How to Remove My Personal Information From Public Data Sources

There are ways to remove personal information from public data sources.

Public data sources hold the personal information of many individuals. Your name, phone number and address can be on these public data sources for anyone to see. Knowing that your information is available to the public can be a difficult feeling to bear; you might fear what another individual will do with the information. Intelius, one of the public data sources, states that its information reflects information that is available at your county's land records office. However, there is a way to remove your information from these public data sources--which can give you peace of mind and keep your identity safe.

Things You'll Need

• State ID or driver's license
• Fax machine
• Processing fee

Instructions

Removing Personal Information From Intelius

1. Make a clear photocopy of your state ID or driver's license. Along with the copy, write or type a request to "opt out" your personal information. Intelius cannot permanently remove your information but can "opt" it out, preventing it from being visible on the Internet.

2. Cross out your photograph and your driver's license number, if you are using your driver's license. Intelius only needs your name, date of birth and current address.

3. Fax your identification and written request to their office. Before faxing any documentation, make sure the fax number is correct; the website lists the number as 425-974-6194. Allow for four to six weeks for Intelius to process your request.

Removing Personal Information From US Search

1. Fill out the "opt out" form on the website. On the form, you will have to indicate your address and any aliases you may have used. Indicate the reason for your request. US Search can lock your information for a year, preventing it from appearing on the US Search website, ads "powered by US Search" and US Search Reports.

2. Pay the $10 process fee, which can be done with a debit or credit card.

3. Allow two business days for your request to be processed. Your personal information will not be visible for one year. If your information reappears during that year, the service will lock it again for no additional charge.

Removing Personal Information From Acxiom

1. Fill out the "opt out request form" on the website. On this form, you will include your name, address and reason for the request. Once you submit the form online, an "opt out package" will be mailed to you.

2. Fill out the documents in the package in their entirety, and sign.

3. Return the completed package so processing can begin.

References

• Intelius: Privacy
• USsearch: Opting Out
• Acxiom: Opt-Out Request Form

Resources

• Commonwealth of Massacheusetts: Removing Your Personal Info from Public Data Sources