Opt-out guide · Updated July 2026
Remove yourself from the data brokers - for free.
People-search sites buy and resell your name, address, phone, and relatives. This guide walks the 12 highest-reach brokers with direct opt-out links, difficulty ratings, and the 45-day follow-up each one needs, no paid service required.
- 12
- priority brokers
- 2–4 hrs
- total time
- 45 days
- legal removal window
- $0
- cost
The short version
Knock out these 12 brokers first, they feed most people-search sites, so removing yourself here clears the majority of your exposure in one afternoon.
- 12
- cover most exposure
- 7 of 12
- are quick "Easy" removals
- 45 days
- max to comply (CCPA)
- Free
- every step below
Paid services do exactly this on your behalf, the instructions are public and below.
How hard are the 12 removals?
12 priority brokersMost are quick, email-verified forms. Start with the Easy ones to clear the bulk of your exposure fast, then tackle the few that need a phone call or account.
How Data Brokers Work
Data brokers collect information from public records, social media, purchase history, and other sources. They compile profiles and sell access to:
- People search sites: Charge $1-40 per search for your address, phone, relatives
- Marketers: Sell lists for targeted advertising
- Background check companies: Feed data to employment/tenant screening
- Anyone who pays: Including scammers, stalkers, and identity thieves
Before You Start
Gather Your Information
You'll need to find your listings before you can remove them. Prepare:
- All variations of your name (maiden name, nicknames, middle name variations)
- Current and previous addresses (past 10 years)
- All phone numbers associated with you
- Email addresses (use a dedicated privacy email for opt-outs)
Create a Privacy Email
Use a separate email address for opt-out requests (e.g., privacy.yourname@gmail.com). This keeps opt-out confirmations organized and prevents your primary email from being associated with more profiles.
Set Up Tracking
Track your progress. Most brokers require 45 days to process, and some require follow-up. Use a spreadsheet or our Opt-Out Tracker to track your progress.
Priority Broker List
Start with these 12 brokers. They're the most commonly used and have the broadest reach. Removing your data here covers the majority of exposure.
Spokeo
EasyEmail verification required. May take 24-72 hours.
BeenVerified
EasyMust find your listing first, then request removal.
Whitepages
MediumPhone verification required. Premium listings need separate removal.
Intelius
EasyAlso removes from related sites (Zabasearch, US Search).
PeopleFinder
EasyEmail confirmation required.
FastPeopleSearch
EasyOne of the easier opt-outs. Just find and remove.
TruePeopleSearch
EasyNo account needed. Very straightforward.
Radaris
HardRequires account creation. Multiple steps. Persistent.
MyLife
HardKnown for aggressive upselling. Use CCPA form for CA residents.
Acxiom
MediumMajor data aggregator. Important for marketing data removal.
Oracle Data Cloud
MediumLook for opt-out link at bottom. Covers BlueKai, Datalogix.
Epsilon
MediumConsumer preference center. One of the largest direct marketing data providers.
Source: Broker opt-out details verified against each site's current removal page (2026-07-23). Difficulty ratings and time estimates are based on PrivacyFix's broker-data library. Opt-out URLs may change; if a link fails, search the broker name + "opt out" on their site.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guides
We've created in-depth removal guides for the most popular (and most difficult) data brokers:
Spokeo Removal Guide
Email verification · 5 min · Medium
Whitepages Removal Guide
Phone verification · 10 min · Medium
BeenVerified Removal Guide
Straightforward · 5 min · Easy
Intelius Removal Guide
Also covers ZabaSearch · 5-10 min · Medium
MyLife Removal Guide
Phone-only · 15-20 min · Hard · Includes upselling defense tips
Step-by-Step Process
1. Search for Your Listing
Go to the broker's main site and search for yourself. Try different name variations. Screenshot any listings you find - this documents what they have.
2. Find the Opt-Out Page
Look for links labeled "Privacy," "Opt-Out," "Do Not Sell," or "Remove My Info." It's often buried in the footer. Use our direct links above to save time.
3. Submit Your Request
Most brokers require you to:
- Identify the specific listing(s) to remove
- Provide an email address for confirmation
- Verify your identity (email link, phone, or captcha)
4. Confirm and Document
Check your email for confirmation. Save confirmation numbers. Note the date and expected completion time (usually 45 days).
5. Verify Removal (45+ Days Later)
After the waiting period, search for yourself again. If your listing is still there, escalate by:
- Submitting another request with your confirmation number
- Filing a complaint with your state AG if you have privacy law protections
- Using CCPA/state rights if applicable
Common Challenges
Broker requires phone verification but shows your wrong number
Use their alternative verification method (email, mail, or identity document upload). Contact support if stuck.
Data reappears after removal
Brokers re-collect from sources. Submit another removal and consider freezing your credit reports. Public records are often the source.
Can't find the opt-out page
Search "[broker name] opt out" or "[broker name] CCPA" on Google. You can also email their support directly requesting removal.
Broker asks for too much personal information
Be cautious but some verification is legitimate. Never provide SSN. If it feels excessive, check if they have a CCPA/state privacy law form instead.
Beyond the Priority List
After completing the priority brokers, consider:
- Google yourself: Find and remove listings that appear in search results
- Check aggregator networks: Some brokers share data - removing from one may cascade
- Review marketing preferences: DMAchoice.org, NAI opt-out, DAA opt-out
- Consider paid services: If you value your time over money, see our comparison
Protect Yourself Going Forward
Removing your data is step one. To prevent future exposure, consider these essential privacy tools:
- VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address from trackers and data collectors
- Password manager: Unique passwords for every account prevent one breach from exposing everything
- Privacy-focused browser: Firefox, Brave, or DuckDuckGo block tracking by default
Looking for a VPN or password manager?
Our partner site Giftegy has in-depth reviews of NordVPN, Surfshark, and NordPass, all make practical gifts for the privacy-conscious.
Get a Personalized Plan
Not sure where to focus? Our Privacy Audit creates a prioritized action plan.
Take the Audit →California Residents
The DROP portal is live now for one-click removal requests; registered brokers must start acting on them August 2026.
Learn About DROP →Related Tools
Do this next
Removal is a marathon, set yourself up to finish it.
- Create a dedicated privacy email before you start so confirmations stay organized.
- Log each request and its 45-day follow-up date, most brokers re-list you if you skip the second step. Opt-Out Tracker
- In California, one DROP request can delete you from every registered broker at once. California DROP guide
Opt-out URLs and required verification steps change; always confirm on the broker’s own opt-out page.