People-Search Sites, Stalking Risk and Safer Next Steps

What these sites expose

The FTC explains that people-search businesses compile information from public records, social media and other sources into searchable reports. Information can be inaccurate or reveal details you did not intend to make easy to find.

Sources: FTC: People search sites that sell your information

Plan before making changes

If someone may be monitoring your device or accounts, use a safer device to seek help. Changes to access, sharing or accounts can be noticed. A specialist advocate can help you decide what is safe in your circumstances.

Preserve relevant evidence if it is safe to do so. Do not confront a suspected abuser because a general checklist says to secure an account.

Sources: NNEDV Safety Net Project: Technology safety planning

Reduce exposure where it is safe

1. Check what information is visible and save a record if needed.
2. Use a site’s opt-out process through its real website. Understand that removal from one site does not erase original public records.
3. Review public profiles, shared accounts and location-sharing choices with safety planning in mind.
4. Recheck over time; information can reappear or exist elsewhere.

Sources: FTC: People search sites that sell your information; NNEDV Safety Net Project: Technology safety planning

What removal cannot promise

Opting out cannot guarantee that another person has not already saved information. This page does not claim a universal deletion right, a guaranteed removal service or a causal link to a specific crime without evidence.

Sources: FTC: People search sites that sell your information