# Data broker opt-out recheck log

> Researched. Personal · Beginner · Life admin. Updated 2026-10-29.

Canonical page: https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/data-broker-opt-out-recheck-log/

## What it does
Keep your name off people search sites over time: log every opt-out, set your own recheck dates, and spot listings that come back.

## Who it's for
People who get scam calls or texts with their real details in them and want a repeatable way to remove and recheck their listings. This is not legal advice. Do not paste your SSN, full address, account numbers or other identifying details into a chatbot.

## Tools
- ChatGPT or Claude (free tier is fine), used only for the log and the checklist
- A search engine and a few free minutes at each recheck
- A note or spreadsheet for the log

## Steps
1. Search your own name, with your city, on a few people search sites. The FTC says people search sites compile public records and social media into reports they sell.
2. Start the log with columns for site, link to your listing, date you opted out, confirmation, and next check date. Keep private details out of it: site names, dates and status only.
3. Opt out on each site. The FTC says most people search sites have a way to opt out, you can do it one by one for free or pay a service, and some will ask for information to verify your identity.
4. If you live in California, also submit one request in DROP, the state's free Delete Request and Opt-out Platform. One request goes to over 600 registered data brokers. Brokers began processing requests August 1, 2026, and must check DROP at least every 45 days. Status updates can take up to 90 days.
5. On each recheck date you set, search your name again on the sites in your log and update it. The FTC says information can reappear for sale if your public records change, and can still show in relatives' or neighbors' reports. Re-submit any listing that came back.

## Copy-paste prompt
Adapt bracketed fields to your situation.
```text
Help me keep a data broker opt-out log. This is not legal advice.

I will give you only site names, dates and status. I will not give you my SSN, full address or account numbers. If I paste any, tell me to remove it.

Sites I have checked: [site name, listing found yes or no, date opted out]
My recheck interval: [days, my choice]
Today's date: [DATE]

1. Turn this into a table: site, listing found, date opted out, confirmation received, next check date (my last check plus my interval).
2. List the sites due for a recheck now or soon.
3. Give me a short checklist for each recheck: search my name and city, note whether the listing is back, re-submit the opt-out if it is.

Show me the table first. Do not invent opt-out links. If I need a link, tell me to find it on the site itself.
```

## Guardrails
- What it touches: Chat input you provide (ChatGPT or Claude (free tier is fine), used only for the log and the checklist; A search engine and a few free minutes at each recheck).
- Needs your OK: Send, pay, publish, and account changes stay with you. Treat agent output as drafts first.
- Safety level: Drafts for you
- Treating the opt-out as permanent. The FTC says listings can come back, which is why the log has a next check date.
- Pasting private details into the chat. Keep to site names, dates and status.
- Expecting DROP to cover people search sites outside what registered data brokers do. DROP covers registered data brokers, and only California residents can use it.

## Tips
- Opting out does not delete public records, so someone can still find them on a government website, per the FTC.
- Opt-outs on people search sites will not fix everything. The FTC notes your information can appear in reports about relatives, neighbors or associates.
- Results from DROP vary by person and may take time to notice, per the California Privacy Protection Agency.

## Estimates (labeled, not measured)
- Time saved: About 30 minutes to start the log, then about 15 minutes per recheck.
- Money saved: Not stated in sources.
- Tool cost: Free tiers of ChatGPT or Claude are enough. Not stated in sources.

## Sources
Summaries use the public sources below, not independent verification.
- Federal Trade Commission: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-people-search-sites-sell-your-information (What To Know About People Search Sites That Sell Your Information, dated 2022-08-25, read 2026-10-29 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open: how people search sites work, opting out yourself or through a paid service, listings can reappear, public records are not deleted.)
- California Privacy Protection Agency: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/ (Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), read 2026-10-29 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open: free, California residents, one request to over 600 registered data brokers, brokers began processing August 1, 2026 and must access DROP at least every 45 days, status updates up to 90 days.)

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