ClustrMaps is a people search website that aggregates personal data like phone numbers, email addresses, property records, and employment history into detailed individual profiles. With an estimated 9.1 million monthly visitors and databases containing over 200 million people listings, ClustrMaps is a major data broker.
While ClustrMaps positions itself as a convenient people finder, the personal information it exposes can enable malicious activities like stalking, identity theft, and online harassment. Fortunately, you have the right to opt out of ClustrMaps and remove your personal data from its website. This guide will walk you through the ClustrMaps opt-out process step-by-step.
Why You Should Remove Your Info from ClustrMaps
Having your personal information easily accessible on data broker sites like ClustrMaps can make you vulnerable to several online dangers:
- Stalking and harassment – Around 13.5 million Americans experience stalking each year, often enabled by easy access to victims’ addresses and contact info on sites like ClustrMaps.
- Identity theft – Criminals can use personal details gathered from data brokers to impersonate you, open accounts in your name, and commit fraud.
- Spear phishing attacks – Hackers can exploit your data to craft personalized phishing emails and scam you into giving up sensitive info.
- Reputational damage – Inaccurate or outdated info on your ClustrMaps profile, like criminal records or past employment issues, can harm your reputation.
By opting out of ClustrMaps, you can reduce your digital footprint and better safeguard your privacy online. Let’s walk through how to do it.
How to Opt Out of ClustrMaps (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to remove your personal information from ClustrMaps:
- Go to the ClustrMaps website and search for your listing by name or address.
- From the search results, find your profile and click “View Details.”
- Copy the URL of your profile page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Remove My Info” link.
- Fill out the opt-out form with your name, the URL of your listing, and your email address.
- Click “Next Step.”
- On the next page, verify that all the info you want removed is checked, then click “Apply.”
After submitting your request, ClustrMaps should remove your data immediately, although it may remain visible in search results for a period of time. If your info is still there after a few days, contact ClustrMaps support at support@clustrmaps.com for assistance.
Alternative ClustrMaps Opt-Out Methods
Besides the online opt-out form, there are two other ways to remove your info from ClustrMaps:
1. Use a Data Removal Service Like Incogni
Data removal services like Incogni can save you the time and hassle of opting out of every data broker individually. For an affordable subscription fee, Incogni will handle opt-out requests and data removals from ClustrMaps and 100+ other brokers on your behalf. They’ll also monitor these sites and remove your info again if it reappears.
To use Incogni:
- Sign up for an account at incogni.com
- Provide your name and address
- Authorize Incogni to opt out on your behalf
- Select a subscription plan and check out
Incogni will then handle the rest, starting the opt-out process immediately upon payment.
2. Email ClustrMaps Directly
You can also request data removal by emailing ClustrMaps support at support@clustrmaps.com. Make sure to clearly state your opt-out request in the subject line and body of the email. Include your full name, address, and the URL of your listing.
It’s unclear how long email removal requests take to process. Use this method if you encounter issues with the normal opt-out form.
Tips for Protecting Your Personal Info Online
In addition to opting out of ClustrMaps, here are some other ways to reduce your digital footprint and protect your privacy:
- Opt out of other data broker sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, MyLife, etc. by following their do-not-sell procedures.
- Limit the personal info you share on social media and set profiles to private.
- Use unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available.
- Be cautious about giving out personal details to unfamiliar people, websites, or businesses. Ask how they will use and protect your data.
- Regularly Google yourself to see what info about you is publicly available online. Contact webmasters to remove anything you’re not comfortable with.
- Consider using a paid identity monitoring or data removal service to help control your digital footprint across multiple sites.
Key Takeaways
- ClustrMaps is a data broker that compiles personal info into detailed public profiles. This exposes you to privacy risks like stalking, identity theft, and online harassment.
- You can remove your info from ClustrMaps by filling out their online opt-out form at clustrmaps.com/bl/opt-out. Your data should disappear immediately.
- Alternatives to the online form include using a data removal service like Incogni or emailing an opt-out request to ClustrMaps support.
- In addition to opting out of ClustrMaps, take other steps to protect your privacy like limiting what you share online, using strong passwords, and Googling yourself regularly.
By following this guide and implementing best practices for online privacy, you can take back control of your personal information and reduce your risk of falling victim to digital dangers. Stay safe out there!
ClustrMaps Opt-Out FAQs
How long does it take ClustrMaps to remove my information?
After submitting an opt-out request, your info should be removed from ClustrMaps immediately. However, it may take a few days to disappear from search results.
Can I opt out of ClustrMaps by phone?
No, ClustrMaps does not currently offer opt-outs by phone. Use their online form, email support, or a data removal service instead.
Will opting out of ClustrMaps remove me from other data broker sites too?
No, you will need to opt out of each data broker individually as they are separate companies with their own databases. A data removal service can handle this for you.
Can I opt out of ClustrMaps on behalf of a family member?
You will need to provide evidence of permission to opt out on someone else’s behalf, such as power of attorney. It’s best for individuals to handle their own opt-outs.
What if I can’t find my listing on ClustrMaps?
There could be a few reasons why your listing doesn’t appear: 1) ClustrMaps doesn’t have a profile on you, 2) Your info is outdated or attributed to someone else, or 3) You opted out previously and they haven’t re-added you. If you think there’s an error, email support.
