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 is 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The prompt
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.
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.
Sources
Federal Trade Commission: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-people-search-sites-sell-your-information
California Privacy Protection Agency: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/