Are you concerned about your personal information being available on data broker sites like ThatsThem? You’re not alone. In today’s digital age, protecting your online privacy is more important than ever.
As an expert in cybersecurity with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how data brokers collect and sell people’s personal details without their knowledge or consent. That’s why opting out is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to remove your info from ThatsThem step-by-step.
What is ThatsThem?
ThatsThem is a free people search website that aggregates personal data about individuals from various public records and online sources. Their database may include details like:
- Full name
- Age and birthday
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Relatives and associates
- Property records
- Court records
- Social media profiles
While ThatsThem doesn’t directly sell your data, they make it easily accessible to anyone who searches for you. This can enable unwanted contact, spam, scams, stalking and even identity theft. For more details, check out our in-depth ThatsThem review.
Why You Should Opt Out of ThatsThem
Removing your personal information from ThatsThem is an important step in safeguarding your online privacy. Here are some of the top reasons to opt out:
- Protect yourself from scammers and fraudsters who may use your details maliciously
- Reduce spam emails, phone calls and junk mail
- Make it harder for stalkers or harassers to find you
- Maintain more control over who has access to your private info
- Improve your online security and lower risk of identity theft
Even if you think the data on ThatsThem is harmless or already public, it’s still smart to minimize your digital footprint where you can.
How to Remove Your Info from ThatsThem
Opting out of ThatsThem is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure your request is processed. There are two main ways to remove your information:
Option 1: ThatsThem Opt Out Form
The quickest way to opt out is by using ThatsThem’s online opt out form. Here’s how:
- Go to thatsthem.com
- Please input your complete name, city and state or ZIP, then press the “Search” button
- Find your listing and click on it to expand the details
- Replicate your name, address, and phone number exactly as they appear on your record
- Go to thatsthem.com/optout
- Enter your full name and current city and state, Perform the CAPTCHA and click on “Submit“
ThatsThem states that removals are usually processed within 24 hours after verification. However, it can take 7-14 days for your info to disappear from search results.
Option 2: Opt Out by Mail
If you prefer to opt out offline, you can mail a removal request to ThatsThem. Here are the steps:
- Write a letter requesting to opt out of ThatsThem. Include your full name, birthdate, current address, former addresses, and a statement saying you are requesting to have your information removed.
- Make a copy of your driver’s license or state ID. Cross out your photo and license number.
- Mail the letter and ID copy to:
Removal Department
ThatsThem LLC
9450 SW Gemini Dr #63238
Beaverton, OR 97008-7105
- Wait 7-14 business days for your opt out to be processed.
ThatsThem will send a confirmation email once your info has been removed.
What Happens After Opting Out
Successfully opting out of ThatsThem will remove your personal information from their database. However, keep in mind:
- It can take up to 2 weeks for removals to be reflected in search results
- Your info may still appear on other data broker sites, so it’s wise to opt out of those as well. Check out our guide on ThatsThem alternatives.
- Previously cached or mirrored versions of your listing may still exist on the web
- New data about you may end up on ThatsThem in the future if they re-collect it
To maintain your privacy over time, I recommend:
- Opting out of ThatsThem and other data brokers every 3-6 months
- Googling yourself regularly to monitor what info about you is online
- Being cautious about sharing personal details publicly on social media and online forums
- Using a name and address removal service like Kanary which automates opt outs for you
Key Takeaways
- ThatsThem is a free people search site that exposes your personal info online
- Opting out of ThatsThem removes your data from their database and search results
- You can opt out using their online form or by mailing in a removal request
- Removals take effect in 24 hours but may not show in search engines for 7-14 days
- Opting out gives you more control over your digital footprint and reduces privacy risks
ThatsThem Opt Out FAQs
How long does it take ThatsThem to remove my information?
ThatsThem usually processes opt out requests within 24 hours. However, it can take 7-14 days for your information to be removed from search engine results.
Can I opt out of ThatsThem by phone?
No, ThatsThem does not currently accept opt out requests by phone. The two ways to opt out are via their online form or by mailing in a written request.
Will opting out remove my information from other sites?
No, opting out of ThatsThem will only remove your info from their database. Your details may still appear on other data broker sites. It’s best to opt out of those individually.
Is my ThatsThem opt out permanent?
Opting out removes your current information from ThatsThem. However, they may re-collect new data about you in the future. For more permanent removal, I recommend repeating the opt out process every 3-6 months.
Why does ThatsThem have my information?
ThatsThem collects personal information from many sources, including public records, social media profiles, and other data brokers. Most of this data collection is done without people’s knowledge or explicit consent.
Do I need to pay to opt out of ThatsThem?
No, opting out of ThatsThem is completely free using their online form or mailing in a request. Beware of any third-party services that try to charge you a fee to handle the opt out process.
Protecting your personal information online is an ongoing effort, but opting out of data brokers like ThatsThem is a key piece of the privacy puzzle. By following this guide and staying vigilant, you can dramatically reduce your digital footprint and safeguard your sensitive details.
