Intelius Opt Out Guide
Finding your personal information on Intelius — from addresses to relatives — can feel unsettling and intrusive. Fortunately, you can remove your data by following a few simple, step-by-step instructions, which we’ll cover below. If you’d rather save time, Vanish Me can handle Intelius (and dozens of other brokers) automatically on your behalf.
What is Intelius?
Intelius is a people search and background check service founded in 2003 and based in Bellevue, Washington. The platform aggregates personal information from public records, government databases, property records, and online sources to create detailed profiles on individuals.
With Intelius, users can run searches by name, phone number, or address and receive reports that may include contact details, relatives, property ownership, criminal records, and more. The site also promotes specialized tools such as reverse phone lookups and background checks that are marketed for reconnecting with people or verifying personal information.
While widely used, Intelius has been criticized for making private data easily accessible and for subscription models that can be confusing to cancel. It’s important to note that Intelius is not a Consumer Reporting Agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which means its reports cannot legally be used for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions. For many individuals, seeing personal data listed on Intelius raises serious privacy concerns and prompts them to opt out in order to protect their information.
How to Remove Your Information from Intelius (Step by Step)
Step 1: Go to Intelius’s Opt Out Page. Intelius is a company owned by PeopleConnect, which is why you’ll see PeopleConnect referenced on the page. Enter your email address, then select “Continue”.
Step 2: Check your inbox for a verification link. You should click the “Verify Email” button and be redirected to a new page.
Step 3: On this new page, you’ll be asked to input your date of birth. Type it out, check the box below, and select “Continue”
Step 4: Next, you’ll need to provide your full legal name. Type it out and select “Continue” again.
Step 5: You’ll be shown some possible records. Choose the one that most matches your personal information.
Step 6: Next, you’ll be asked to verify your identity. They should provide a few options (email, phone, etc). Choose one to receive a verification code.
Step 7: Once you have been properly verified, a green box will pop up as confirmation. Click “Continue”
Step 8: Next, you’ll set the visibility settings of your profile. Toggle to “Suppressed” to remove your data. Then, click “Save”.
How Long Does Intelius Take to Remove Your Info?
After you submit an opt-out request, Intelius typically processes removals within 72 hours. In many cases, your profile will disappear sooner, but it may take up to a week for all records to clear from their system. Because Intelius updates its database regularly from public sources, your information can resurface over time. If it does, you’ll need to repeat the process to stay removed. For long-term protection and peace of mind, Vanish Me can handle Intelius removals automatically and re-submit requests whenever your data reappears.
