Spokeo Opt-Out Guide: How to Remove Your Personal Information

Overview:

What is Spokeo?

Spokeo is a people search website that aggregates and displays personal information from public sources. It allows users to search for individuals by name, phone number, email address, or physical address.

Types of personal information they expose:

• Names

• Known Aliases

• Past and Present Addresses

• Phone Numbers

• Email Addresses

• Relatives and Household Members

• Social Media Accounts

• Court and Criminal Records

Risks to privacy if the data is not removed:

The public availability of personal data, such as your name or home address, on platforms like Spokeo poses a significant risk which can be readily accessed and exploited for identity tracing, unwanted contact, or profiling. Such exposure elevates the potential for harassment, doxxing, or fraud, particularly when combined with other publicly accessible details.

Why this guide exists:

This guide exists to empower individuals to take control of their online presence by helping them remove their data from Spokeo and reduce their exposure to potential risks.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of opting out of Spokeo.

Opt-Out Process at a Glance

• Time to Complete: 10 to 15 minutes

• Information Required: Full Name, Address, Email Address, and Phone Number

• Verification Required: Yes - Email Confirmation and CAPTCHA

• Data Removal Timeline: Allow up to 45 days

• VPN Required: No

Step-by-Step Opt-Out Instructions

Step 1: Go to Spokeo 

Navigate to the data broker's website: https://www.spokeo.com/

Step 2: Search for Your Record

• Enter your Name, Email Address, Phone Number, or Address.

• Click 'Search Now'.

Step 3: Locate Your Profile

Once results populated, click on 'See Results' to open your listing. 

Step 4: Copy the Profile URL 

Copy the URL from your browser's address bar. 

Step 5: Go to the Opt-Out Page 

• Visit Spokeo Opt-Out page: https://www.spokeo.com/optout

• Alternatively, you may navigate the home page, scroll towards the bottom, and click 'Do Not Sell My Info'.

Step 6: Submit Your Opt-Out Request

• Paste your profile URL.

• Enter your Email Address.

• Complete the CAPTCHA.

• Click 'OPT OUT'.

Step 7: Confirm the Request

• Open your email inbox. Make sure to check the spam and junk folders as well.

• Click the verification link to complete opt-out.

Step 8: Wait for Processing

Your request should be processed within 2-3 days for removal to be reflected on the site. Await further correspondence from Spokeo using the email address you have provided.

Additional Notes

• Alternatively, you may email them at [email protected].

• Spokeo is required by law to respond to your request up to 45 days of receiving your opt-out request. Follow up if you do not hear from them within this period.

• Use a disposable or privacy-focused email if you don't want your primary email associated with the request.

• Check spam or junk folders for their confirmation email.

Need Help?

If you're having trouble removing your information from Spokeo, consider using a privacy protection service like Privacy Bee that handles the opt-out process for you.