My full name, home address, phone number, email, age, and even my relatives' names — all publicly listed on websites I'd never heard of. Sites like Spokeo, WhitePages, BeenVerified, and FastPeopleSearch had built detailed profiles about me without my knowledge or consent.
I counted 87 different websites selling my personal information.
## How did this happen?
These sites are called "data brokers." They scrape public records, social media, and purchase data from apps and companies. Then they compile it into searchable profiles and sell access to anyone willing to pay — marketers, scammers, debt collectors, stalkers, or just curious strangers.
This is why you get spam calls. This is why scammers know your name. This is how people get doxxed.
## The manual removal nightmare
I tried removing myself manually. Each site has a different opt-out process: - Some require email verification - Some require photo ID uploads - Some require faxing (yes, faxing) - Some make you wait 72 hours then resubmit - Some "process" your request and never actually remove you
After spending 6 hours removing myself from just 12 sites, I did the math. At 30 minutes per site, removing myself from all 87 would take over 40 hours.
And here's the worst part — they re-add you after a few months.
## The real cost of exposed data
This isn't just an inconvenience. Exposed personal data leads to:
- **Spam calls** — Telemarketers buy your number from data brokers - **Identity theft** — Criminals use your info to open accounts in your name - **Stalking** — Abusers use people-search sites to find victims - **Targeted scams** — Scammers use your details to make calls more convincing - **Employment issues** — Background checks pull from these sites
## What actually works
After researching solutions, I found three options:
1. **Manual removal** — Free, but takes 50–100 hours and requires constant monitoring 2. **Paid services** — Companies like DeleteMe ($129/year) or Incogni ($77/year) automate the process 3. **Build your own tool** — What I ended up doing
I built GhostMyData because I was frustrated with the options. It scans 400+ data broker sites, submits opt-out requests automatically, verifies each removal with screenshots, and monitors weekly for new listings.
## 5 things you can do right now
Even if you don't use a removal service, here's how to protect yourself:
1. **Google yourself** — See what's out there (use incognito mode) 2. **Start with the big ones** — Opt out from Spokeo, WhitePages, and BeenVerified first 3. **Freeze your credit** — Free with all 3 bureaus, prevents identity theft 4. **Use unique passwords** — Get a password manager 5. **Set a calendar reminder** — Re-check these sites every 3 months
## The bottom line
Your personal data is a commodity being bought and sold without your permission. The data broker industry generates $250 billion annually by trading information about people like you.
You can fight back, but it takes effort. Whether you do it manually, use a service, or build your own solution — the important thing is to start.
Your privacy is worth protecting.
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*If you want to see what data brokers know about you, I built a free scan at ghostmydata.com. It checks 400+ sites and shows you exactly where your data is exposed.*