In today‘s interconnected world, it can feel impossible to untether your personal information from the internet. Your data is constantly collected, compiled, and shared by both private companies and public entities. While this system enables conveniences like improved credit access and background checks, it also threatens individuals‘ privacy in new ways.
Enter BeenVerified – a data broker that aggregates and publishes personal details like your phone number, address history, relatives, and even criminal records. I‘ll explain how this free public records site operates, the risks involved, and most importantly – how to remove your information from their database in 2023.
By the end of this guide, you‘ll have actionable steps to enhance your online privacy and limit your exposure to identity theft and cybercrime. As an experienced cybersecurity professional, I‘ll share the techniques I use to control my digital footprint across the web.
Why Your Privacy Matters in an Age of Data Brokers
BeenVerified, along with sites like Truthfinder, Instant Checkmate, and Intelius, purchase data from various third-party sources to build detailed profiles on hundreds of millions of people. But why is this problematic, especially if the information is technically public?
The key issue is consent – people don‘t actively choose to publish their details on these platforms. And while BeenVerified states you can opt-out, this requires extra steps on the user‘s end. The onus falls on individuals to reclaim control, rather than brokers obtaining consent upfront before profiting off your information.
Beyond philosophical debates around consent, there are tangible downsides when your data appears on people search sites:
- Identity theft: Data brokers create lucrative opportunities for scammers. In 2022 alone, identity theft resulted in $502 million stolen from over 1.4 million victims, according to the FTC.
- Criminal targeting: Fraudsters, stalkers, and other bad actors can use sites like BeenVerified for reconnaissance on potential targets. 90% of incidents begin with perpetrators gathering details online about their victims.
- Reputational damage: Mugshots, arrest records, and other potentially misleading information on these sites can unfairly damage a person‘s reputation. 79% of employers now screen candidates online before interviews.
- Loss of privacy: BeenVerified provides any paying customer intimate access to your address history, relatives, property records, and more – often without your consent. This represents an unacceptable loss of privacy to many individuals.
By opting out, you can regain control over your personal data and mitigate these risks. Next I‘ll explain the straightforward process for removing yourself.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Opting Out in 2023
Ready to take back your privacy? Removing yourself from BeenVerified only takes a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Locate Your Record
- Visit beenverified.com and search for your first and last name, as well as city and state.
- Once displayed, click "View Details" to access your full BeenVerified report.
Tip: Try multiple name variations and locations if needed to surface your record.
Step 2: Initiate Opt-Out
- On your BeenVerified profile page, click the orange "Opt-Out" button in the upper right corner.
- Enter a valid email address and complete the CAPTCHA challenge to verify you‘re human.
Step 3: Confirm Your Identity
- Check your email inbox for a verification link sent by BeenVerified. Click the link to confirm your identity.
- On the next page, provide any requested personal details like your phone number or address. BeenVerified uses this to confirm you are the record subject.
Once confirmed, BeenVerified will process your opt-out request. Expect your record to be fully removed within 48 hours. You can repeat this process for any other family members as desired.
What to Expect After Removal from BeenVerified
Wondering what happens after you successfully opt-out? Here‘s the typical timeline:
- Within 48 hours: BeenVerified completes processing your request and removes your record from their database.
- After 48 hours: Your profile no longer appears in search results on BeenVerified‘s website. You are no longer searchable.
- Ongoing checks: I recommend re-checking BeenVerified every few months to ensure your information has not reappeared. Also search for any household members.
While opting out of BeenVerified removes your details from their database, it will not affect information on other people search sites. Let‘s explore additional strategies for controlling your digital footprint across the web.
Going Beyond BeenVerified: Comprehensive Online Privacy Tips
BeenVerified is just one of hundreds of data brokers compiling profiles on consumers without their consent. While opting out is an excellent first step, here are a few additional ways to protect your privacy online:
Remove Yourself from Data Brokers
Specialized privacy services like DeleteMe, Incogni, and Privacy Bee allow you to opt-out from multiple data brokers at once. Compare features and pricing:
| Service | Data Brokers Removed | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| DeleteMe | 192 brokers | $129/year |
| Incogni | 67 brokers | $99/year |
| Privacy Bee | 112 brokers | $99/year |
Tip: Take advantage of free opt-out trials many services offer.
Enable a VPN
Virtual Private Networks encrypt all traffic leaving your devices, obscuring your IP address and online activities from surveillance. Top rated services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are just $8-12 per month.
Adjust Social Media Settings
Regularly check your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and other platforms. Limit personal details, disable location sharing when possible, and opt out of personalized ads.
Monitor Your Credit
Routinely check credit reports from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Consider setting up fraud alerts or even freezing your credit to protect against identity theft.
Use Privacy Browser Extensions
Extensions like Privacy Badger and DuckDuckGo help block online trackers that profile your behaviors and compromise privacy. Strip identifying metadata from files before sharing.
The key is being proactive about managing your digital footprint. Follow best practices, leverage privacy tools, and repeat opt-out processes regularly to stay in control.
Take Action to Protect Your Personal Data
Your privacy is worth fighting for, but it requires vigilance in the digital age. I hope this guide has equipped you to remove your information from BeenVerified and limit your exposure across the web.
Sites like BeenVerified exemplify the data broker industry‘s insatiable appetite for consumers‘ personal data – often without meaningful consent. By opting out and taking active steps to control your digital footprint, you can regain power over your information.
Now you have precise actions to enact greater online privacy as we move into 2023 and beyond. Remember to check back periodically and repeat opt-outs as needed to sustain your privacy for the long-haul. Here‘s to your continued safety and anonymity!
