Spokeo is a popular people search website. It collects and shares personal data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and even family details. If you value your privacy, you may want to remove your information from Spokeo. This process is called "opting out."
This guide will show you how to remove your information from Spokeo quickly and easily. We’ll also explain why it’s important and how to stay protected online.
Understanding Spokeo
Spokeo is a people search site that collects and displays personal details from publicly available pages. It pulls data from government websites, social media sites, and other sources using bots and data-harvesting practices. As a data broker site, Spokeo doesn’t create new information—it aggregates publicly available data and organizes it into detailed profiles.
Many users access Spokeo to find contact details, addresses, or background information. While some basic information is free, Spokeo offers a premium service that unlocks more details. This can include your email address, phone number, family connections, and even property records. Because of how it operates, Spokeo raises concerns about identity theft and privacy risks. The more data available online, the easier it is for scammers to misuse it. If you want to protect your privacy, removing your information from Spokeo is a smart step.
Why Remove Your Information from Spokeo?
Spokeo collects and shares personal data, making it accessible to anyone online. This can include:
-
Your name, age, and address
-
Phone numbers and email addresses
-
Family members and associates
By removing your profile from Spokeo, you regain control over your personal information and enhance your privacy.
Legal Rights and Data Usage
Spokeo collects personal data from public sources and organizes it into consumer profiles. This means your name, email address, and other details may appear on the site without your consent. While this may seem like an invasion of privacy, Spokeo operates legally by using publicly available data. However, this doesn’t mean you have no rights.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), companies like Spokeo cannot legally provide information for credit, employment, or housing decisions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces these rules to prevent misuse of consumer data. Spokeo has faced lawsuits in the past for allegedly violating these laws, but it continues to function as a data broker by compiling and sharing personal information for legal purposes.
If you want to protect your privacy, opting out is the best solution. Removing your data from Spokeo won’t erase it from the internet entirely, but it does limit exposure. Understanding your legal rights can help you take control of your online presence and reduce the risks associated with public data.
How to Opt-Out of Spokeo
Follow these simple steps to remove your information:
-
Go to Spokeo
Visit spokeo.com. Use the search bar to find your record by entering your name and location. -
Finding Information on Spokeo
Click “See Results” to locate your record. Open the profile you want to remove.
-
Copy the URL
Copy the URL of the profile page. This will be needed for the opt-out request. -
Access the Opt-Out Page
Go to spokeo.com/optout.
-
Submit Your Request
Paste the copied URL into the provided field. Enter your email address for verification. -
Verify Your Request
Check your email inbox. Click the verification link Spokeo sends to complete your request.
It’s that simple!
Manual Opt-Out Instructions
If you'd rather not use automated tools, you can personally request Spokeo to remove your information by phone or email. Here’s how to do it in simple terms:
By Phone:
Call Spokeo's Customer Service at 1-888-271-9562 (available 5 AM to 8 PM PT). When you speak to a representative, provide your full name, date of birth, and current and past addresses. Also, share the web link (URL) of the record you want removed. Write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke with. If they give you a confirmation code, save it for your records.
By Email:
If calling isn’t your style, you can email Spokeo at customercare@spokeo.com. In your message, include the same details: your full name, date of birth, current and previous addresses, and the URL of the record you’d like removed. Be patient—email requests can take a while, and sometimes they get overlooked, so follow up if you don’t hear back.
Both methods are straightforward, but staying organized with the details you provide will help the process go smoothly.
Using Data Removal Services
Removing your information from Spokeo and other people search sites can be time-consuming. Many data broker sites, including Spokeo, pull records from public sources like court records and government databases. Even after opting out, your details may reappear. This is where a data removal service can help.
Services like NewReputation offer automated data removal services. They handle the opt-out process for multiple sites at once, saving time and effort. Instead of manually requesting removals from each site, these services track and remove your data across various platforms. Some provide a manual service where experts review and request removal from hard-to-reach sites.
Using a data removal service makes it easier to stay private online. While some services charge a subscription fee, they offer ongoing monitoring, ensuring your data doesn’t reappear. Whether you choose to do it yourself or use an automated service, staying proactive about your online privacy is essential.
Protecting Personal Information Online
Your personal information is everywhere. Data broker sites like Spokeo collect and share details about you, often without your knowledge. This can lead to identity theft, unwanted cold calls, and a loss of internet privacy. If you’re concerned about your online security, taking action is essential.
Start by adjusting your social media privacy settings to limit what’s publicly visible. Many people-finder sites pull data from social media, so restricting access helps keep your details private.
Next, visit data broker websites and look for a removal form or a “do not sell my info” option. This allows you to request that your data be deleted. Services like NewReputation can automate this process, saving you time.
Your internet service provider also plays a role in protecting your privacy. Using a masked email when signing up for online accounts can prevent spam and data leaks. For added security, consider online reputation management (ORM) services to monitor and remove your data from various platforms.
Monitoring Future Listings
Removing your data from Spokeo is a great start. However, Spokeo isn’t the only site sharing your information. Hundreds of data brokers collect and sell personal details.
To maintain your privacy:
-
Regularly check for new listings on data broker sites.
-
Opt-out whenever your data reappears.
This process can be time-consuming. That’s where NewReputation comes in.
How NewReputation Can Help
Your personal information is valuable. Opting out of Spokeo helps reduce your online exposure and improves your privacy. Follow the steps above to remove your data and stay vigilant.
For more online privacy tips, visit NewReputation. We help people take control of their digital footprint and protect their personal information.
Want professional help? Contact us today!
Data Broker Opt-Out Guides
