PeopleByName is a people search and reverse phone lookup site that aggregates data from over 1.3 billion public records. If your name, address, phone number, or other personal details appear on PeopleByName.com, this guide walks you through the exact steps to get your information removed.
What Information Does PeopleByName Collect?
PeopleByName pulls data from public records, phone directories, and other verified sources to build profiles on individuals. With a database of over 600 million names, the site is one of many data brokers that make your personal information readily accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
A typical PeopleByName listing may include:
- Full name and known aliases
- Current address and address history
- Phone number history (landlines, cell phones)
- Age and date of birth
- Associated relatives and known associates
This information is used by people searching for lost contacts, businesses verifying customer details, and unfortunately, by bad actors looking to harass, stalk, or scam individuals. Removing your data is an important step toward protecting your safety and privacy.
How to Opt Out of PeopleByName: Step-by-Step
PeopleByName provides a removal form on their website. Follow these steps carefully to submit your opt-out request.
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Find your listing on PeopleByName:
Visit peoplebyname.com and search for your name. Locate the record that matches your information and note down the Record ID associated with your listing. You will need this for the removal form.
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Go to the opt-out page:
Navigate directly to www.peoplebyname.com/remove.php in your browser. This is the official removal request form provided by PeopleByName.
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Fill out the removal form:
Enter your first name, last name, email address, Record ID, and select a reason for removal from the dropdown menu.
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Complete the CAPTCHA verification:
Check the CAPTCHA box to verify you are a real person, not an automated bot.
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Submit your request:
Click the "Request Removal" button. You should see an on-screen confirmation that your request has been received.
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Wait for confirmation:
PeopleByName will send you an email notification once the removal has been processed.
Processing Time
PeopleByName typically processes removal requests within 24 hours. After that, search your name on the site again to verify your listing has been taken down.
Tips for a Successful Opt-Out
Use a Disposable Email Address
When filling out the removal form, it is strongly recommended that you use a disposable or secondary email address rather than your primary one. Data brokers have been known to add email addresses submitted through their forms to marketing lists or databases, which defeats the purpose of trying to reduce your digital footprint.
Check for Multiple Records
If you have lived in multiple states or have common name variations (maiden name, middle name, nicknames), you may have more than one listing on PeopleByName. Search for each variation and submit separate removal requests for every record you find.
Your Data May Reappear
Data brokers like PeopleByName regularly refresh their databases from public record sources. Even after a successful removal, your information can be re-added to the site weeks or months later. You will need to check back periodically and submit new opt-out requests if your data resurfaces.
Why Manual Opt-Outs Are Not Enough
PeopleByName is just one of over 100 data broker sites that may be exposing your personal information right now. Manually opting out of each one is a time-consuming process, and because these sites constantly re-populate their databases, staying removed requires ongoing vigilance.
This is where services like PrivacyOn can automate this process for you. PrivacyOn monitors 100+ data broker sites, submits removal requests on your behalf, and continuously checks to make sure your data stays removed. Instead of spending hours tracking down your records across dozens of sites, you can let PrivacyOn handle the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters.
Additional Steps to Protect Your Privacy
- Opt out of other data brokers: Sites like BeenVerified, Spokeo, Whitepages, and many others also list your information. Remove yourself from as many as possible.
- Limit public records exposure: Use a P.O. box for mail, register domains with privacy protection, and be cautious about what information you share publicly.
- Set up Google Alerts: Create alerts for your name and phone number so you are notified when new information about you appears online.
- Review your social media privacy settings: Ensure your profiles are not publicly searchable, as data brokers often scrape social media for additional details.
Taking control of your personal data requires a combination of proactive removal and ongoing monitoring. Starting with PeopleByName is a solid first step, but comprehensive privacy protection means addressing all the sites that trade in your information.