How to Opt Out of Intelius and Remove Your Personal Information

How to Opt Out of Intelius and Remove Your Personal Information

Your personal information should be private, not exposed to anyone with an internet connection. Unfortunately, data broker sites like Intelius make it easy for strangers to access your address, phone number, and other sensitive details. If you want to take control of your privacy, the first step is to remove your data from Intelius.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of opting out of Intelius step-by-step. By following this guide, you can ensure your information is no longer publicly available on their platform.

What is Intelius and Why Should You Remove Your Data?

Intelius is an online data broker that collects and sells personal information about individuals. They offer services like background checks, reverse phone lookups, and public record searches, making it easy for anyone to find your home address, phone numbers, email addresses, and even information about your family members.

Intelius pulls information from a variety of public sources and then makes it accessible to anyone willing to pay. This data is often used for purposes like:

• Identity Theft: Your personal details can be exploited by hackers to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and more.

• Harassment: Stalkers and other malicious individuals can use this information to track down your location.

• Unwanted Marketing: Marketers can scrape your data and flood your inbox and phone with unsolicited offers.

Bottom Line: Having your information on Intelius is not just an invasion of privacy—it’s a security risk.

How to Remove Your Information from Intelius: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the Intelius Opt-Out Page

1. Open your web browser and go to the Intelius website.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link.

Step 2: Navigate to the Suppression Center

1. In the window that appears, click on the expansion arrow under the “View Public Data Tools” section.

2. Click the “Manage My Suppression Rules” button.

Step 3: Fill Out the Opt-Out Form

1. The Suppression Center form will appear. Enter your email address and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

2. Click Continue to proceed.

Step 4: Verify Your Email

1. Check your inbox for an email from PeopleConnect (the parent company of Intelius).

2. Open the email and click on the Verify Email link.

Step 5: Enter Your Personal Information

1. A new window will open asking for your date of birth. Enter the information and click Continue.

2. Next, enter your full legal name (first, middle, and last name). If you have used other names, click Add Another Name and fill in the required fields.

Step 6: Locate Your Records

1. A list of records associated with your information will appear.

2. Find your profile and select the circle next to it.

3. Scroll down and click the Continue button.

Step 7: Verify Your Identity

1. Choose your preferred verification method (either by email or phone number).

2. Enter the information requested and click Request Verification Code.

Step 8: Complete Verification

1. Once you receive your verification code, enter it where requested.

2. Follow the instructions to continue. Once your identity is verified, a confirmation message will appear.

Step 9: Set Your Data Status to “Suppressed”

1. In the Desired Behavior section, choose “Suppressed” to conceal your information.

2. Click the Save button to complete the process.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully opted out of Intelius and removed your personal information.

Why It’s Important to Remove Your Data from Intelius

If you’re still on the fence about opting out, consider the risks of leaving your data accessible:

1. Identity Theft: With just a few pieces of information, cybercriminals can create fake accounts and apply for credit in your name.

2. Stalking and Harassment: Personal information like your address can be used to track down where you live, putting you and your family at risk.

3. Spam and Phishing Attacks: Your email and phone number can be collected and used for spammy marketing, phishing scams, and even social engineering attacks.

Taking action today to remove your data is a crucial step in protecting yourself and maintaining your privacy.

Where Does Intelius Get Your Information?

Intelius compiles its database from a variety of public sources, including:

• Government Records: Property deeds, marriage licenses, voter registrations, and more.

• Data Brokers: They purchase information from companies that collect and sell consumer data.

• Social Media Profiles: Any information you haven’t set to private can be scraped and added to their database.

By limiting what you share online and removing your data from these sites, you can make it harder for data brokers to expose your personal information.

What to Do If Your Information Keeps Reappearing

If your information shows up again after opting out, it’s likely due to one of the following issues:

1. Public Records Updates: Intelius frequently updates its database with new public records.

2. New Data Sources: If your data is added to a new data broker’s collection, it could end up back on Intelius.

3. Incomplete Opt-Out: Make sure you’ve followed all steps and provided accurate information.

To stay ahead, it’s a good idea to periodically check the site and repeat the opt-out process if needed.

Final Thoughts: Take Back Control of Your Privacy

Removing your personal information from Intelius is a smart move, but keep in mind that it’s just one of many data brokers out there. Taking the time to opt out from multiple sites is the best way to protect your privacy and reduce the risk of your data being misused.

Ready to protect yourself? Follow this guide to remove your data from Intelius today, and take back control of your digital privacy!