You’d be surprised how easily a single photo can mess up your entire Google search. For a lot of people, that photo is a mugshot—one awkward snap that keeps haunting job interviews, first dates, and even housing applications. And let’s be honest, it’s usually not even a flattering picture.
If you’ve found yourself (or someone you care about) on one of those mugshot sites, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s look at how this mess happens and, more importantly, how you can actually fix it.
Why Are Mugshots Online, and Who Profits?
The business of mugshot websites is as simple as it is frustrating: they scrape police records, upload your photo (sometimes before you’re even home from the police station), and then sit back while the search engines do the rest.
You could be innocent, your charges could be dropped, or the record expunged—but these sites don’t care. They make money in two ways:
- Ad Revenue: Traffic = clicks = money.
- Removal Fees: Some will ask for payment to take down your mugshot. Yes, really.
Is it fair? Personally, I think it’s a shady business, especially when people have already paid their dues (or shouldn’t have been there in the first place). The damage is real: mugshots can cost you jobs, housing, relationships—even if the legal system says you’re in the clear.
Real Stories: When a Mugshot Becomes a Nightmare
The internet never forgets, and mugshots have a way of following you for years. Maybe you’ve turned your life around, or maybe you never even broke the law (mix-ups happen more than you’d think).
Still, that photo can show up on Google, making it harder to move on. Employers might quietly toss out your resume, landlords may stop responding, and new friends might judge you before they even meet you. All because of a single, outdated photo that doesn’t tell the whole story.
How Do I Find My Mugshot Online?
Before you can get anything removed, you need to know where it’s posted. Here’s how to hunt it down:
1. Google Yourself
Start with your full name in quotation marks. Try adding “mugshot,” “arrest,” or your city/state.
Example: "Jane Smith" mugshot Atlanta
2. Check the Most Popular Mugshot Websites
There are entire businesses built just to make these images as visible as possible. The most common sites include:
- Mugshots.com
- Mugshots.org
- Arrests.org
- JailBase.com
- BocaPost.com
Pro tip: These sites often change names, so if you don’t see your photo on the first try, try again in a few weeks.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Mugshots from the Internet
Ready for the clean-up? It’s possible! It just takes some patience, a little organization, and sometimes, help from the pros.
1. Request Removal Directly from Mugshot Websites
Most big mugshot sites have a “contact us” or “removal request” page. Each has its own process, but in general, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Provide your name and the exact page where your mugshot appears.
- Show proof that your charges were dropped, expunged, or dismissed (if you have it).
- Politely but firmly request removal.
- Caution: Never pay random sites for removal—many are scams, and it can even lead to your photo being reposted elsewhere.
2. Remove Mugshots from People Search Sites
Sometimes, mugshots pop up on people-finder platforms (like Spokeo, Whitepages, MyLife, etc.). Each site has its own opt-out process, but it’s worth the time to go through them one by one.
3. Remove Mugshots from Police or Government Websites
If your mugshot is posted by a police department or local sheriff, removal is sometimes possible—especially if your record was cleared. Contact the department directly and explain your situation. Some will help, especially in cases of mistaken identity or expungement.
4. Suppress Mugshots in Search Results
If you manage to get the original photo removed, but it’s still visible in Google results, you can ask Google to remove the outdated search snippet. Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool.
5. Consider a Mugshot Removal Service
If all this feels overwhelming, there are reputable services that specialize in cleaning up mugshots. For example, removemymugshot.org is one of the better-known options. They know the industry inside-out and can handle the hassle for you—just be sure you’re working with a legitimate company, not one of the many copycats.
Managing Your Online Reputation for the Long Run
Getting a mugshot removed is a huge relief—but it’s only one part of protecting your digital reputation. Here’s how to keep control over what shows up about you online:
1. Lock Down Social Media
Set your profiles to private, review old posts, and be mindful of what you share. You never know who’s Googling you.
2. Monitor Your Online Presence
Get in the habit of searching for yourself every few months. If you spot anything negative or outdated, address it before it causes problems.
3. Use Tools Like Incogni for Data Removal
One of the best ways to stay ahead is by using data privacy tools. For example, Incogni offers a straightforward solution for keeping your info out of the hands of data brokers (those companies that love to sell your personal info to marketers, recruiters, and anyone willing to pay).
How Incogni Can Help (Bonus Tip)
With an Incogni subscription, you can keep your data off the market for good. Here’s how it works:
- Add up to 3 phone numbers, 3 emails, and 3 addresses (perfect for anyone who’s moved or changed numbers a lot).
- Incogni scans for data brokers likely to have your info—think Social Security numbers, home addresses, emails, phone numbers.
- They send out removal requests on your behalf, not just once, but regularly (since data brokers love to re-collect info).
- You can track the progress right on your Incogni dashboard.
- Current offer: 50% off a 1-year subscription for both Individual ($7.49/month) and Family & Friends ($16.49/month) plans.
It’s peace of mind, especially if you’re serious about a fresh online start.
Final Thoughts: Your Reputation, Your Rules
If you’ve ever felt powerless seeing your mugshot on Google, trust me, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck with it forever. Whether you take the DIY route or call in the experts, you’ve got options.
Keep pushing for removal, watch your digital footprint, and don’t be afraid to take control of your story.
