings—you must submit a separate opt-out request for that.
Is Intelius legit?
Intelius is a legitimate site offering background checks and people search services. However, the site gathers and displays personal data, raising privacy concerns. Although it's not unsafe, users should be aware of their privacy risk profile and take steps to remove their information if they have any concerns.
How to stop Intelius pop-ups?
To stop Intelius pop-ups, you can adjust your browser’s settings to block pop-ups, use an ad blocker extension, or clear your cookies and cache. Additionally, check your email preferences on Intelius to opt out of marketing communications that may trigger unwanted pop-ups or notifications.
How do I remove my name from Intelius?
To remove your name from Intelius, go to the website and click "Do Not Sell My Info" at the bottom of the page. Fill out the form with your details, submit the CAPTCHA, and confirm your request via email. Your information will be removed within a few days.
How long does it take for Intelius to remove my data after I submit an opt-out request?
The data deletion process takes about 72 hours once you submit an Intelius opt out request online. The record might take up to seven days to become completely invisible. Email, phone, and mail requests take longer — usually 2 to 6 weeks, depending on whether Intelius needs to verify your identity.
How did Intelius get my personal data?
Intelius compiles information by accessing public records and buying bulk data from third-party data providers. Their database contains information sourced from property records, judicial actions, voter enrollments, telecommunication directories, and various marketing databases. They also buy bulk data from other data brokers to grow their database. Most of the time, you never directly gave Intelius your personal information. It’s gathered legally from other available sources.
Can my data reappear after removal?
Yes, it can. Even if you get your information removed, it may still reappear after Intelius updates its database with new public records or third-party data feeds. That’s why it’s crucial to check back regularly and resubmit an opt-out request if you see your data again. For long-term protection, automated services like Incogni can monitor Intelius and other brokers and ensure your data stays suppressed.
