How to remove yourself from BeenVerified

Worried about your personal information floating around the internet? Data brokers like BeenVerified compile and sell your data, creating a significant privacy risk. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process on how to remove your information from BeenVerified, reclaiming control over your online presence.

BeenVerified: What is it and Why Should You Care?

BeenVerified is a people search website that aggregates publicly available information. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and even background check information. While they present themselves as a service for finding long-lost friends or verifying information, the reality is that they expose your personal data to anyone willing to pay for it. This can lead to unwanted solicitations, stalking, or even identity theft. It's critical to take proactive steps for privacy protection. This means undertaking a "beenverified opt out" process.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Your Information From BeenVerified

Here's how to remove info from beenverified:

1. Navigate to the BeenVerified Opt-Out Page: Go to the BeenVerified homepage: https://www.beenverified.com. Scroll to the bottom and locate the "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link under the "Help" section. Click on it.

2. Search For Your Record: Follow the instructions on the page to search for your personal information. Then click the "Search" button.

3. Proceed to Opt-Out: Once you've found your listing in the search results, click the "Proceed to Opt Out" button associated with your record.

4. Enter Your Email and Complete the CAPTCHA: Fill out the opt-out request form. Enter a disposable email address (more on this below), complete the security CAPTCHA, and then click "Send Verification Email."

Important: Use a disposable email address for this and all data broker interactions. Data brokers may add you to marketing lists when you contact them, even for opting out! Search online for "disposable email" to find services that provide temporary email addresses.

5. Check Your Email for Verification: BeenVerified will send a verification email to the address you provided. A notification message will confirm your request and instruct you to check your inbox.

6. Verify Your Opt-Out Request: Open the email from BeenVerified and click the "Verify Opt-Out" button.

7. Confirmation: A confirmation message will appear, indicating that your opt-out request has been received and is being processed. BeenVerified will then remove your information from their website.

State-Specific Opt-Out Instructions (CCPA/CPRA Compliance)

If you're a resident of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, or Virginia, you can leverage state privacy laws for more comprehensive data removal. Follow these steps for a "Do Not Sell My Information" request under CCPA/CPRA:

1. Visit the Designated Page: Go to the BeenVerified homepage: https://www.beenverified.com. Scroll to the bottom and click the "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link under the "Help" section.

2. Initial Search: Enter your first name, last name, and state of residence. Click the "Search" button.

3. Complete the Request Form: Fill out the form with the required information. Ensure the "Request Type" is set to "Do Not Sell My Information." Provide your Membership ID (if applicable), First Name, Last Name, Email, Age, Street address, City, State, and Zip code. Click "Continue."

Important: Use a disposable email address! (See note above.)

4. Locate Your Profile: Find the correct listing in the search results and click the "Proceed to Opt Out" button on the right side of the profile.

5. Provide Additional Information (Optional): You have the option to provide additional data (phone number, social media accounts, other email addresses, other addresses) to include in the opt-out request. Check the certification box, complete the CAPTCHA, and click "Remove My Info."

6. Confirmation Message: An on-screen message will confirm that your opt-out request has been successfully submitted.

7. Verify Via Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and click the "Verify Opt-Out" button to finalize the process.

8. Success! Your profile listing is now removed.

Staying Vigilant: Your Ongoing Privacy Protection

Taking this step is an important stride toward securing your privacy. However, BeenVerified is just one piece of the puzzle. Hundreds of data brokers operate online, constantly collecting and sharing personal information.

Consider using automated tools to manage your online presence and remove your data from multiple sources continuously. Maintaining digital privacy requires ongoing effort, but it's a worthwhile investment in your security and peace of mind.

FAQ: Understanding Data Brokers and Your Privacy

Q: What are data brokers, and how do they get my information?

A: Data brokers are companies that collect information about individuals from various sources, including public records, online activity, and commercial transactions. They then compile this data into profiles and sell it to other businesses for marketing, advertising, or risk assessment purposes.

Q: How often should I check data broker sites like BeenVerified to remove my information?

A: Ideally, you should check these sites every few months. Data brokers are constantly updating their databases, so your information may reappear even after you've opted out.

Q: Is it legal for data brokers to collect and sell my information?

A: In many jurisdictions, it is legal for data brokers to collect and sell publicly available information. However, some states (like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia) have passed laws like the CCPA/CPRA that give consumers more control over their personal data, including the right to opt out of the sale of their information.