SmartBackgroundChecks is a people search and background check website that compiles personal information from public records, court filings, property records, and other data sources. If you have searched for yourself on SmartBackgroundChecks.com and found a detailed profile containing your address, phone number, relatives, and more, you are not alone. Fortunately, the site provides a free opt-out process that allows you to request removal of your information.
What Information Does SmartBackgroundChecks Collect?
SmartBackgroundChecks aggregates a wide range of personal data to build consumer profiles. A typical listing may include:
- Full name and known aliases
- Current and previous home addresses
- Phone numbers including landline and mobile
- Email addresses
- Age and date of birth
- Relatives and associates
- Property ownership records
- Court and criminal records
- Bankruptcy filings
- Possible neighbors
This information is gathered from publicly available sources including county records, state databases, and commercial data providers. While each piece of data may be individually public, the combination of all this information in one searchable profile creates serious privacy concerns.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Follow these steps carefully to remove your personal information from SmartBackgroundChecks:
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Go to the opt-out page:
Navigate directly to www.smartbackgroundchecks.com/optout. You can also find this link by scrolling to the footer of the SmartBackgroundChecks homepage and clicking "Do Not Sell My Info."
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Enter your email address:
Provide a valid email address where you can receive the verification link. Consider using a disposable or secondary email address to minimize further exposure of your primary email.
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Agree to terms and complete the CAPTCHA:
Check the agreement box and complete the CAPTCHA verification to prove you are not a bot.
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Search for your record:
Enter your first name, last name, city, and state to search for your profile in their database.
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Select your listing:
Browse the results and identify the record that matches your information. Click on it to view the details and confirm it is your profile.
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Request removal:
Click the "Request My Record To Be Removed" banner or button associated with your listing.
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Verify via email:
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from SmartBackgroundChecks. Click the validation link in the email to finalize your removal request. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
Removal Timeline
SmartBackgroundChecks states that opt-out requests are typically processed within 72 hours, though in some cases it may take up to 9 days for your information to be fully removed from search results.
Tips for a Successful Opt-Out
- Search for variations of your name: You may have multiple listings under different name spellings, maiden names, or nicknames. Search for each variation and submit separate removal requests.
- Check different locations: If you have lived in multiple cities or states, search for your name paired with each location to find all listings.
- Use a disposable email: To avoid giving SmartBackgroundChecks another piece of personal data, consider using a temporary email service for the verification step.
- Take screenshots: Document your removal request with screenshots in case you need to follow up or escalate.
Your Information May Reappear
Data brokers like SmartBackgroundChecks regularly refresh their databases with new data from public records and commercial sources. Even after a successful opt-out, your information may be re-added in future data updates. You should check back periodically and submit new removal requests if your listing reappears.
What If the Opt-Out Does Not Work?
If your information is not removed within the stated timeframe, or if your listing reappears, you have additional options:
- Resubmit the opt-out request: Sometimes resubmitting the request resolves processing issues.
- Contact SmartBackgroundChecks directly: Look for a contact or support page on their website to escalate your request.
- File a complaint: If a site refuses to honor your opt-out, you can file a complaint with your state attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission.
- Exercise your rights under state privacy laws: Residents of California, Virginia, Colorado, and other states with comprehensive privacy laws have additional rights to request deletion of personal data.
Protecting Your Privacy Long-Term
Removing your data from SmartBackgroundChecks is a good start, but it is just one of hundreds of data broker and people search sites that may have your information. Other sites with similar data include Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, and TruePeopleSearch, among many others. Each requires its own separate opt-out process.
For ongoing protection without the hassle of manually monitoring and removing your data from each site individually, PrivacyOn offers automated data removal that continuously scans for and removes your personal information across a wide network of data broker sites, keeping your private data out of public search results.