How to Opt Out of Intelius: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Intelius and Why Should You Opt Out?

Intelius is a major data broker and people search site that collects detailed personal information from public records and other sources. Founded in 2003, it has grown into one of the largest people search databases, with over 20 billion public records and approximately 4.54 million monthly visitors searching for people's information.

The site creates comprehensive profiles that can include your current and past addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, employment history, education history, possible relatives, criminal records, and even social media profiles. Anyone willing to pay can access this information about you, which raises serious privacy and security concerns.

Having your personal data exposed on Intelius increases your risk of identity theft, unwanted contact, stalking, harassment, and doxxing. This is why opting out and removing your information should be a priority for anyone concerned about their digital privacy.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the opt-out process, there are a few important things to understand:

• Intelius is owned by PeopleConnect - This is a network of data brokers that includes TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate. When you opt out of Intelius, you also remove your data from these affiliated sites.
• The verification link expires in 15 minutes - Make sure you have access to your email and are ready to complete the entire process in one sitting.
• You may have multiple profiles - If you find more than one record matching your information, you'll need to submit a separate opt-out request for each one.
• Processing takes about 72 hours - After completing your request, allow up to 72 hours for your information to be removed, though some sources suggest it can take up to 10 business days for full suppression.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Opt Out of Intelius

Here's exactly how to remove your information from Intelius:

Step 1: Find the Opt-Out Page

Go to Intelius.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Click on the "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link. This will redirect you to the Data Privacy Center page. Note that the opt-out link is often subtly placed and easy to miss.

Step 2: Navigate to the Suppression Center

On the Data Privacy Center page, look for the "View Public Data Tools" section. Click to expand it, then click on "Manage My Suppression Rules." This will take you to the PeopleConnect Suppression Center where the actual opt-out form is located.

Step 3: Submit Your Email Address

Enter your email address in the form and check the box to agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Click "Continue" to proceed. An on-screen message will confirm that a verification email has been sent to your inbox.

Step 4: Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for an email from PeopleConnect. If you don't see it, check your spam folder. Click the "Verify Email" link in the email to confirm your request. Remember, this link expires within 15 minutes, so act quickly.

Step 5: Enter Your Personal Information

After clicking the verification link, you'll be redirected to a new page. Enter your date of birth and check the verification box. Click "Continue." Next, provide your complete legal name (first, middle, and last). If you have multiple names or aliases, click "add another name" and fill out those fields as well.

Step 6: Select Your Record

You'll see a list of potential records matching your information. Select the one that belongs to you and click "Continue." If multiple profiles belong to you, note that you'll need to repeat this entire process for each one.

Step 7: Verify Your Identity

Choose an email address or phone number associated with your record to confirm your identity. Click "Request Verification Code." Enter the code you receive and follow the instructions to continue.

Step 8: Complete the Suppression

Once verified, navigate to the "Desired Behavior" section and select "Suppressed." This will conceal your personal information from the Intelius website. Click "Save" to finalize your opt-out request.

What If You Run Into Problems?

Sometimes the opt-out process doesn't go smoothly. Here's how to handle common issues:

Can't Access the Email or Phone on File

If none of the contact information in your record is current, you'll need to reach out to Intelius customer support to verify your identity another way. Contact their support team at [email protected] or call (888) 245-1655 during business hours (7am-5pm PST, Monday-Friday).

Your Data Reappears After Opting Out

Intelius may re-list your data as new records are added or purchased from updated public data feeds. This is a common issue with data brokers, as they constantly update their databases. Monitor your presence on the site monthly and repeat the removal process as needed.

Request Gets Denied

If you receive a removal denial, escalate by contacting their support team directly at [email protected]. If your data is still listed after 2 weeks, submit another opt-out request.

Special Cases: Federal Judges

If you are a federal judge or an immediate relative of one, there's a special expedited process due to stricter laws around information takedown requests. Email [email protected] with proof of your status and your removal request.

The Bigger Picture: Why One Opt-Out Isn't Enough

While removing yourself from Intelius is an important step, it's just one piece of the privacy puzzle. There are hundreds of similar data broker sites exposing your personal information, and new ones appear regularly. Opting out of one site doesn't prevent others from having your data.

This is why professionals in sales, recruiting, and marketing who value their own privacy also understand the importance of comprehensive background checking tools. When you need to verify information about contacts, potential partners, or leads, having reliable tools at your disposal matters.

If you're in a B2B role and need to run background checks on prospects or verify contact information, consider using Galadon's free Background Checker tool. It provides comprehensive background reports with trust scores, helping you make informed decisions without relying on sites like Intelius that may have outdated or inaccurate information.

Protecting Your Data Beyond Intelius

After opting out of Intelius, here are some additional steps to protect your privacy:

• Opt out of other PeopleConnect sites - Since Intelius is part of the PeopleConnect network, your opt-out should automatically apply to TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate. However, verify this by checking those sites directly.
• Use Google's Remove Outdated Content Tool - Even after your profile is removed, the preview snippet may still appear in search results. Use Google's tool to remove outdated content from search results.
• Search for yourself regularly - Use search engines to find other data broker sites displaying your information. Set a calendar reminder to check monthly.
• Consider automated removal services - If you don't have time to manually opt out of hundreds of sites, paid data removal services can handle the process for you on an ongoing basis.

For B2B Professionals: A Better Approach to Contact Research

If you work in sales, recruiting, or marketing, you understand both sides of this equation. You need access to accurate contact information for your outreach, but you also want to protect your own privacy.

Rather than relying on people search sites that may have inaccurate or outdated data, consider using purpose-built B2B tools. For finding professional contact information, tools like Galadon's Email Finder can help you locate business email addresses from a person's name and company, while our Mobile Number Finder helps you find cell phone numbers from email or LinkedIn profiles.

These tools are designed for legitimate B2B prospecting and provide more accurate, current information than scraping public records databases. Plus, they don't expose personal residential addresses, family member names, or other sensitive data that has no place in professional outreach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to opt out of Intelius?

The actual opt-out process takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. After submission, Intelius typically processes the request within 72 hours, though some users report it taking up to 10 business days for full suppression.

Is opting out of Intelius permanent?

Unfortunately, no. Intelius may re-add your information as they acquire new data from updated public records. You should periodically check the site and repeat the opt-out process if your information reappears.

Will opting out affect my credit or official background checks?

No. Intelius does not operate as an FCRA-compliant credit reporting agency. Opting out only affects what's displayed on their website and affiliated people search sites. Court records and government databases are unaffected.

Does Intelius notify someone when I search for them?

No. Intelius does not notify the person you're searching for. However, this also means you won't be notified when someone looks you up, which is another reason to opt out.

Can I opt out on behalf of someone else?

Yes, but you'll need documentation proving you are a legal representative. Contact Intelius support if you can't locate the listing for the person you're representing.

Take Control of Your Digital Footprint

Opting out of Intelius is a meaningful step toward protecting your privacy, but it requires ongoing vigilance. Data brokers make money by selling your information, so they don't make it easy to disappear. By following the steps in this guide and regularly monitoring your online presence, you can significantly reduce your digital exposure.

For B2B professionals who need reliable contact and background information for legitimate business purposes, skip the people search sites altogether. Use professional-grade tools designed for business use that provide accurate data without the privacy concerns. Try Galadon's free Background Checker to see how professional background verification should work.