Remove your personal information from data broker databases that sell your data
Your Data is Being Sold Right Now
Data brokers collect and sell your personal information—including name, address, phone number, email, family members, property records, and online behavior—to anyone willing to pay. This guide shows you how to opt out.
Data brokers are companies that harvest your personal information from public records, purchase history, social media, and other sources, then package and sell it to marketers, employers, insurance companies, and anyone else who pays.
What Data Brokers Know About You
Data brokers compile shockingly detailed profiles. Here's what they typically have:
Personal Identifiers:
• Full name (current and previous)
• Date of birth
• Home address (current and historical)
• Phone numbers (landline and mobile)
• Email addresses
• Social media profiles
Financial & Property Data:
• Property ownership records
• Estimated home value
• Mortgage information
• Income estimates
• Vehicle ownership
• Bankruptcy/lien records
Family & Relationships:
• Names of relatives
• Ages of family members
• Marital status
• Associates and neighbors
Behavioral Data:
• Online browsing history
• Purchase history
• Political affiliation
• Religious beliefs
• Hobbies and interests
Why You Should Remove Your Data
Privacy Risks:
Identity Theft: Criminals buy data broker info to open fraudulent accounts in your name
Stalking/Harassment: Anyone can pay $20-50 to find your address and phone number
Targeted Scams: Scammers use your data to create personalized phishing attacks
Price Discrimination: Companies charge higher prices based on your income/location data
Employer/Insurance Screening: Used to deny jobs or charge higher premiums
How to Remove Yourself from Data Brokers
Option 1: Manual Opt-Out (Free but Time-Consuming)
You can opt out of data brokers yourself, but expect to invest 20-40 hours and repeat the process quarterly.
General Opt-Out Process:
1. Visit the data broker's website
2. Search for your name/address to find your profile
3. Find their "opt-out" or "privacy" page (often buried in footer)
4. Fill out opt-out form (may require email verification, ID upload, or phone call)
5. Wait 7-30 days for removal processing
6. Verify removal and repeat if your data reappears