Hate Showing Up On People Searches? Here’s How To Go Dark

If you’ve ever Googled your name, you may have been startled to find your personal details—such as your address, phone number, and even family connections—freely available on people search websites like FastPeopleSearch, Whitepages, or Spokeo. While these sites claim to provide public records for harmless purposes like reconnecting with old friends or verifying identities, they also present significant privacy risks. Whether you're concerned about identity theft, unwanted solicitations, or more severe dangers like stalking, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.

Step 1: Search and Identify Where You Appear

Start by conducting a thorough search of your name using popular search engines. As you go through the results, take note of the people search websites that are displaying your information. Some of the most common sites include FastPeopleSearch, Spokeo, Whitepages, and Intelius, but dozens more may list your details. To get an even better sense of where your information is stored, check out comprehensive lists like the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse or Yael Grauer’s Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List, which catalog dozens of data brokers and people search sites that might have your data.

Step 2: Opt-Out of People Search Websites

Once you’ve identified which sites are displaying your information, it’s time to begin the opt-out process. Unfortunately, each site has its own method for opting out, which can range from filling out a form to emailing or calling their support team. The process can be tedious, but it’s a necessary step to regain control over your personal data. Below is a comprehensive list of people search websites along with links to their opt-out pages.

Common Steps in the Opt-Out Process:

Locate your profile: Most sites will ask you to find the exact page with your information.
Submit a request: Usually, this involves filling out an opt-out form, and in some cases, verifying your email address or completing a CAPTCHA.
Follow up: Some sites may require follow-up requests if your initial submission is ignored or not processed in a timely manner.

To manage this process efficiently, consider creating a separate email account specifically for opt-out requests. This will help you avoid unnecessary spam in your primary inbox.

Step 3: Consider Opt-Out Services

If manually opting out from numerous sites feels overwhelming, several services can help automate the process for you. Tools like Experian’s Privacy Scan or paid services like DeleteMe or OneRep will scan people search sites and submit opt-out requests on your behalf. While these services typically come with subscription fees, they can save you time and ensure your data remains monitored for reappearances on new or updated sites.

Step 4: Protect Your Digital Footprint

While opting out from these websites is essential, reducing your visibility online requires ongoing diligence. Consider the following steps to minimize your digital footprint:

Limit social media exposure: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit the personal details visible to others.
Use alternate contact details: When possible, use a P.O. box or secondary phone number for public records or online sign-ups.
Monitor your name regularly: Set up Google Alerts for your name to get notified when new information about you appears online.

Step 5: Recheck Periodically

Even after successfully removing your information from these sites, it can sometimes reappear due to updated public records or the site's acquisition of new data. Make it a habit to revisit these sites every few months to ensure your data hasn’t resurfaced.

List of Popular People Search Sites and Their Opt-Out Forms

Here’s a comprehensive list of popular people search websites and links to their opt-out pages:

Website	Opt-Out Form Link
FastPeopleSearch	FastPeopleSearch Opt-Out
Whitepages	Whitepages Opt-Out
Spokeo	Spokeo Opt-Out
TruthFinder	TruthFinder Opt-Out
BeenVerified	BeenVerified Opt-Out
PeopleFinders	PeopleFinders Opt-Out
Intelius	Intelius Opt-Out
MyLife	MyLife Opt-Out
Instant Checkmate	Instant Checkmate Opt-Out
FamilyTreeNow	FamilyTreeNow Opt-Out
PeekYou	PeekYou Opt-Out
Radaris	Radaris Opt-Out
US Search	US Search Opt-Out
ZabaSearch	ZabaSearch Opt-Out
Pipl	Pipl Opt-Out
Addresses.com	Addresses Opt-Out
SmartBackgroundChecks	SmartBackgroundChecks Opt-Out
CheckPeople	CheckPeople Opt-Out
USA People Search	USA People Search Opt-Out
That’s Them	That's Them Opt-Out
PeopleSmart	PeopleSmart Opt-Out
Verispy	Verispy Opt-Out
PrivateEye	PrivateEye Opt-Out
CheckThem	CheckThem Opt-Out
LocatePeople	LocatePeople Opt-Out
TruePeopleSearch	TruePeopleSearch Opt-Out
Open-Public-Records	Open-Public-Records Opt-Out
411.com	411.com Opt-Out
PublicRecordsNow	PublicRecordsNow Opt-Out
Inforver	Inforver Opt-Out
CocoFinder	CocoFinder Opt-Out
SearchPeopleFree	SearchPeopleFree Opt-Out
PublicSeek	PublicSeek Opt-Out
NumLookup	NumLookup Opt-Out
Phone-Lookup	Phone-Lookup Opt-Out
PeopleByName	PeopleByName Opt-Out
PublicRecords.directory	PublicRecords.directory Opt-Out
AnyWho	AnyWho Opt-Out
FindPeopleFast	FindPeopleFast Opt-Out

By following these steps and using the resources listed above, you can take action to protect your personal information from being displayed on people search websites. While the process can be time-consuming, it’s essential for safeguarding your privacy.

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