Did you know that public records can reveal far more about you than you might expect? Websites like CheckPeople make it easy to find personal details—details that you may want to keep private. For many, removing this data is crucial for maintaining personal security. Here’s a complete guide on how to take control of your information and remove it from CheckPeople’s databases.
What is CheckPeople and Why It’s Important to Remove Your Data?
What is CheckPeople?
CheckPeople is a data broker site that gathers publicly accessible information from various sources and compiles it into detailed reports.
These reports can include basic personal data like your name and address, but in many cases, they also reveal family members, phone numbers, and previous addresses. Although this data is often available elsewhere, sites like CheckPeople make it easily accessible to anyone, sometimes for a fee.
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Why Remove Your Information?
The idea of having your information on display can feel invasive. For many, this concern extends beyond mere discomfort—there are real risks associated with leaving personal information available online. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider removing your data from CheckPeople:
- Protect Privacy: Personal information can be exposed to individuals without your consent, potentially leading to breaches of your privacy.
- Reduce Scam Risks: Publicly available information can be used by scammers or identity thieves, increasing your exposure to fraud or phishing attempts.
- Enhance Security: People in vulnerable situations, like those dealing with harassment, stalking, or domestic violence, may be at a greater risk if their information is easy to find.
Now that you understand the risks, here’s how you can begin the process of removing your data from CheckPeople.
A step-by-step guide to remove your Information from CheckPeople
Removing your information from CheckPeople requires a few steps. Let’s go through each one to ensure the process is simple and clear.
Step 1: Go to the CheckPeople Opt-Out Page
The first step is to locate the opt-out page on CheckPeople’s website. Go to CheckPeople.com and scroll to the bottom of the page. Look for a link titled “Do Not Sell My Information.” This link is generally located in the footer, and it leads to the opt-out form.
Or just simply visit this page here: https://checkpeople.com/do-not-sell-info
Step 2: Enter Your Information
Once on the opt-out page, you’ll need to provide some details to help locate your records. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Full Name: Enter your first and last name as it appears on the site.
- City and State: To narrow down the search, add your current city and state.
- Verification: Complete the CAPTCHA challenge, which is there to confirm you’re a real person, not a bot.
After filling in these details, click the “Search” button. This will display a list of records matching your input.
Step 3: Locate Your Record
A list of records that match your name and location will appear. Scroll through the list carefully and find the exact record that corresponds to your information. This step is crucial, as selecting the wrong record could result in someone else’s data being removed instead of yours.
Once you’ve located your correct entry, click “Remove Record” next to it. This will direct you to the next stage of the process.
Step 4: Complete the Removal Form
After selecting “Remove Record,” you’ll be prompted to fill out an additional form. Here’s what you’ll need:
- First and Last Name: Enter your full name once again.
- Email Address: This email will receive the confirmation link for completing the removal process.
- Verification: Complete the CAPTCHA challenge again, then click “Submit Request.”
This action officially submits your removal request. At this point, CheckPeople will send you a confirmation email to finalize your request.
Step 5: Confirm Your Request via Email
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from CheckPeople. In this email, there should be a link to confirm your request. Click the link to finalize the removal of your data from their database. Completing this step is essential; otherwise, your request won’t be processed.
Step 6: Check the Status and Follow Up if Needed
After completing the opt-out request, CheckPeople typically processes removals within five to seven business days. If your information remains visible on the site after this period, you may need to repeat the process or reach out to their support for assistance.
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Additional Tips to Strengthen Your Privacy
Removing your data from CheckPeople is a good start, but it doesn’t prevent other data brokers from listing your information. Here are some tips to help secure your privacy further:
- Opt Out of Multiple Data Brokers: Sites like CheckPeople aren’t the only ones storing and sharing your data. Other brokers, such as Whitepages and Spokeo, may also have records on you. Consider following similar opt-out processes for each of these platforms.
- Use Privacy Management Tools: Privacy-focused services like PrivacyZen and Atlas Privacy can streamline the process by removing your information from multiple data broker sites. These services often include a fee but can save time and effort.
- Regularly Check Data Broker Websites: Even after completing opt-out requests, it’s wise to periodically search for yourself on data broker sites to ensure your information hasn’t reappeared.
What to Do If Your Data Keeps Reappearing
In some cases, you may find that your information reappears on CheckPeople or other sites after a successful removal request. This can happen because:
- Data Refreshing: Data brokers routinely update records, pulling in new information from public sources.
- Incomplete Opt-Out Process: If the confirmation link in the email isn’t clicked, the removal request may not be completed.
- Limited Reach: Some opt-out requests may only apply to certain parts of a database, and new records could still be added later.
If this happens, repeat the opt-out process or consider using an automated service for ongoing data removal management.
Additional Steps for Ongoing Privacy Protection
Removing your information from CheckPeople is an important step, but true data security requires an ongoing commitment. Once you remove your data from one site, there are a few more strategies to help keep your personal details private in the long term. Here are some practical steps for deeper privacy protection.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
One of the more secure ways to protect your identity and personal information is by freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file, which can help reduce the risk of identity theft. This way, if someone were to try to use your personal data fraudulently, they wouldn’t be able to open new credit accounts without lifting the freeze.
To freeze your credit, follow these steps for each bureau:
- Visit the credit bureau’s website: Go to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion’s respective sites to access their freeze page.
- Verify your identity: You may be asked to provide identification, such as a social security number, address, and birthdate.
- Submit your request: Once verified, submit your credit freeze request and store the unique PIN each bureau provides, as this will be needed to unfreeze your credit in the future.
Use an Alias for Online Registrations
Another way to protect your privacy is by using an alias or alternate identity for online registrations, especially on sites that may not require legal verification. This approach keeps your real information separate from your online identity, adding an extra layer of security. However, it’s essential to remain cautious and only provide truthful data where legally required, such as for financial or medical records.
For non-essential accounts, such as social media profiles or certain mailing lists, consider using a nickname or pseudonym to prevent data from being easily tied to your true identity.
Disable Public Listings for Your Phone Number
Many data brokers collect information from online public listings of your phone number. To minimize exposure, check with your service provider to see if your number can be made private.
This option may include paying a small monthly fee for an unlisted number, but it can provide additional security by keeping your contact information out of public directories.
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Other Data Broker Sites You Might Consider Opting Out From
After completing the CheckPeople opt-out process, it’s beneficial to remove your data from other popular data brokers, as they often share information. Here are some well-known data brokers with opt-out options:
- Spokeo: Similar to CheckPeople, Spokeo aggregates public information and sells it in report form. You can visit Spokeo’s opt-out page and request removal.
- Whitepages: Whitepages is another site that gathers personal data from public records. Removing your information requires verification and may involve some additional steps, such as sending identification documents for processing.
- BeenVerified: This site provides background checks, so removing your data from BeenVerified can limit your exposure to identity risks. Visit their opt-out page, search for your listing, and follow the prompts for removal.
- MyLife: Known for its detailed profiles, MyLife also offers an opt-out service. Keep in mind, though, that some data might reappear after updates, so periodic checks are recommended.
- Intelius: Intelius offers an opt-out feature, but you may need to fill out a form or submit additional verification to complete the request.
Each of these sites has a specific opt-out process, and some may request information like an email address to send a confirmation link. It’s crucial to follow each process accurately and verify your email to ensure your information is completely removed.
Privacy Management Services for Multiple Removals
While individually removing data from each site is possible, it can be time-consuming and tedious. Privacy management services offer to handle this process by automating opt-outs across multiple platforms. Some popular options include:
- PrivacyZen: This service specializes in removing your data from a wide array of data broker sites. It offers custom plans based on the number of sites you want to target.
- Atlas Privacy: Atlas Privacy provides similar services, removing your personal information from data brokers and preventing it from reappearing.
These services may require a monthly or annual subscription fee, but they can save significant time and effort by automating the opt-out process across many data broker sites.
The Importance of Regularly Checking Data Broker Sites
Even after opting out from CheckPeople and other data brokers, it’s essential to stay vigilant. Data brokers periodically update their databases, sometimes re-adding your information after new data sources are scanned. By routinely searching for yourself on data broker sites, you can catch these reappearances early.
Many privacy-conscious individuals set a monthly or quarterly reminder to check for their information on popular data broker sites. This habit can serve as a valuable step in preventing long-term exposure of your personal details online.
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How to Respond if Your Data Continues to Reappear
If you find your information continues to appear on CheckPeople or other sites, here are some steps to address this persistence:
- Repeat the Opt-Out Process: If your data reappears, it could be due to an incomplete opt-out request. Re-submit your information to the site’s opt-out page, confirm via email, and monitor your data listing status.
- Contact Customer Support: Many data brokers have customer service departments that handle complex cases of data reappearance. Contact CheckPeople’s support team to inquire about persistent listings and request a deeper removal.
- Legal Rights Under CCPA or GDPR: Depending on your location, you may have additional rights under data privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under CCPA, for example, California residents can formally request data deletion. GDPR provides similar rights to individuals in the European Union.
- File a Complaint: If you continue experiencing issues, you may want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. or a similar regulatory body in your country. These agencies can mediate issues with data brokers on your behalf and help protect your data rights.
Final Thoughts on Privacy and Data Management
Removing your information from CheckPeople is an essential step in protecting your personal privacy. However, maintaining privacy in the digital age is an ongoing process that involves monitoring and updating your opt-out preferences regularly. By using a combination of direct opt-outs, credit freezes, and privacy management tools, you can reduce your data’s visibility and minimize potential risks.
Remember, data brokers update their sources frequently, meaning your personal data can reappear even after removal. Adopting privacy-focused practices like using aliases, disabling public phone listings, and periodically reviewing data broker sites can further enhance your privacy efforts.