Data Broker Opt-Out Guide: Remove Yourself from 500+ Brokers (2026)

Data brokers have detailed profiles on hundreds of millions of people. They know where you live, what you buy, your health conditions, and your political views.

And they're selling this information to advertisers, insurance companies, employers, and anyone willing to pay.

The good news? You have legal rights to request deletion under laws like CCPA and GDPR.

The bad news? There are 500+ active data brokers, and each one has a different opt-out process.

This guide walks you through exactly how to remove yourself from major data brokers, step by step.

What Are Data Brokers?

Data brokers are companies that collect, aggregate, and sell personal information about consumers without directly interacting with them.

You've never signed up for Acxiom. You've never given Epsilon permission to track you. Yet they have detailed profiles on you.

How they get your data:

• Public records (property records, court filings, voter registration)
• Purchase history from retailers
• Website tracking and cookies
• Social media activity
• Mobile app data
• Data breaches and leaked databases
• Partnerships with other companies

What they know about you:

• Name, age, address, phone number
• Income level and financial status
• Shopping habits and brand preferences
• Health conditions and medications
• Political affiliation and voting history
• Education level and occupation
• Family members and social connections
• Interests, hobbies, and online behavior

Who buys this data:

• Advertisers (targeted marketing)
• Insurance companies (risk assessment)
• Employers (background checks)
• Landlords (tenant screening)
• Financial institutions (credit decisions)
• Political campaigns (voter targeting)

The industry is worth over $200 billion annually.

Your Legal Rights

Depending on where you live, you have legal rights to control your data.

California (CCPA/CPRA)

If you're a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act gives you the right to:

• Know what personal information a business has collected about you
• Delete your personal information (with some exceptions)
• Opt-out of the sale of your personal information
• Correct inaccurate personal information
• Limit the use of sensitive personal information

Companies must respond within 45 days.

European Union (GDPR)

If you're in the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation gives you:

• Right to access - See what data companies have
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to rectification - Correct inaccurate data
• Right to data portability - Get your data in a portable format
• Right to object - Stop processing of your data

Companies must respond within 30 days.

Other US States

Similar privacy laws exist in:

• Virginia (VCDPA)
• Colorado (CPA)
• Connecticut (CTDPA)
• Utah (UCPA)
• Montana (MCDPA)
• Oregon (OCPA)
• Texas (TDPSA)

More states are passing privacy laws every year.

No Privacy Law in Your State?

You can still request deletion, but companies aren't legally required to comply. Many will still honor requests to avoid PR issues.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

Information to provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Physical address (current and previous)
• Phone number (optional but helps verification)
• Date of birth (some brokers require this)

Tools you'll need:

• Email account
• Spreadsheet to track requests (or use GhostSweep)
• 2-3 hours over several weeks

Important notes:

• Some brokers require identity verification (driver's license, utility bill)
• Some require notarized letters (annoying but legal)
• Responses can take 30-45 days
• You may need to follow up multiple times
• New brokers pop up constantly (ongoing process)

Major Data Brokers: How to Opt Out

Here are the largest data brokers and exact steps to opt out from each.

1. Acxiom

What they have: Data on 700+ million consumers globally

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Acxiom opt-out portal
2. Enter your information (name, address, email)
3. Verify your email address
4. Submit request

Response time: 30 days
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Notes: One of the easier opt-outs. Purely online.

2. Epsilon

What they have: Processes 400+ billion transactions annually

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Epsilon privacy policy
2. Scroll to "Your Privacy Choices"
3. Click "Submit a Privacy Request"
4. Fill out form with your information
5. Submit

Alternative: Email privacy@epsilon.com with subject "CCPA Deletion Request"

Response time: 45 days
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Notes: Well-organized opt-out process

3. Experian

What they have: Credit data + consumer marketing data

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Experian opt-out page
2. Two separate processes:
   • Marketing opt-out: Online form
   • Credit bureau opt-out: Call 1-888-567-8688
3. Follow instructions for each

Response time: 30 days
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Separate processes for different data types

4. Oracle Data Cloud

What they have: Tracks 5+ billion devices worldwide

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Oracle privacy policy
2. Scroll to "Your Privacy Rights"
3. Click "Submit a Privacy Request"
4. Choose "Delete My Personal Information"
5. Provide name, email, state
6. Submit

Response time: 45 days
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Long privacy policy, but clear opt-out

5. CoreLogic

What they have: Property and financial data

Opt-out process:

1. Go to CoreLogic opt-out page
2. Click "Consumer Privacy Request"
3. Fill out form
4. Provide verification (may require documentation)

Response time: 45 days
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: May require additional verification

6. Equifax

What they have: Credit data + consumer information

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Equifax opt-out page
2. Two options:
   • Online: Fill out form at optoutprescreen.com
   • Phone: Call 1-888-567-8688
3. Provide SSN and personal information

Response time: 30 days
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Requires SSN for verification

7. TransUnion

What they have: Credit data + marketing data

Opt-out process:

1. Go to TransUnion opt-out page
2. Click "Opt out of pre-approved offers"
3. Use optoutprescreen.com
4. Or call 1-888-567-8688

Response time: 30 days
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Same system as Equifax

8. LexisNexis

What they have: Public records + personal information

Opt-out process:

1. Go to LexisNexis opt-out portal
2. Search for your information
3. Select records to suppress
4. Verify identity (may require documentation)
5. Submit request

Response time: 30-45 days
Difficulty: Hard ⭐⭐⭐
Notes: Multiple databases, complex process

9. Intelius

What they have: People search data

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Intelius opt-out page
2. Search for your listing
3. Select the record
4. Enter email for verification
5. Confirm opt-out via email

Response time: 72 hours
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Must find your exact listing first

10. Spokeo

What they have: People search, contact information

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Spokeo
2. Search for yourself
3. Copy the URL of your listing
4. Go to Spokeo opt-out page
5. Paste URL and provide email
6. Verify via email

Response time: 72 hours
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Notes: Fast removal once you find your listing

11. Whitepages

What they have: Contact info, address history

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Whitepages
2. Search for yourself
3. Find your listing, click on it
4. Scroll down and click "Do Not Sell My Info"
5. Fill out opt-out form
6. Verify via phone call (they'll call you)

Response time: 24 hours
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: Phone verification required

12. BeenVerified

What they have: Background check data

Opt-out process:

1. Go to BeenVerified opt-out page
2. Search for yourself
3. Select your record
4. Enter email
5. Check email and confirm

Response time: 24 hours
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Notes: Quick process

13. PeopleFinders

What they have: Public records, contact info

Opt-out process:

1. Go to PeopleFinders opt-out page
2. Search for your record
3. Click "Remove this record"
4. Provide email and reason
5. Verify via email

Response time: 48 hours
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Notes: Straightforward removal

14. Instant Checkmate

What they have: Background checks, public records

Opt-out process:

1. Go to Instant Checkmate opt-out page
2. Search for yourself
3. Select record
4. Provide email
5. Verify

Response time: 72 hours
Difficulty: Medium ⭐⭐
Notes: May reappear, requires re-opting out

15. MyLife

What they have: Reputation scores, background info

Opt-out process:

1. Go to MyLife opt-out page
2. Scroll to opt-out section
3. Email privacy@mylife.com
4. Include: name, address, listing URL, reason

Response time: 7-10 days
Difficulty: Hard ⭐⭐⭐
Notes: Email-only, slow response

People Search Sites (Additional)

These sites are powered by data brokers and require separate opt-outs:

• TruePeopleSearch - truepeoplesearch.com/removal
• FastPeopleSearch - fastpeoplesearch.com/removal
• Radaris - radaris.com/page/how-to-remove
• Pipl - Email privacy@pipl.com
• PeekYou - peekyou.com/about/contact/ccpa_optout/do_not_sell
• Zabasearch - zabasearch.com/block_records
• USSearch - ussearch.com/opt-out
• ThatsThem - thatsthem.com/optout

Email Template: CCPA Deletion Request

Use this template for California-based requests:

Subject: CCPA Data Deletion Request

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to request deletion of my personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Civil Code Section 1798.105.

Please delete all personal information you have collected about me, including but not limited to:

- Name and contact information
- Demographic information
- Internet activity and browsing history
- Geolocation data
- Any inferences drawn from the above

My information:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Email: [Your Email]
Address: [Your Address]
Phone: [Your Phone - Optional]

I am a California resident and request that you:

1. Confirm receipt of this request within 10 business days
1. Complete deletion within 45 days as required by CCPA
1. Provide confirmation once deletion is complete
1. Direct any service providers with whom you’ve shared my data to delete it as well

If you need additional information to verify my identity, please let me know.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Email Template: GDPR Deletion Request

For EU residents:

Subject: GDPR Right to Erasure Request

To Whom It May Concern,

Under Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), I am requesting erasure of my personal data.

Please delete all personal data you hold about me, including:

- Personal identifiers (name, email, phone, address)
- Online identifiers (IP address, cookies, device IDs)
- Location data
- Behavioral data
- Any derived or inferred data

My information:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Email: [Your Email]
Country: [Your EU Country]

As required by GDPR, please:

1. Confirm receipt within 1 month
1. Complete erasure of my data
1. Inform any third parties with whom you’ve shared my data to erase it
1. Provide confirmation once erasure is complete

If you require identity verification, please advise.

Regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Tracking Your Opt-Out Requests

Create a spreadsheet with these columns:

Track these details:

• Date you submitted the request
• Method used (online form, email, phone)
• Expected response date (30-45 days later)
• Current status (pending, complete, denied, follow-up needed)
• Any notes or complications

Or use GhostSweep to automatically track all your opt-out requests in one dashboard.

What to Expect After Submitting

Confirmation Email

Most brokers send a confirmation within 24-48 hours acknowledging your request.

If you don't receive confirmation within 5 business days, follow up.

Verification Requests

Some brokers require additional verification:

• Copy of driver's license
• Utility bill showing address
• Notarized letter (rare but happens)
• Phone call verification

This is legal and meant to prevent someone else from deleting your data.

Partial Denials

Some brokers may deny deletion of certain data if:

• They're required to keep it by law (tax records, legal obligations)
• It's needed to complete a transaction you initiated
• It's for internal use only (not sold)

They must explain why they're denying the request.

Timeline

• Days 1-7: Confirmation emails arrive
• Days 7-30: Verification requests (if needed)
• Days 30-45: Deletion confirmations
• Days 45-60: Follow-ups for non-responders

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Broker doesn't respond

Solution:

1. Wait full 45 days (they have that long legally)
2. Send follow-up email referencing original request
3. If still no response, file complaint:
   • California: oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business
   • EU: Your country's Data Protection Authority

Problem: Broker says they don't have your data

Solution:

• They may be telling the truth
• Or they're using different variations of your name/info
• Try searching with:
  • Maiden name
  • Middle name variations
  • Previous addresses
  • Different email addresses

Problem: You're asked to pay to see your data

Solution:

• This is illegal under CCPA and GDPR
• File a complaint with your state attorney general
• Refuse to pay and cite the law

Problem: Data reappears after deletion

Solution:

• This happens because they re-scrape public records
• You need to opt-out again (annoying but necessary)
• Some services offer "continuous monitoring" to catch this

Problem: Broker requires notarized letter

Solution:

• This is legal (for verification)
• Get document notarized at:
  • Your bank (often free for customers)
  • UPS Store ($2-10)
  • Online notary services (Notarize.com)
• Mail certified with tracking

Ongoing Maintenance

Data broker removal isn't one-and-done.

New brokers appear constantly. Existing brokers re-add your data from public records.

Recommended schedule:

• Every 3 months: Check major people search sites
• Every 6 months: Re-submit opt-outs to top 20 brokers
• Annually: Full audit of 50+ brokers

Or use automated tools:

• Services like GhostSweep track when brokers re-add your data
• You'll get notified when action is needed
• Generate new opt-out requests with one click

State-Specific Resources

California Residents:

• California Privacy Rights Act
• File complaints: oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa

Virginia Residents:

• Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act
• Attorney General: oag.state.va.us

Colorado Residents:

• Colorado Privacy Act
• File complaints with Attorney General

EU Residents:

• European Data Protection Board
• Find your country's DPA: edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en

Tools to Automate This Process

Manually opting out of 500+ brokers takes 20-40 hours over several months.

Automation options:

Paid Services:

• DeleteMe - $129/year, fully automated
• Incogni - $161.88/year, automated removal
• PrivacyBee - Automated opt-outs

DIY with Tools:

• GhostSweep - $9.99/month
  • Shows which brokers have your data
  • Generates opt-out emails
  • Tracks your progress
  • You send the emails (stay in control)

Completely Free:

• Use this guide
• Create your own tracking spreadsheet
• Send emails manually
• Time investment: 20-40 hours

Trade-off: Time vs. money vs. control

The Bigger Picture

Opting out of data brokers is important, but it's just one piece of protecting your privacy.

Also consider:

1. Delete Forgotten Accounts

Every old account you've created is a data source for brokers.

• That 2011 forum account
• Free trials you never canceled
• Shopping sites you used once

Average person has 67 forgotten accounts.

Solution: Scan your email to find them all. GhostSweep does this automatically.

2. Use Privacy Tools

• Browser: Firefox + uBlock Origin + Privacy Badger
• Search: DuckDuckGo or Brave Search
• Email: Separate email for signups (hide your real one)
• VPN: Masks your IP address and location

3. Be Mindful Going Forward

• Don't use loyalty cards (they track purchases)
• Use private browsing for sensitive searches
• Decline cookie tracking when possible
• Read privacy policies before signing up
• Use fake information when not legally required

4. Check Data Breaches

• HaveIBeenPwned.com - See if your email was in breaches
• Change passwords for breached accounts
• Enable two-factor authentication

FAQ

How long does the full opt-out process take?

Time breakdown:

• Research which brokers to target: 2 hours
• Submit initial opt-out requests: 5-10 hours
• Handle verification requests: 2-5 hours
• Follow up with non-responders: 2-3 hours

Total: 15-25 hours over 2-3 months

Do I need to opt out of all 500+ brokers?

No. Focus on:

1. Top 20 major brokers (like those listed above)
2. People search sites (anyone can look you up for $20)
3. Industry-specific brokers relevant to you

This covers 80% of your exposure with 20% of the effort.

Will my data ever be completely gone?

Honestly? Probably not 100%.

But you can reduce your exposure by 80-90%, which significantly:

• Reduces identity theft risk
• Limits targeted advertising
• Protects against price discrimination
• Makes it harder for stalkers/harassers to find you

Can I pay someone to do this for me?

Yes. Services like DeleteMe and Incogni charge $77-129/year to handle everything.

Pros: Zero effort after setup
Cons: Ongoing cost, less control, must trust them with your data

Is this legal?

Yes. CCPA, GDPR, and similar laws give you the right to request deletion.

Data brokers are legally required to comply (with some exceptions).

What if I live outside California or the EU?

You can still request deletion, but companies aren't legally required to comply.

Many will honor requests anyway to:

• Avoid bad PR
• Simplify their processes
• Prepare for future laws in your state

Will opting out affect my credit score?

No. Credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) maintain separate credit reporting data.

Opting out of marketing doesn't affect credit reporting.

How do I know if my request worked?

1. Search for yourself on people search sites
2. Google your name + city
3. Check if your listings are gone
4. May take 30-90 days to fully disappear from search engines

Next Steps

Start today with these three actions:

1. Opt out of the Big 5

Focus on these first (easiest, biggest impact):

• Acxiom
• Epsilon
• Spokeo
• Whitepages
• BeenVerified

Time: 30-45 minutes

2. Set up tracking

Create a spreadsheet or use GhostSweep to track:

• Which brokers you've contacted
• When you submitted requests
• When responses are due
• Current status

Time: 15 minutes

3. Schedule monthly check-ins

Add to calendar:

• First Monday of each month
• Spend 30 minutes on 3-5 more brokers
• Follow up on pending requests

Time: 30 minutes/month ongoing

Conclusion

Data brokers operate in the shadows, collecting and selling your information without your knowledge.

But you have legal rights. And this guide gives you the exact steps to exercise them.

Yes, it's tedious.
Yes, it takes time.
Yes, you'll have to do it again in 6 months.

But it's worth it.

Every broker you opt out of is one less company selling your information. One less database with your address. One less profile making decisions about you.

Your data has value. Stop giving it away for free.

Want to see which brokers have your data? GhostSweep scans your email to find forgotten accounts, then shows you which data brokers are connected to those accounts—all visualized in your Digital Shadow Map. Start with a free scan. Takes 2 minutes.