How to Remove Yourself From People-Search Sites (Step by Step)
By WipeMyFootprint · October 5, 2026 · 7 min read
People-search sites are the most visible type of data broker. Type a name into one and you'll often find an address, age, phone number, and list of relatives within seconds.
Step 1: Find your listings
Search your full name plus your city or state on major sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, Radaris, BeenVerified, and Intelius. Note the URL of every listing that matches you.
Step 2: Submit opt-out requests
Each site has its own opt-out page. Many require an email confirmation, some ask you to verify by phone, and a few require you to locate the exact profile URL.
Step 3: Verify and repeat
Requests can take days to weeks to process. Even after removal, brokers frequently re-add profiles when they buy fresh data. Plan to re-check every few months.
The faster option
Doing this across hundreds of sites can take dozens of hours a year. A removal service like WipeMyFootprint handles the searching, submitting, and re-checking for you, and sends you regular reports showing what was removed.
Sources and further reading
General educational information, not legal advice. Removal options and privacy rights vary by provider and state; consult the official resources for current requirements.