Are you concerned about your personal information being publicly available on people search sites like Spokeo? With just a name, phone number, email or address, anyone can look you up on Spokeo and find detailed records containing your contact info, location history, relatives, social media profiles and more.
Fortunately, you have the right to opt out of Spokeo and get your personal data removed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to opt out of Spokeo manually. We’ll also cover how to efficiently remove your information from Spokeo and many other data brokers using automated services.
What is Spokeo and How Does it Work?
Founded in 2006, Spokeo is a popular people search website that aggregates personal information from hundreds of online and offline sources. It allows users to look up almost anyone in the U.S. and access detailed records on them.
Spokeo collects data from public records, social networks, marketing databases, and other sources to form profiles on individuals. Its database contains over 12 billion records. Anyone can search Spokeo by name, phone number, email or physical address to find information like:
- Full names and aliases
- Age and date of birth
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Family members and associates
- Social media profiles
- Property records
- Court records
- And more
While this data is technically public, having it so easily accessible in one place poses major privacy risks. Spokeo makes it simple for bad actors to access your sensitive personal information, which can enable identity theft, online harassment, stalking and other threats.
Why You Should Remove Your Information from Spokeo
Your personal data is highly valuable and constantly at risk of being exploited. People search sites like Spokeo make it easier than ever for scammers, stalkers, and other malicious parties to find and misuse your information.
Here are a few key reasons to opt out of Spokeo:
- Prevent identity theft – With access to details like your full name, birthdate, addresses, relatives, and more, hackers and scammers can steal your identity and commit fraud in your name.
- Protect your online privacy – People search sites make it simple for anyone to snoop on your personal life and uncover details you’d rather keep private.
- Avoid stalkers and harassers – By opting out of Spokeo, you make it harder for stalkers to find your contact information and real-world location.
- Maintain your reputation – Inaccurate or outdated information on your Spokeo listing, like criminal records or past addresses, can harm your reputation. Removing the listing prevents this.
While Spokeo does allow users to opt out, the process isn’t exactly straightforward. We’ll break it down step-by-step so you can successfully remove your personal information from the site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Opting Out of Spokeo
Spokeo allows individuals to remove their listings by submitting an opt-out request. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Spokeo.com and search for your name to find your listing
- Open the listing and copy the URL
- Go to the Spokeo Opt Out page
- Paste your listing URL into the form
- Enter your email address and complete the CAPTCHA
- Click “Remove this listing“
- Check your email for a confirmation message from Spokeo
- Click the verification link in the email to complete the opt out
Spokeo states that your information will be removed within 2-3 business days after completing these steps. We recommend checking the site after this time to confirm your listing was deleted.
It’s important to note that opting out of Spokeo does not prevent them from re-adding your information in the future. The site is constantly collecting new data, so new listings under your name may appear over time. To stay off Spokeo, you’ll need to check the site periodically and repeat the opt-out process.
Opt Out of Spokeo Alternatives and Other People Search Sites
In addition to Spokeo, there are many other people search websites that may be exposing your personal information online. Some popular Spokeo alternatives include:
To fully protect your privacy, it’s wise to opt out of these other data broker sites in addition to completing your Spokeo opt out. You can follow a similar process for each site – locate your listing, copy the URL, and submit an opt-out request through the site’s official channels.
Removing Your Data from Spokeo Automatically
Manually opting out of Spokeo is a good start, but it won’t completely protect your online privacy. Your personal information is likely exposed on many other people search sites and data brokers. Monitoring all of these sites and opting out repeatedly is extremely time-consuming.
Luckily there are services that can automatically handle data removal requests on your behalf. For example, Optery is a paid service that identifies and opts you out of over 150 data brokers, including Spokeo and other major people search sites like Whitepages, BeenVerified, MyLife, and more.
A subscription to one of these automated removal services can save you hours of time while ensuring more comprehensive protection of your personal data. Rather than constantly filling out opt-out forms yourself, the service does the work for you on an ongoing basis.
Key Takeaways for Spokeo Opt Out
- Spokeo aggregates personal data from public sources and makes it easily accessible via people searches
- Having your information on Spokeo poses privacy and security risks like identity theft, stalking, and reputational harm
- You can remove your Spokeo listing by finding your profile URL and submitting an opt out request
- Opting out of Spokeo does not prevent your information from reappearing on the site over time
- Consider using a paid removal service like Optery to automatically opt out of Spokeo and other data brokers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Spokeo take to remove your information?
According to Spokeo, your listing will be deleted within 72 hours (3 business days) after opting out. You should check after this time to confirm your information was removed.
Can you remove deceased individuals from Spokeo?
Yes, you can opt out of Spokeo on behalf of a deceased family member. Follow the same process and provide the required information in the opt out form.
Does opting out of Spokeo remove you from other people search sites?
No, Spokeo opt outs only apply to Spokeo and sites owned by the same company. You’ll need to check other major people search sites and data brokers individually to remove your information from them as well.
How much does Spokeo cost?
Spokeo memberships cost $19.95 per month for a 1-month plan or $13.95 per month for a 3-month plan. With a membership, you can view full background reports and contact information for individuals.
Why is Spokeo allowed to share my personal information?
Data brokers like Spokeo are legally allowed to collect and share personal data that is considered public record. However, many jurisdictions grant individuals the right to opt out of having their information shared via data broker sites.
What happens if I don’t opt out of Spokeo?
If you don’t remove your personal information from Spokeo, it will remain publicly accessible through the site. This allows anyone to look you up and find sensitive details about you and your family. Opting out of Spokeo makes it harder for scammers, stalkers, and nosy strangers to access your data.
