The Reality of Data Opt-Out
Opting out of data collection isn't a one-time task - it's an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. Just as your lawn continues to grow, data brokers continuously collect and trade your information. The process can feel counterintuitive, as you often need to provide personal information to verify your identity before a company will remove your data. You can make meaningful progress by setting aside just 30 minutes to opt out of as many services as possible from the table below. Start with those that include an estimated time to opt out.
Your Options
See It For Yourself
Take a moment to search for yourself on TruePeopleSearch.com. The amount of personal information available might surprise you - addresses, phone numbers, and even relatives' names are often readily accessible.
Why It Matters
This publicly available information isn't just a privacy concern - it's a tool for scammers. Phone scammers frequently use these data broker services to gather information about their targets. When they call, they can reference your address, family members' names, or previous residences to sound legitimate. This false sense of authenticity makes their scams more convincing.
For example, a scammer might call pretending to be from your utility company, knowing your exact address and service history. Or they might pose as a bank or government institutions, armed with enough personal details to seem credible.
Data Broker Opt-Out Directory
| Data Broker | Opt-Out Link | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| LexisNexis | Consumer Portal | Takes about 1 minute, requires SSN for verification |
| Acxiom | Opt-Out Form | Online form takes about 3 minutes, email verification required. |
| Equifax Marketing | Marketing Opt-Out | Call 1-888-567-8688, automated system takes ~4 minutes |
| Epsilon | Email: optout@epsilon.com | Include name and current address |
| Experian | Email: optout@experian.com | Send your name and mailing address, phone |
| CoreLogic | Email: privacy@corelogic.com | Include current and previous addresses |
| TransUnion | Opt-Out Portal | Call 1-888-567-8688 to opt out of credit offers |
| BeenVerified | Opt-Out Search | Email verification required. Takes 3 minutes. |
| Whitepages | Suppression Request | Link to record needed. Phone verification required |
| MyLife | Privacy Portal | ID verification may be required |
| Radaris | Privacy Control | Click "Control Info" after search |
| FastPeopleSearch | Removal Form | Copy full URL of your listing |
| FamilyTreeNow | Opt-Out Form | Use exact name spelling found |
| Truthfinder | Removal Portal | Email confirmation required. Takes 3 minutes. Only supresses not delete. |
| PeekYou | Opt-Out Form | Need your unique PeekYou ID |
| CheckPeople | Removal Request | Email verification needed |
| Spokeo | Opt-Out Form | Copy profile URL after search |
| PeopleFinders | Opt-Out Portal | ID verification required |
| US Search | Opt-Out Form | Email verification needed. Unclear if their form is functional. Confusing and lacks confirmations. |
| PeopleSmart | Removal Form | Complete verification process. Takes 3 minutes. |
| InstantPeopleFinder | Opt-Out Form | Follow verification steps |
| BeenVerified Property Search | Property Search Opt-Out | Email verification required. Takes 3 minutes. |
Bulk Email Opt-Out
Copy all email addresses into your email's BCC field and include the following information in your message:
| Combined Email Addresses | Information to Include |
|---|---|
| optout@epsilon.com; optout@experian.com; privacy@corelogic.com; compliance@infutor.com; optout@versium.com; privacy@acxiom.com; privacy_ww@oracle.com; privacy@merkleinc.com; privacy@towerdata.com; unsubscribe@experian.com; unsubscribeall@experian.com |
Use our sample opt-out email template |
Helpful Resources
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| JustDeleteMe | Directory of direct links to delete accounts from various services |
| DeleteMe | Paid service that removes your data from data brokers |
| Privacy Opt-Out Guide | Comprehensive guide with opt-out instructions for various data brokers |
| SOC.mil Opt-Out Guide | Official military guide for opting out of data aggregators |