If you’re concerned about your personal information being easily accessible online, opting out of people search sites like PeopleSmart is a crucial step. As an online privacy expert with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped thousands of people remove their private details from the web. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the PeopleSmart opt out process step-by-step.
What is PeopleSmart?
PeopleSmart is a popular people search website that compiles personal information from public records and online sources into detailed background reports. By searching just a name and state, PeopleSmart users can access the following types of sensitive data:
- Full names and aliases
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Age and date of birth
- Social media profiles
- Employment history
- Education background
- Related family members
- And more
How PeopleSmart Gets Your Personal Data
Like many data brokers, PeopleSmart aggregates consumer information from a variety of public and private sources, including:
- Government records (property deeds, voter registrations, court records, etc.)
- Commercial databases (store loyalty programs, magazine subscriptions, etc.)
- Social media platforms
- Web tracking technologies
This data is then packaged into individual consumer profiles that are sold online. While PeopleSmart claims to be a “privacy-friendly” company, the truth is having your personal information so readily available poses some serious risks.
Why You Should Remove Your Info from PeopleSmart
When your sensitive details end up in a people search database, you lose control over who has access to that information and how it may be used. This digital exposure makes you more vulnerable to:
- Spam, robocalls and phishing attempts
- Identity theft and financial fraud
- Online harassment or stalking
- Discrimination by employers, landlords, etc.
- Physical safety threats
Opting out is the only way to mitigate these dangers and safeguard your personal data. Fortunately, it’s a relatively quick and easy process to remove yourself from PeopleSmart.
PeopleSmart Opt Out Guide
Important Note: PeopleSmart opt out requests are handled by BeenVerified, a major data broker that owns the site. You’ll need to visit BeenVerified’s opt out page and follow the steps below.
Step 1: Go to BeenVerified’s Opt Out Page
Start by going to BeenVerified’s opt out page. Clicking the “Do not sell my info” button will open the record search tool.
Step 2: Search for Your Listing
Enter your full name and current state of residence into the search bar. For the most thorough results, you may want to search any aliases (maiden names, nicknames, etc.) as well as previous states you’ve lived in.
Step 3: Select Your Record
If you see your listing in the search results, click the “Proceed to Opt Out” button next to it. Be sure to opt out of all records associated with your name.
Step 4: Submit Opt Out Request
On the next page, you can provide additional personal details (phone numbers, addresses, relatives, etc.) to include in your opt out. Then tick the box to verify your identity, complete the CAPTCHA, and click “Send Verification Email.”
Step 5: Verify Your Opt Out via Email
Check the email inbox for the address you provided. Open the verification message from BeenVerified and click the “Verify Opt Out” button inside to confirm your request. You should see a “Thank You” page indicating your opt out was successful.
Alternative PeopleSmart Opt Out Methods
If you prefer not to use BeenVerified’s online form, you have a couple other options for opting out of PeopleSmart:
Opt Out of PeopleSmart by Phone
You can initiate a PeopleSmart opt out by calling their customer support line at 1-800-218-3309. Provide your full name, city and state of residence to the agent. You may be asked to verify your identity with additional details.
Remove Info from PeopleSmart by Email
To opt out of PeopleSmart via email, send your full name and URL of your listing (if you have it) to privacy@beenverified.com. Put “Opt Out Request” in the subject line. You should receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Tips for a Successful PeopleSmart Opt Out
Check If Your Info Was Removed
After opting out, wait 24-48 hours then search for your name again on PeopleSmart and BeenVerified. Your record should no longer appear. If it does, contact customer support for further assistance removing it.
Opt Out of Other People Search Sites Too
Unfortunately, your personal info is likely exposed on many other data broker sites besides just PeopleSmart. Doing a Google search of your name can help identify where else you need to opt out. I recommend starting with other major people finders like:
Opting out individually from dozens of sites is tedious and time-consuming. If you want a more efficient solution, consider signing up for a privacy protection service like DeleteMe that will handle the opt out process for you.
Protect Your Privacy Moving Forward
Opting out of PeopleSmart is an important first step, but it’s only one part of safeguarding your personal data online. Here are a few other smart digital privacy tips:
- Set social media profiles to private
- Don’t overshare personal details online
- Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Avoid using insecure public Wi-Fi networks
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take PeopleSmart to remove your information?
In most cases, your listing should be deleted from PeopleSmart within 24 hours of a verified opt out request. Occasionally it can take up to 48 hours to fully process the removal.
Can you cancel a PeopleSmart subscription after opting out?
Yes, you can cancel your PeopleSmart subscription at any time, even after completing the opt out process. Just log in to your account, go to your settings, and select the “Cancel Subscription” option. If you have trouble, contact PeopleSmart support for assistance.
Is opting out of PeopleSmart permanent?
Not necessarily. Even after a successful opt out, your information may eventually repopulate on the site as PeopleSmart gathers new data to rebuild their databases. To prevent your listing from reappearing, you’ll need to regularly monitor the site and re-opt out as needed.
Can I opt someone else out of PeopleSmart?
No, you can only opt out of PeopleSmart for yourself or for your minor children. You’re not allowed to submit requests on behalf of adult relatives, friends, or colleagues, even with their consent. The best thing to do is send them a link to this guide so they can handle their own opt out.
Does PeopleSmart notify you if someone searches for you?
No, PeopleSmart does not offer any sort of search alert or monitoring service. There’s no way to tell if someone has looked you up on the site. The only way to protect your privacy is to proactively remove your information.
How does PeopleSmart compare to other people search sites?
PeopleSmart is one of the most popular and powerful people search engines, with access to billions of records. It provides more data than many other sites, often for free or at a lower cost. That said, most people finder platforms pose similar risks in terms of personal info exposure. Check out this detailed PeopleSmart review to learn more about how the site stacks up to competitors.
Key Takeaways
- PeopleSmart is a popular people search site that exposes a lot of personal information, increasing risks like spam, scams, fraud and harassment.
- You can opt out of PeopleSmart for free by following BeenVerified’s opt out process online, by phone or via email.
- After opting out, make sure to also remove your info from other major data brokers.
- Protecting your data and privacy online requires regular maintenance and smart digital habits.
Navigating the complex world of online privacy can feel overwhelming, but taking proactive measures like opting out of PeopleSmart is well worth it for greater peace of mind.
Additional Resources
I hope you found this guide useful for removing your personal information from PeopleSmart. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Stay safe out there!
