Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Why True People Search Is a Privacy Risk
TruePeopleSearch.com is a people search website that aggregates public records, including:
- Full names
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Known relatives
- Age
This data is often scraped from public records and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. While this may seem convenient for reconnecting with lost acquaintances, it also opens the door to stalking, harassment, doxxing, scams, and identity theft.
According to the Pew Research Center, over 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data. People-search websites like True People Search exacerbate this anxiety by exposing sensitive personal information.
How True People Search Collects Your Information
True People Search compiles data from a variety of public and semi-public sources, including:
- County and state public records
- Voter registrations
- Property deeds
- Court filings
- Social media scraping
- Business and professional directories
Even if you’ve never signed up for their service, your profile can appear on their site due to this aggregation.
Step-by-Step: How to Opt Out of True People Search in 2025
Step 1: Visit the Opt-Out Page
Go to the official opt-out form: https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/removal
Step 2: Search for Your Profile
- Enter your full name and state
- Click the search icon
- Review the results carefully for all possible matches (including old addresses)
Step 3: Click “View Details” and Copy the URL
- Choose the correct profile
- Copy the full URL in the address bar—this will be required for the opt-out form
Step 4: Submit the Opt-Out Request
- Return to the removal page
- Paste the profile URL
- Enter your email address (must be valid)
- Complete the CAPTCHA
- Click “Submit”
You’ll receive a confirmation email—click the verification link to finalize the removal.
Step 5: Wait for Removal Confirmation
True People Search typically removes the listing within 72 hours. However, it’s advisable to check back manually using an incognito browser to verify.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Problem: No Confirmation Email
- Check spam or junk folders
- Ensure you entered your email correctly
- Try a different email provider (like Gmail or Outlook)
Problem: Listing Reappears
- Listings may resurface after database updates
- Repeat the opt-out process
- Use a privacy protection service for recurring scrapes
Problem: Multiple Listings
- You may have multiple profiles (due to name variations or address history)
- Repeat the opt-out request for each listing
State-Specific Privacy Protections in 2025
Several U.S. states now offer enhanced consumer data privacy rights. Here’s how it affects your opt-out ability:
California (CCPA & CPRA)
- Right to request deletion of personal information
- Right to know what data is collected
- Right to opt out of data sales
Colorado (CPA)
- Offers similar protections to California
- Applies to businesses processing large volumes of data
Virginia (VCDPA)
- Explicit rights to data access, correction, and deletion
If you reside in these states, you may cite your state privacy law when contacting True People Search or related data brokers.
Tools That Can Help
You don’t have to go it alone. Several tools exist to help streamline the opt-out process:
- Incogni: Automates opt-outs for dozens of data brokers
- DeleteMe: Subscription-based data removal service
- Privacy Bee: Monitors data leaks and helps remove listings
These tools are useful but may not be 100% comprehensive. Manual removal is often necessary for persistent listings like those on True People Search.
Protecting Your Privacy After the Opt-Out
Removing your info is only part of the process. Here’s how to keep your identity protected long-term:
1. Set Google Alerts
Use Google Alerts to be notified when your name appears online.
2. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network prevents tracking and data harvesting from your IP address.
3. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Limit personal info like birthday, address, or employment history.
4. Lock Down Your Accounts
- Use two-factor authentication
- Monitor for unauthorized logins
5. Review Other Data Broker Sites
True People Search is just one of many. Also review:
- Spokeo
- Whitepages
- Intelius
- Radaris
- MyLife
- FastPeopleSearch
How OptimizeUp Can Help
At OptimizeUp, we provide:
- Manual data removal from TruePeopleSearch and other aggregators
- Automated monitoring for personal info reappearance
- Search engine suppression of harmful content
- Legal takedowns when defamation or doxxing occurs
Request a Free Privacy Consultation to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the opt-out process on True People Search is 100% free.
Not necessarily. Listings may reappear due to database refreshes. Periodic monitoring is recommended.
Yes. Under U.S. law and state-level privacy laws, you are within your rights to request the removal of your personal data.
Unless the data is part of a legal public record, you have a right to request its removal. However, enforcement depends on your jurisdiction.
Use additional identifiers like city or birth year to confirm your listing before opting out.
Yes, through third-party tools like Incogni or DeleteMe. Alternatively, hire a firm like OptimizeUp for comprehensive coverage.
Yes, True People Search uses it only to confirm the opt-out request. Use a secondary email if concerned.
Yes. Once your listing is removed, Google will eventually de-index the page. You can speed this up using Google’s Outdated Content Tool.
MLA Citations
- Pew Research Center. “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information.” PewResearch.org, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org
- True People Search. “Opt-Out Form.” TruePeopleSearch.com. https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/removal
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). “Your Rights Under CCPA.” State of California Department of Justice, 2024. https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act. “Overview.” Virginia.gov, 2024. https://www.virginia.gov/data-protection/
Related Contents:
