Engineering
Protect Your Privacy: How to Opt Out of US Search
How to Remove Your Personal Information from US Search
Your personal data is your business—so it’s unsettling to find it exposed on sites like US Search, where anyone can access it with just a few clicks. US Search is a data broker that compiles and sells your information to people looking for details about you. This includes your name, phone number, address, relatives, employment history, and even eviction records.
If you’re uncomfortable with your information being this accessible, it’s time to take action. Follow this guide to opt out of US Search and protect your privacy.
What is US Search and Why Should You Remove Your Data?
US Search is a people search site that provides detailed personal information about anyone in its database. With just a name or phone number, it can reveal:
Full Names and Aliases
Current and Past Addresses
Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Names of Relatives and Associates
Employment History
Social Profiles
Criminal and Court Records
Home Values and Mortgage Payments
Having your information publicly displayed on US Search makes it easy for scammers, stalkers, and even nosy neighbors to pry into your personal life. That’s why removing your data from US Search is an essential step in maintaining your digital privacy.
Bottom Line: If you want to keep your personal information private, removing your profile from US Search should be a priority.
How to Remove Your Information from US Search: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to delete your data from US Search? Follow these steps to manually opt out and safeguard your information.
Step 1: Visit the US Search Website
Open your web browser and go to USSearch.com.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information” link.
Step 2: Access the Suppression Center
In the page that opens, look for the “VIEW PUBLIC DATA TOOLS” section.
Click on the expansion arrow, then select “MANAGE MY SUPPRESSION RULES” to proceed.
Step 3: Enter Your Email Address
You will be taken to the Data Suppression Center form, managed by PeopleConnect.
Enter your email address in the required field and check the box to agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Click Continue.
Tip: Use a disposable email address instead of your primary one to prevent being added to unwanted marketing lists.
Step 4: Verify Your Email
After submitting the form, a message will appear indicating that a verification email has been sent to your inbox.
Open the email from PeopleConnect and click on the VERIFY EMAIL link.
Step 5: Enter Your Date of Birth
A new window will open asking for your date of birth. Enter the information and check the verification box.
Click Continue.
Step 6: Provide Your Full Legal Name
Enter your first name, middle name, and last name in the respective fields.
If you’ve used other names (e.g., maiden names or aliases), click Add Another Name and fill in the required fields.
Click Continue.
Step 7: Locate and Select Your Records
A list of records associated with your name will appear.
Find your record and click the circle next to it to select.
Scroll down and click the Continue button.
Step 8: Verify Your Identity
Choose your preferred verification method—either by email or phone number.
Enter the requested contact information and click Request Verification Code.
When you receive the code, enter it in the field provided and follow the instructions to proceed.
Step 9: Select “Suppressed” in the Desired Behavior Section
In the Desired Behavior section, select “Suppressed” to remove your information from public view.
Click Save to finalize your opt-out request.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully removed your information from US Search.
Why It’s Important to Remove Your Data from US Search
Leaving your personal information accessible on US Search can put you at risk for unwanted contact, identity theft, and other security threats. Here’s why opting out is crucial:
Prevent Identity Theft
Having your name, address, and other personal details visible makes it easy for scammers to impersonate you.
Avoid Stalking and Harassment
Sensitive information like your home address can be used by stalkers or malicious individuals to locate you.
Reduce Spam and Unwanted Contact
Data brokers often sell your contact information to marketers, leading to spam calls, emails, and texts.
Taking control of your digital footprint now can help you avoid these risks in the future.
Where Does US Search Get Your Information?
US Search gathers information from multiple sources, including:
Public Records: Property deeds, court records, voter registrations, and more.
Social Media Profiles: Any data you haven’t set to private can be scraped and added to their database.
Third-Party Data Brokers: US Search buys consumer data from companies that specialize in selling personal information.
To limit your exposure, regularly review your privacy settings on social media and be mindful of what you share online.
What to Do If Your Information Reappears After Opting Out
If your information shows up again on US Search after you’ve opted out, don’t panic. This can happen for a few reasons:
Database Updates
US Search regularly updates its records with new public data. Your profile might reappear if new information is added.
New Data Sources
If your information is acquired from other data brokers, it can end up back on US Search.
Incomplete Opt-Out Request
Double-check that you followed every step correctly and provided accurate information.
Solution: Periodically monitor the site and repeat the opt-out process as needed. Being proactive is the best way to maintain your privacy.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Online Privacy
Removing your data from US Search is an essential step, but it’s only the beginning. With dozens of other people search sites out there, it’s worth considering removing your information from as many as possible to reduce your digital footprint and keep your personal life secure.
Ready to protect yourself? Start by opting out of US Search today and take back control of your digital privacy!
