SearchBug is a people search engine and data broker that aggregates public records, phone numbers, addresses, and other personal details into searchable profiles. If your information appears on SearchBug, anyone can look you up and access sensitive data about you. Fortunately, SearchBug provides a few different methods for opting out and removing your listing.
What Information Does SearchBug Collect?
SearchBug compiles data from a wide variety of public and commercial sources. A typical SearchBug profile may include:
- Full name and known aliases
- Current and past home addresses
- Phone numbers (landline and mobile)
- Email addresses
- Age and date of birth
- Names of relatives and associates
- Property ownership records
- Business affiliations
This level of detail can be used for unwanted contact, stalking, identity theft, or social engineering attacks. Removing your profile is an important step toward protecting your privacy.
How to Opt Out of SearchBug (Step-by-Step)
There are two primary methods you can use to remove your data from SearchBug. We recommend trying Method 1 first, as it targets your specific listing directly.
Method 1: Remove Your Listing Directly
- Search for your profile: Go to searchbug.com and use the people search tool to look up your name. You may need to narrow results by state or city.
- Locate your listing: Browse the search results and find the record that matches your personal information.
- Click the Remove option: Click the "Remove" link located at the far right, near the top of your listing page.
- Complete the verification: Check the confirmation box, enter the security verification code displayed on the page, and click "Remove."
- Wait for processing: Your listing should be removed within 72 hours.
Method 2: Submit a Formal Opt-Out Request
- Find the opt-out link: Navigate to searchbug.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Click the "Do Not Sell My Info" link in the footer.
- Open the request form: On the new page, scroll down and click the "Submit Request" button.
- Fill out the contact form: Enter your first name, last name, and email address. From the Reason dropdown, select "Opt-Out Request." In the Subject field, type something like "Removal Request" or "Opt Out."
- Add details: In the Description field, include any relevant information such as the URL of your listing or the specific data you want removed.
- Submit: Enter the security code shown on the form, then click "Submit."
Processing Time
Direct listing removals typically take up to 72 hours. Formal opt-out requests submitted through the "Do Not Sell My Info" form may take longer. California residents who submit a CCPA request may need to wait up to 45 days for full processing.
Tips for a Successful SearchBug Opt-Out
- Use a disposable email address: Data brokers have been known to add contact information from opt-out requests into their marketing databases. Use a temporary or secondary email address rather than your primary one.
- Check for multiple listings: If you have lived in multiple states or have common name variations, you may have several profiles on SearchBug. Search for each variation and remove them individually.
- Document your request: Take screenshots of each step in the removal process. This documentation can be helpful if you need to follow up or escalate your request.
- Verify removal: After 72 hours, search for your name again on SearchBug to confirm that your listing has been successfully removed.
Your Data May Reappear
SearchBug continuously collects data from public records and other sources. Even after a successful opt-out, your information can be re-added to their database when new public records are indexed. You will need to monitor the site regularly and repeat the opt-out process if your profile resurfaces.
California Residents: Additional Rights Under CCPA
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). You can submit a formal "Do Not Sell" request through SearchBug's CCPA page at searchbug.com/ccpa.aspx. Under CCPA, SearchBug is legally required to process your request within 45 days.
SearchBug Is Just One of Many Data Brokers
Removing your information from SearchBug is a valuable first step, but it only addresses one of the hundreds of data broker sites that may hold your personal information. Other major people search sites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, WhitePages, and Intelius likely have your data as well, and each requires its own separate opt-out process.
Manually opting out of every data broker is time-consuming and requires ongoing vigilance since your data can reappear at any time. Services like PrivacyOn can automate this entire process by continuously scanning over 100 data broker sites, submitting removal requests on your behalf, and monitoring for re-listings so your personal information stays private without requiring constant effort on your part.