If you’re concerned about your privacy online, opting out of data broker sites like FastPeopleSearch should be a top priority. As an online privacy expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped thousands of people remove their personal information from the web. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the FastPeopleSearch opt-out process step-by-step.
What is FastPeopleSearch?
FastPeopleSearch is a data broker that collects and sells personal information online. According to their website, FastPeopleSearch provides “next generation Telephony and Big-Data access to the general public.” In reality, the site gathers data like names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and more from public records and online sources. They then make this sensitive info freely available to anyone who searches for you.
If you’re looking for FastPeopleSearch alternatives that better respect user privacy, check out our guide.
Why You Should Opt Out of FastPeopleSearch
Having your personal data exposed on FastPeopleSearch can leave you vulnerable to a number of risks:
- Spam calls and emails
- Stalking and harassment
- Identity theft and fraud
- Doxxing and online attacks
- Unwanted contact from estranged relatives or old acquaintances
Removing your information is an important step to safeguard your privacy and security. Fortunately, FastPeopleSearch does allow you to opt out and delete your listing from their database.
How to Opt Out of FastPeopleSearch (with Screenshots)
Follow these simple steps to remove your personal information from FastPeopleSearch:
Step 1: Go to the FastPeopleSearch Opt-Out Page
Start by navigating to the official FastPeopleSearch opt-out page. You can find a link to this page at the bottom of the FastPeopleSearch website.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
On the opt-out page, enter the email address where you want to receive the removal confirmation. Check the box to agree to the terms of service and complete the CAPTCHA challenge. Then click “Begin removal process.”
Pro tip: Use a disposable or alternate email address to avoid FastPeopleSearch collecting your primary email.
Step 3: Find Your Listing
Next, search for your FastPeopleSearch listing by entering your name, city, and state. Click the “Free Search” button.
On the results page, locate your listing and click “View free details.”
Step 4: Request Record Removal
Once you’ve confirmed it’s the correct listing, click the “Remove my record” button to submit your opt-out request.
Note: If you don’t see the removal button, try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito window. Still no luck? Contact FastPeopleSearch directly via their contact form.
Step 5: Confirm Opt-Out via Email
After you’ve submitted your request, check your email. FastPeopleSearch will send you a confirmation link. Click this link to finalize your opt-out.
That’s it! FastPeopleSearch states they will process removals within 72 hours. However, in my experience helping clients, the info is usually deleted within 24-48 hours.
Video Tutorial
For a visual walkthrough of opting out, check out this short video I made that demonstrates the FastPeopleSearch removal process:
Alternative FastPeopleSearch Opt-Out Methods
If you have trouble with the online opt-out form, there are a couple other ways to submit your removal request to FastPeopleSearch.
Remove Your Listing by Phone
Call FastPeopleSearch customer service at (866) 679-8725. Provide your full name, current and past addresses, and any other identifying information to the representative. Request that they remove your listing from the FastPeopleSearch database.
Remove via Contact Form
Use the FastPeopleSearch contact form to request your opt-out. Include your full name, location, and any other details about your listing. Clearly state that you are requesting your personal information be deleted.
How Long Does FastPeopleSearch Take to Remove Info?
According to the FastPeopleSearch privacy policy, they will process opt-out requests within 72 hours. However, many removals I’ve handled for clients showed up within 24-48 hours.
It’s important to note that while your listing will disappear from FastPeopleSearch results pages, the site may retain some of your information in their internal databases for “recordkeeping purposes.”
Will FastPeopleSearch Relist My Information?
Even after a successful opt out, your information may reappear on FastPeopleSearch in the future. Data brokers continually scrape sources for information, so new records with your name may be added over time.
To check if your opt-out is still in effect, search for yourself on FastPeopleSearch every few months. If your listing reappears, simply repeat the removal steps.
Automate Your FastPeopleSearch Opt-Out
Not excited about having to check FastPeopleSearch over and over again? Luckily, there are some great tools and services that will automatically monitor data brokers and remove your information if it pops up.
I recommend OneRep which removes listings from 100+ data brokers (including FastPeopleSearch). Their handy privacy shield feature keeps your details off these sites – no need to repeat the opt-out process every few months.
Opt Out of Other Data Brokers
Unfortunately, opting out of FastPeopleSearch is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reclaiming your online privacy. Your personal information is likely being shared by dozens of other data brokers.
I’ve written comprehensive guides on opting out of other major people search sites:
For even more resources, check out the full data broker opt-out list I’ve compiled with hundreds of sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FastPeopleSearch legal?
Yes, FastPeopleSearch operates legally by gathering information from public records and online sources. However, many experts argue data brokers like FastPeopleSearch enable unethical practices and violate personal privacy.
How does FastPeopleSearch get my information?
FastPeopleSearch aggregates personal info from many public sources, including:
- Government records (voter registrations, property records, court filings)
- Social media profiles
- Business directories
- Online forums and databases
Essentially any personal details shared publicly online may end up on data broker sites like FastPeopleSearch.
Can I sue FastPeopleSearch?
Currently, individuals can’t sue FastPeopleSearch just for posting their information. However, new privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are paving the way for consumers to take legal action against data brokers.
If FastPeopleSearch fails to comply with an opt-out request, contacts you after you’ve opted out, or engages in illegal data collection practices, you may have a case against them. Consult a lawyer specializing in privacy law and CCPA litigation.
Key Takeaways
- FastPeopleSearch is a data broker that shares personal info and contact details online, increasing risks of spam, identity theft, and stalking.
- You can opt out of FastPeopleSearch for free by visiting fastpeoplesearch.com/removal and requesting your record be deleted.
- Opting out is a multi-step process that requires confirming a link sent to your email.
- Removals are usually processed within 72 hours but your info may be relisted months later.
- Consider using automated opt-out services to continually monitor FastPeopleSearch and remove your listings.
- FastPeopleSearch is just one of many data brokers exposing your personal information online. Protect your digital privacy by opting out of as many as possible.
With expertise and persistence, it’s possible to reduce your digital footprint and keep your sensitive details off sites like FastPeopleSearch. Prioritize opting out as an important step in securing your safety and privacy online. Have any other questions about FastPeopleSearch or removing your personal info from data brokers? Let me know in the comments!