SearchPeopleFree is a popular people search website that aggregates personal information from public records and online sources to create detailed profiles on millions of individuals.
If you’re wondering what kind of information SearchPeopleFree collects and how to find someone’s details, know that you have the right to opt out and request the removal of your listing if you don’t want your data available for anyone to find.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to remove yourself from SearchPeopleFree’s database. We’ll also provide expert tips for dealing with data brokers and taking control of your online privacy.
What Information Does SearchPeopleFree Collect?
SearchPeopleFree compiles personal data from a variety of public and online sources to build individual profiles containing information like:
- Full names and aliases
- Current and previous addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Age and date of birth
- Known associates and relatives
- Social media profiles
The site also links out to third-party background check services that provide even more details for a fee, such as criminal records, court records, property records, and more.
If you’re looking for free SearchPeopleFree alternatives that provide similar information, know that having this sensitive data so easily accessible on any people search site leaves people vulnerable to threats like identity theft, scams, stalking and harassment.
Step-by-Step SearchPeopleFree Opt-Out Process
SearchPeopleFree offers an online opt-out process that allows you to remove your personal information from their database. It involves submitting an opt-out request via an online form. Here are the detailed steps:
- Go to the SearchPeopleFree opt-out page.
- Enter a valid email address. We recommend using a disposable or alternate email rather than your primary one.
- Check the box to accept the opt-out terms and conditions.
- Solve the CAPTCHA to prove you’re not a bot.
- Click “Begin removal process.”
- Open the email from SearchPeopleFree and click the link to confirm your request. This link is only valid for 24 hours.
- On the SearchPeopleFree site, click “Start a Search.”
- Search for your name as it appears in the listing.
- Find your record in the results and click “Continue Removal.”
- On the profile page, click “Remove this record.”
- You’ll see a confirmation message that your opt-out is complete.
The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes. SearchPeopleFree states that removals are processed within 72 hours. We recommend checking back after that time period to make sure your info is gone.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
While the SearchPeopleFree opt-out is pretty straightforward, here are answers to some common questions and issues that may come up:
What if I can’t find my listing?
In some cases, your name may not return any results on SearchPeopleFree itself. However, you may still appear under “Sponsored Results” which link to records on other people search sites. You’ll need to visit those sites directly to opt out, which we’ll cover in more detail later.
Can I opt out by phone, email or mail?
No. SearchPeopleFree only accepts opt-out requests through their online form. Calling the customer service number will just direct you back to the website opt-out. There is an option to contact their team via a web form, but you must provide the URL of your listing, so using the DIY online opt-out is simplest.
What if I have multiple listings?
You need to submit a separate opt-out request for each profile. After removing one record, start the online opt-out process over from the beginning to remove the next listing, and so on until they’re all gone.
Will my information be removed permanently?
Unfortunately, opting out of SearchPeopleFree does not prevent them from re-adding your information in the future. Most data brokers only remove you from their current database. They can still collect new data points and create a new listing for you later on.
To prevent your information from reappearing, we recommend repeating the opt-out process every few months. You’ll also want to opt out of the many other data broker sites that may share your info with SearchPeopleFree.
How to Protect Your Privacy from Data Brokers
Opting out of SearchPeopleFree is a good first step, but there are hundreds of other data brokers out there collecting and selling your personal information. Many of them provide data to SearchPeopleFree, so to truly protect your privacy, you’ll need to opt out from as many as possible. Here are some tips:
Identify high priority sites
A few other sites SearchPeopleFree sources data from include:
Prioritize opting out from these sites, as removing yourself from their databases should also remove you from SearchPeopleFree’s “Sponsored Results.”
Streamline the opt-out process
Manually opting out from hundreds of data brokers can quickly get overwhelming. Consider using the following methods to speed it up:
- Subscribe to a paid service like DeleteMe that will handle the opt-outs for you
- Use online forms and email for opt-out requests rather than mail
- Create a separate email address for opt-outs
- Keep confirmation emails organized in one folder
- Opt out from 3-5 sites per day rather than all at once
Minimize your data footprint
Data brokers continually scrape online sources for new information. To prevent more data from ending up on these sites, actively take steps to minimize your digital footprint:
- Adjust your social media privacy settings
- Don’t overshare personal details online
- Unsubscribe from mailing lists
- Use a VPN and ad-blocking browser extension
- Don’t use social media accounts to sign into other apps
- Be cautious with online surveys and sweepstakes
- Don’t link your phone number to your online accounts
Guarding your digital privacy requires constant vigilance, but minimizing the availability of your data online lessens the chances of it ending up on data broker sites.
Key Takeaways
- SearchPeopleFree is a data broker that collects personal information from public records and online sources and compiles it into detailed listings.
- You can opt out of SearchPeopleFree by submitting a request through their online form and following the email verification process.
- Opting out of SearchPeopleFree permanently is difficult; listings may reappear as they scrape new data sources over time. Repeat the opt-out every few months.
- For better privacy, opt out of as many data broker sites as possible, not just SearchPeopleFree. Focus on sites SearchPeopleFree sources data from.
- Take proactive steps to minimize your digital footprint and lessen the amount of your data available to data brokers.
Removing your personal information from data broker sites like SearchPeopleFree is crucial for protecting your privacy and security online. Follow the steps in this guide to opt out of SearchPeopleFree and take control of your data.
