Introduction
If you value your privacy, your personal information being openly available on the internet can be unsettling. People search sites like IDTrue scrape and aggregate personal details from various public records and databases, then sell this data to anyone willing to pay. Our in-depth review of IDTrue takes a closer look at their questionable data practices.
Your IDTrue listing likely includes sensitive information like your full name, age, current and past addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, relatives and associates. This data isn’t always accurate either. Outdated, erroneous details on IDTrue can enable identity theft, stalking and reputational harm.
Fortunately, you have the power to opt out of IDTrue and regain control over your personal information online. While not a complete privacy solution, removing your IDTrue listing is an important step.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to opt out of IDTrue successfully:
- Why removing your info from IDTrue matters
- Your IDTrue opt-out options explained
- Detailed instructions for opting out online, by phone, or via email
- What to expect after completing your opt-out
- Expert tips and best practices for protecting your privacy
As a privacy expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped thousands of people remove their personal information from people search sites like IDTrue, Whitepages, and Spokeo. Let’s put my insider knowledge to work and get your sensitive details off of IDTrue once and for all.
What is IDTrue?
IDTrue is an online people search service that collects personal information from public records and various databases, then compiles it into detailed individual listings. An IDTrue report can reveal intimate details like your:
- Full name and aliases
- Age and date of birth
- Current and past home addresses
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Relatives, associates and neighbors
- Social media profiles
- and more
IDTrue sells access to this sensitive data to practically anyone. Advertisers, fraudsters, stalkers, exes, nosy neighbors – they can all get their hands on your personal info with just a few clicks and a small fee.
To make matters worse, the information on IDTrue isn’t always accurate. The site sources data from multiple databases that may contain errors. Your listing could display an outdated address you moved away from years ago, or even sensitive details that don’t belong to you at all.
These inaccuracies put you at risk of identity theft and reputational damage. Imagine the fallout if a potential employer, university admissions officer or romantic prospect Googled your name and found false criminal records, sex offender status or shameful associations on your IDTrue profile.
Most individuals have no idea how extensively their private details are exposed on sites like IDTrue. But now that you know, you can take back your privacy by opting out.
Why Opt Out of IDTrue?
Getting your personal information removed from IDTrue is one of the best ways to protect your privacy online. By opting out, you can:
- Reduce your risk of identity theft. Less of your sensitive data circulating on the web means fewer opportunities for fraudsters to steal and exploit it.
- Avoid stalkers and harassers. Don’t make it easy for malicious actors to find out where you live and how to contact you.
- Protect your online reputation. Ensure that false or humiliating details on your IDTrue profile don’t sabotage your personal and professional prospects.
- Maintain privacy for yourself and your loved ones. Put up a roadblock against nosy colleagues, neighbors, exes and strangers prying into your personal life.
You have the right to choose what personal information about you is available online. Opting out of IDTrue puts you back in the driver’s seat.
Does Opting Out of IDTrue Really Work?
Opting out of IDTrue instructs the site to remove your personal listing from its database so it no longer shows up in a search. But there are a couple important limitations to keep in mind:
- Removed from IDTrue only. Opting out of IDTrue won’t simultaneously remove your info from other people search sites like Intelius or Spokeo. You’ll need to submit separate opt-out requests to each one.
- New listings can appear. Your IDTrue report may resurface in the future if the site scrapes new data associated with your name. Regular opt-outs are key to staying off IDTrue long-term.
- Info remains available elsewhere online. Removing your listing from IDTrue doesn’t delete any of the original source records, like court documents or voter registrations.
Despite these drawbacks, opting out of IDTrue is still a smart privacy move. It prevents your listing from being a one-stop shop for sensitive details about you. Opt out of the other major people search databases too for maximum impact.
IDTrue Opt-Out Options
You have three ways to submit your IDTrue opt-out request:
- IDTrue’s online removal request form
- Over the phone by calling customer support
- Via email to IDTrue’s privacy department
I recommend using the online form for the quickest results. Opt-outs submitted this way are typically processed immediately. Phone and email requests can take several days longer.
No matter which opt-out method you choose, IDTrue will ask you to provide information to verify your identity first. This extra confirmation step prevents fraudsters from maliciously removing listings that don’t belong to them. Our IDTrue review has more details on their verification process.
Let’s break down each IDTrue opt-out option step-by-step.
Step-by-Step IDTrue Opt-Out Instructions
Online Removal Request Form
- Visit IDTrue’s opt-out page at https://www.idtrue.com/optout.
- Enter your name and state, complete the CAPTCHA, and click the green “Remove” button.
- On the results page, locate your listing and click “This is Me“.
- Enter your email address (I recommend using a masked email to avoid spam), check the confirmation box, and solve another CAPTCHA puzzle. Click “Request Opt Out“.
- Check your email for a message from noreply@idtrue.com with a confirmation link. Click it to finalize your opt-out.
- If all goes well, you’ll see a “Your opt-out request has been processed” message and your listing will be gone.
Phone Opt-Out
- Call IDTrue’s customer support line at 1-800-443-2205.
- Tell the agent you want to opt out of IDTrue and remove your listing.
- Provide any details they request to verify your identity and locate your listing. This may include your full name, age, current address, past addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers associated with your report.
- Ask the agent to confirm once your opt-out request has been processed. For added peace of mind, ask them to send you an email verifying your removal.
Email Opt-Out
- Email privacy@idtrue.com with the subject line “Opt-Out Request“.
- In the body of your email, specify that you want your personal information removed from IDTrue.com. Include your full name, current address, and any other details associated with your listing, like phone numbers and prior addresses.
- Send your email and wait to hear back. A customer support rep should email you within a few days to verify identity and confirm your opt-out.
For all three methods, follow up if you don’t receive confirmation of your opt-out within a week. It’s worth taking the extra step to ensure your request didn’t slip through the cracks.
What Happens After Opting Out of IDTrue?
After you complete the IDTrue opt-out process, your personal listing should no longer appear when someone searches for you on the site. If you opt out using the online form, this change should be reflected immediately. Phone and email opt-outs can take a few days to a week to process.
However, opting out of IDTrue doesn’t mean you’re done protecting your privacy online. Keep in mind:
- Your info is still out there on other sites. Opting out of IDTrue won’t remove your personal details from other people search sites and data brokers. You’ll need to opt out from each one individually.
- The cat-and-mouse game continues. Data brokers regularly scrape the web for new records to add to their databases. If IDTrue adds a new listing for you in the future based on freshly obtained info, you’ll need to opt out again.
- Original records remain public. Getting off IDTrue doesn’t delete the original source of any info that appeared on the site, like your voter registration or property records. Those public documents will still be available through official channels.
Still, opting out of IDTrue is a meaningful way to make your personal information less accessible online. Pair it with opt-outs from other major people search databases for a robust privacy protection plan.
Tips for a Successful IDTrue Opt-Out
- Check for name variations. Your IDTrue listing may be under a maiden name or nickname. Search for common variations of your name and opt out any associated listings.
- Use a burner email address. Providing your real email could result in more spam. I recommend using a masked email that forwards to your main inbox instead.
- Save your opt-out confirmations. If your info crops back up on IDTrue, having proof of your previous opt-out makes removing it again easier.
- Set a calendar reminder to check back. Schedule time every 3-6 months to search for yourself on IDTrue and remove any new listings that appear.
- Don’t stop at IDTrue. Opt out of other popular people search sites like Whitepages and Spokeo to knock out your data from multiple sources.
- Keep up the good privacy fight. Adopt privacy-protective habits like using a VPN, password manager, and two-factor authentication to make it harder for your personal details to end up in databases like IDTrues.
FAQs
How long does it take for IDTrue to remove my info after I opt out?
Opt-outs submitted via IDTrue’s online form are usually processed instantly. Phone and email opt-outs can take 3-7 business days.
Is there a fee to opt out of IDTrue?
No, opting out of IDTrue is free. Beware of any third-party services that try to charge you a fee to handle it.
What happens if my IDTrue listing reappears after I opt out?
Data brokers like IDTrue regularly update their databases with new information. If a fresh listing tied to your name pops up, simply follow the opt-out steps again to remove it.
Can I opt out of IDTrue for my child or someone else?
You’ll likely have more success if you opt out of IDTrue on behalf of yourself. But you can try to opt out for others like your child or parent, as long as you have their identifying details to verify your request.
How do I remove my info from other people search sites?
You’ll need to visit the opt-out page for each individual site and follow their instructions. Opt-out guides for popular sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified and AnyWho can give you step-by-step directions.
Is there an easier way to remove my details from multiple people search sites?
Services like DeleteMe will opt you out from IDTrue and dozens of other people search databases for a fee, doing the legwork of mailing opt-out requests and confirming data removal. Expect to pay $100-$500 per year.
Key Takeaways
- IDTrue is a people search site that exposes your sensitive personal information to anyone online
- Opting out of IDTrue prevents identity theft, stalking, and damage to your reputation
- You can submit your IDTrue opt-out by online form, phone, or email
- The online removal request form offers the fastest opt-out processing
- Opting out removes your IDTrue listing but won’t affect other sites or original public records
- Avoid using your real email address when opting out to minimize spam
- Search IDTrue for your info every few months and opt out of any new listings
- Maximize your privacy by opting out of other top people search sites too
Conclusion
Opting out of IDTrue is a critical step to safeguarding your sensitive personal information online. By following this guide, you can get your data removed from IDTrue’s database quickly and easily.
Remember, protecting your privacy is an ongoing effort that involves monitoring your web presence regularly and exercising your opt-out rights as needed. Removing your info from other popular people search sites amplifies your impact.
Taking charge of your data privacy enables you to control your online narrative, reputation and personal safety. Opting out of IDTrue is a smart place to start. You’ve got this!
