BackgroundAlert is a people search and background check site that aggregates public records, court filings, address histories, and other personal data into searchable profiles. If you've searched for yourself online and found your information on BackgroundAlert, you're not alone. The good news is that you can request removal of your data for free. Here's exactly how to do it.
What Information Does BackgroundAlert Have About You?
BackgroundAlert collects and displays a wide range of personal details, including:
- Full name and known aliases
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Age and date of birth
- Known relatives and associates
- Court records and criminal history
- Property records
This information is pulled from public records, court filings, property databases, and other data broker networks. Even if the data is technically public, having it all compiled in one easily searchable profile creates serious privacy and safety risks.
Step-by-Step Opt-Out Instructions
Step 1: Go to the Opt-Out Page
Navigate directly to backgroundalert.com/optout/ in your web browser. This is BackgroundAlert's dedicated removal page.
Step 2: Search for Your Record
Enter your first name, last name, and state, then click the Search button. The site will display matching records.
Step 3: Identify Your Profile
Scroll through the results until you find the listing that matches your full name, age, and address history. Click the "That's Me" button on the right side of your profile.
Step 4: Provide Your Email Address
Enter your email address and click "Next" to proceed. BackgroundAlert will send a verification email to confirm your identity.
Use a Disposable Email Address
We strongly recommend using a disposable or secondary email address rather than your primary email for this process. Data brokers have been known to add opt-out requesters to their marketing lists and databases. Services like SimpleLogin, Firefox Relay, or a dedicated privacy email can help keep your real inbox protected.
Step 5: ID Verification (If Required)
BackgroundAlert may ask for a government-issued ID as an extra verification step. This is not always required, and many users complete the removal without submitting ID. If you are prompted:
- Redact your photo, signature, and ID number before uploading
- Only your name, address, and date of birth need to be visible
- You can alternatively mail a redacted copy to: BackgroundAlert.com, 8383 Wilshire Blvd Suite 540, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (Attn: Opt Out)
- Or fax it to: (866) 617-7757
Step 6: Confirm Your Opt-Out via Email
Open the verification email from BackgroundAlert and click "Confirm Opt-out" to finalize your removal request.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Your profile should be removed from BackgroundAlert within 7 business days after confirmation.
Skip the manual opt-outs
One opt-out won't stop them — brokers relist your data. PrivacyOn removes your info from 100+ sites and keeps it removed.
Start your free scanWhat to Do If Your Data Reappears
Like most data brokers, BackgroundAlert continuously updates its database from public records and third-party sources. This means your information can reappear weeks or months after you've opted out. If this happens, you'll need to go through the removal process again.
This is one of the most frustrating aspects of manual data removal. Data brokers don't have a legal obligation to keep you permanently removed in most states, so they can simply re-add your information from updated public records.
Automate Your Data Removal
Instead of manually monitoring dozens of data broker sites and re-submitting opt-out requests every few months, a service like PrivacyOn can handle this automatically. PrivacyOn continuously monitors 100+ data broker sites, submits removal requests on your behalf, and re-removes your data if it reappears. Plans start at just $8.33 per month, and family plans cover up to 5 people.
Other Background Check Sites to Opt Out Of
If your information is on BackgroundAlert, it's almost certainly on other background check and people search sites as well. Consider opting out of these related sites:
- BackgroundCheck.org — another major background check aggregator
- CyberBackgroundChecks — displays criminal records and address history
- SmartBackgroundChecks — compiles background reports from public data
- CheckPeople — people search site with background check features
For a comprehensive approach to removing your data from all major data brokers, check out our complete guide on how to opt out of data brokers.