How to Eliminate Your Information on a Free People Search

It takes seconds for almost anybody to find out your secrets online.

Free people search databases can store personal information about you and allow anybody with Internet access to obtain that information in seconds. This information can include your name, address, phone number and even a criminal background if one exists. Some personal information can have a negative impact on your life and career. Therefore it is important that you take control of your personal information, know where it is located, and follow steps to remove yourself from these searches once and for all.

Instructions

1. Search your name online. Type your name into several free people search engines and general Internet search engines (see Resources). Keep track of where your information appears.

2. Use the removal tool, if one exists, on each site that contains your information. Some sites let you delete or at least censor your information.

3. Contact the webmaster of sites that do not contain a removal tool. Send an email to the webmaster explaining that you would like your information taken off the site. Webmaster email addresses are typically located on the bottom of a website or in the "Contact" section.

4. Complete the "Cease and Desist" application on websites that supply this form. This method should be used if the first two steps are ineffective. This letter can be emailed or printed and sent through the U.S. Postal Service.

5. Avoid putting your information freely on the Internet. Use caution when entering personal information in any website. There is often no guarantee that this information will not become public and searchable.

References

• The West Virginia Blogger: How to Remove Yourself from the Internet
• Flyte: Getting Out of Google

Resources

• Free People Search: Free People Search and Finder
• Google: Internet Search Engine
• People Finder: People Search