How To Remove Your Data From Intelius: A Step-By-Step Guide

Stumbling upon a detailed profile about yourself on Intelius.com can be a jarring experience, but you do have options to eliminate it. While you certainly can remove your information yourself, a data removal service is the best way of removing your data from brokers such as Intelius. 

Intelius creates a digital dossier that includes information like your address, phone number, and even criminal records. This info is then sold to anyone willing to pay — be it employers, curious web users, or potentially malicious actors.

This article aims to be your playbook for regaining your privacy, offering a step-by-step guide to opt out of Intelius and the benefits of using one of the best data removal services for broader protection.

How to remove your data from Intelius

If you want to take charge of your personal information, follow the steps below. This guide will walk you through the steps to manually remove your data from Intelius. We'll also dive into the option of submitting a suppression request for more comprehensive data protection.

Step 1: Locate your profile

First, go to Intelius.com and use the search function to find your profile. Input your first and last name, and refine the search by adding a city or state where you've lived. Multiple profiles may appear similar to yours, so ensure you identify the correct one. Intelius will ask a series of questions to help narrow down the search, including queries about the person's age, residence, and family members.

Step 2: Access the opt-out website

Scroll to the bottom of the Intelius homepage and click on the Do not sell or share my personal information link to get to the opt-out page, managed by PeopleConnect. The opt-out link is often subtly placed and can be easy to miss. 

Alternatively, you can navigate to the Privacy Center to review the User Data Tools and the Public Data Tools.

Step 3: Open the user data tools

Once redirected, click View public data tools > Manage my suppression rules to access the opt-out form. 

Once you click Suppression Request, you will be redirected to PeopleConnect to complete the request.

Step 4: Enter your email address

Input the email address most likely associated with your name and agree to their terms and conditions. Then click Continue. Ensure it's an email you have current access to, as you'll need to verify it in the next step.

Step 5: Verify your email address

Check your inbox for an email from Intelius and click the Verify email button. This will lead you to the suppression page. Keep an eye out for the verification email in your spam folder.

Step 6: Enter your date of birth

On the suppression page, input your date of birth, agree to their terms, and click Continue. Remember, this is sensitive information. However, keeping your data on Intelius poses more significant risks.

Step 7: Enter your full name

Provide your first, middle, and last names. Confirm it's your legal name and continue. Ensure you enter your legal name for accurate results.

Step 8: Select the record to remove

From the list that appears, select the record that belongs to you and click Continue. If more than one record appears under your name, you must start a new process for each.

Step 9: Verify your identity

Choose the email address or phone number you can access for identity verification and click Request verification code. You'll receive a confirmation code via the method you chose. Enter it to complete the process.

Step 10: Continue your data removal journey

Your work isn’t over. There are hundreds of websites similar to Intelius selling your personal data. Use popular search engines, such as Google, to find other websites that display your data. The process is ongoing and will require regular check-ups.

How data removal services can help you opt-out

Navigating the labyrinth of opt-out procedures on multiple people search sites is a time-consuming task. That's where data removal services like Incogni, DeleteMe, and HelloPrivacy come to your rescue, offering a hassle-free, all-in-one solution.

But what sets these services apart? First, they handle the opt-out requests and form submissions for you, saving you valuable time and effort. Moreover, their vigilance doesn't end with a single sweep as most continue to monitor various platforms and re-opt you out as needed.

Beyond the opt-out feature, these services offer a range of benefits, including removing your name from marketing lists and providing privacy reports to keep you informed. Essentially, they function like personal guardians of your online wealth: your data.

In today's data-centric world, where your personal information is as valuable as currency, opting for a data removal service isn't just convenient — it's a proactive move towards safeguarding your digital privacy. 

After all, safeguarding your privacy is not a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing commitment, and these services make that commitment far less daunting.

Best data removal services

Why should you remove your data from Intelius?

Taking action to remove your personal data from Intelius and similar data broker sites isn't just about reclaiming your privacy — it's about safeguarding your future. As you ponder whether or not to go through the opt-out process, consider the risks you're exposing yourself to by not taking action. 

Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider removing your data.

Invasion of privacy

First and foremost, it's an invasion of your personal privacy. Intelius gathers this information without your consent. Whether it's your phone number, address, or even criminal records, anyone willing to pay a small fee can access these intimate details of your life.

Fraud and identity theft

Fraudsters can use the data broker's information to construct a synthetic identity or even steal yours. With just a few pieces of information, criminals can impersonate you. They’ll be able to open new accounts in your name and incur debt — all while you remain unaware. It's not just about privacy, but financial and legal security. 

To safeguard against this, consider investing in identity theft protection.

Unwanted contact

You're leaving yourself open to a barrage of unsolicited communications. This could range from telemarketers to people you'd rather not have contact with. Your personal life shouldn't be an open book for the world to access.

Professional risks

Imagine a potential employer conducting a background check and stumbling upon incorrect or outdated information on Intelius or other public search sites. Your professional reputation could be jeopardized based on the data these brokers hold, which may not always be accurate or current.

Control over your digital footprint

Every snippet of information about you contributes to your digital footprint. By removing yourself from Intelius, you regain control over how you are represented online, thus allowing you to curate a more accurate and favorable public image.

Legal concerns

Depending on the jurisdiction, having your data on Intelius might expose you to various legal risks, including defamation or the mishandling of your public records.

Removing your data from Intelius isn't just a good idea — it's a crucial step in taking control of your online identity and personal safety. Since data brokers like Intelius will collect and sell your information, the question isn't why you should remove your data; it's why you haven't done it yet. Take the first step in securing your future today.

FAQs

Bottom line

Navigating the labyrinthine world of data brokers like Intelius can feel overwhelming, but taking back control over your personal data is within reach. With a series of steps that involve visiting the Intelius opt-out page, submitting your request, and confirming via email, you can effectively remove your data from their database.

However, if the manual removal process sounds daunting or too time-consuming, consider investing in a data removal service. Services like Incogni, DeleteMe, and HelloPrivacy can simplify the task by removing your data from multiple platforms, including Intelius, all while offering regular check-ups to ensure your data stays off these sites.