Picture this: you Google your own name and, boom, you’re staring at your home address, past phone numbers, relatives’ names, even old email accounts—right on the first page. Sites like Smart Background Checks pull together public records, social data, property info, and more, creating a one-stop “stalker’s paradise” for anyone who wants to dig up details about you.
They’re what’s known as a people search site (PSS)—and they’re everywhere. The whole business model? Collect, compile, and sell or display as much data about you as possible. You didn’t give them permission. They don’t need it. But if you care at all about privacy, digital safety, or even just avoiding annoying spam calls, you should know exactly what these companies are up to.
Why Your Info on Smart Background Checks Is a Real Risk
Let’s not sugarcoat it. When your personal details are publicly listed on a site like Smart Background Checks, here’s what can happen:
- Identity Theft: Fraudsters can piece together enough info to try to access your accounts, steal your identity, or even commit financial fraud.
- Harassment or Doxxing: Trolls, disgruntled exes, or just bored weirdos can use these sites to find where you live, where you work, and more.
- Annoying Sales Calls and Junk Mail: Marketers buy or scrape these records, leading to endless spam calls, emails, and scam attempts.
- Impact on Jobs or Loans: Landlords, employers, and banks sometimes use these search sites to screen applicants, often without your knowledge. Outdated or incorrect info can hurt your chances.
Staying passive is just not an option.
How to Opt Out of Smart Background Checks (Step by Step)
Ready to get your data removed? Here’s what works as of 2025:
1. Go Directly to SmartBackgroundChecks.com
- Navigate to the opt out page: Most people search sites bury the link, but you can usually find it at the bottom of their homepage or in the privacy policy.
- Search for your profile: Enter your name, city, and state to pull up all entries related to you. There may be multiple—check them all.
- Request removal: Click “opt out” or “remove record” next to your info. You’ll usually need to provide an email address to confirm. Some sites require you to verify your identity by clicking a confirmation link.
- Monitor your request: Removal should take a few days to a week, but always check back. It’s common for records to reappear after a while.
2. Use an Automated Removal Service Like Incogni
Manually opting out is tedious and time-consuming—especially since your data is scattered across dozens of similar sites. This is where automated tools like Incogni shine:
- Why Incogni? They send removal requests not just to Smart Background Checks, but to a whole network of data brokers at once.
- Family & Friends plan: You can protect your data and up to 4 loved ones for one price. Useful if you’re worried about kids, parents, or partners getting swept up in these databases.
- Discounted plans: Right now, you can get a 1-year subscription at a 50% discount (individual: $7.49/month, family: $16.49/month).
- More coverage: Incogni tracks up to 3 phone numbers, 3 emails, and 3 addresses per user (US customers only), maximizing your protection.
- Automated monitoring: Their dashboard lets you see which brokers have been contacted, which removals are pending, and which are done.
Personal tip: I’ve found that using a service like Incogni saves a massive amount of time (and nerves). Data brokers are sneaky—they often re-list your info months later. Automated tools keep chasing them, so you don’t have to.
3. Keep Your Digital Footprint Small
Even after you opt out, be smart about where you leave your info:
- Never fill out random online forms with real details unless you trust the site.
- Use a privacy-focused email (or a burner email) when signing up for anything non-essential.
- Be careful on social media—oversharing can fuel these databases.
- Regularly Google yourself to spot new listings before they become a problem.
4. Monitor Your Financial and Online Security
- Review your credit report a few times a year for any odd activity.
- Set up banking alerts for any suspicious charges.
- Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi to prevent snooping and data leaks.
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What Happens After You Opt Out?
This is where most people relax, but don’t. Here’s the reality:
- Brokers often re-collect your data after a few months. Even if you opt out, your info can sneak back online from new sources.
- Automated tools re-submit requests—which is why something like Incogni is worth the investment if you’re serious about privacy.
- Opt out isn’t instant everywhere. Some brokers take weeks (or longer), so patience is key.
And don’t be surprised if new people search sites pop up—data brokers are constantly morphing and launching under new names.
Why Privacy Matters More Than Ever
It’s not paranoia if they’re actually after your data. Every year, it gets easier for anyone to look up just about anyone else—and for that information to be misused in ways you never expected.
If you don’t want your address, family ties, phone numbers, or old jobs available to the world (or sold to advertisers, hackers, or anyone with a credit card), you need to stay one step ahead.
The Bottom Line: Stay Proactive, Not Paranoid
Getting your info off Smart Background Checks (and their many cousins) is about protecting your future, not just your inbox. Think of it as basic digital hygiene, like locking your front door.
Take five minutes right now to check what’s out there about you. Follow the steps above. And if you want to save time and avoid the endless game of whack-a-mole with your personal data, consider using a service that does the heavy lifting for you.
Special Offer: Incogni 50% Off—Keep Your Data Off the Market
People search sites don’t just target you—they often scoop up your relatives’ info too. That’s why Incogni’s Family & Friends plan covers up to 4 people. Whether you’re protecting your parents, your kids, or just want total peace of mind, now’s a great time to get serious about your privacy.
You can sign up for the 55% off deal here:
Final Thoughts
Taking control of your data on Smart Background Checks is one of the smartest privacy moves you can make in 2025. The process takes a bit of effort, but the payoff—less spam, less risk, and more peace of mind—is 100% worth it.
If you’re serious about staying off the digital grid, don’t stop here. Make a habit of checking and managing your online footprint every few months. The more you do it, the harder it gets for your info to be bought, sold, or used against you.
Stay smart. Stay private. And don’t let data brokers win.
Quick Recap: Smart Background Checks Opt Out FAQ
How long does it take to remove my data?
Usually a few days, but sometimes a couple of weeks. Always follow up.
Will my info come back?
Unfortunately, yes—it’s common. That’s why automation matters.
Is opting out safe?
Yes, but never provide more info than necessary.
Do I have to do this for every site?
If you want full privacy, yes—or use an automated removal service.
