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Submitted by: Bill Hickey
NCVA Listmaster
NRT-0010 How to Remove your Personal Details from online databases:
There's probably a lot of information about you available on the internet - more than you think there is. Online directories and databases offer this data either free or for a price. Fortunately, you can remove your personal details from SOME online databases.
But you might be wondering how your name, address, telephone number and often, date of birth ended up online. Information is obtained from public records and marketing databases. This includes court documents, county and state records, voter registration, marriage licenses, subscriptions, and other sources.
The following are FIVE (of many others) big online databases with the instructions on how to remove your data from THEIR database. BE AWARE ... sometimes, in order to remove the information, you must supply them with confirmation that the information is correct, or provide them with even more information. Use common sense before you start down a path from which there is no return.
US SEARCH: US Search frequently shows up in online searches. Many online phone directories also link to it. US Search sells background reports to anyone. But you can remove your records from MOST of its search results. You must send your request via postal mail. US Search requires your name, birth date and Social Security number. Additionally, it wants your addresses going back as far as 15 years. You should also supply any aliases, including a maiden name if appropriate.
Intelius: Like US Search, Intelius sells background reports to anyone. Reports include your birth date, court records and address history. For removal, you must fax a copy of a state-issued ID card or your driver's license. You can cross out your photo and license number. It only requires your name, address and birth date. Alternatively, you can send a notarized form confirming your identity.
Acxiom: Acxiom provides data to Web sites, businesses, and law enforcement officials. Its products fall into two categories - Marketing and Reference. Reference data is culled from public records. It also includes financial information and Social Security numbers. This information is only provided to business and law enforcement. You can NOT opt-out. However, you can opt-out of the MARKETING database. The marketing database does not include credit information or Social Security numbers. Request an opt-out form via telephone or email. Since other businesses use Acxiom's data, this removes data from some other sites.
555-1212.com: Marketers use 555-1212.com to find addresses and phone numbers of potential leads. You can remove your information from its database via an online form. Removal requires minimal information. You must provide your name AS IT APPEARS in the site’s listing. This may be difficult, as you can't view your own listing. You must also provide a phone number and email address.
WhitePages.com: WhitePages.com is an online directory available to anyone. It lists your name and address in its search results. You can remove your information via an online form. Your name, city and state are required, along with a reason for removal. You can select General Privacy Concerns as a reason.
More sites to visit: Many marketers use the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) preferences. You can submit removal requests for mailing, telemarketing and email lists. You'll find removal forms on the DMA's site. There may be a fee ranging from $1 to $5. This won't remove your information from all marketing databases. But DMA members are required to adhere to the lists. Additionally, you can opt-out of pre-approved credit card and insurance offers. One request covers four major credit reporting agencies.
UNFORTUNATELY, it often isn't easy to remove public records from databases. Some services only remove sealed records. In many cases, this requires a court order.
Last Modified: Sunday, 21-Jan-2007 23:39:37 EST