USPhonebook Opt-Out
Table of Contents
What is USPhonebook?
USPhonebook is a reverse information search engine; interested parties enter a phone number into the reverse lookup tool and garner access to public knowledge associated with it. USPhonebook searches can be done using consumer details like a name or address; however, the element that separates USPhonebook from other report engines is their focus on phone numbers. A phone number can lead searchers to addresses, emails, other numbers, and apparent associates. Their unique phone number database houses information from cell phones, landlines, businesses, and residential properties, going back 40 years.
The consumer reports displayed after a USPhonebook search are free to view. Like other people search websites, USPhonebook reports are aggregated; these user "profiles" are a composite result of overlapping public information. Sometimes this leads to the exposure of personal information, other times, it can lead to inaccurate assumptions. Consumers, therefore, have a choice regarding their data privacy; correct the inaccurate information or request to remove information from USPhonebook, also called "opting out".
How Can I Remove My Name from USPhonebook?
There are no personal requirements for opting out of USPhonebook, but there are nuances. Opting out, consumers will need access to an email for verification purposes. We suggest an alternative email for opt outs because it protects the consumer from spam and marketing. Additionally, depending on the opt out method, the user may need a corresponding profile URL to complete the process. These profile URLs can be found via the USPhonebook website, the process of which is outlined in detail below.
Before starting the opt out processes listed below, consumers must know to:
- Clear the browser cache after the opt out request is filled; USPhonebook hosts reports using your browser's data cache. After submitting an opt out request, the cache can retain the suppressed data. It must be clear to see the results, the process for this (Chrome) is below. Most browsers should have similar steps for clearing their cache.
- Delete old or bookmarked links before verifying the request;referencing old links will take the user to an older profile before the opt out status has been filled. Not only this, these older links may regenerate the profile, dissolving the opt out flag and making the record publicly available again. Reminders for both steps come at the end of the guide below.
What are My Options for Opting-Out?
USPhonebook offers two ways to opt out of appearing as part of their internal search results. An opt out is a virtual flag that suppresses information from showing, though it does not delete the details. In the case of USPhonebook, consumers can request this suppression via an online form or through "emailing" their support team. "Emailing" USPhonebook only uses their Contact Us page and requires an applicable URL.
Profile URLs are unique, referenceable website addresses hosted by a specific site. People search websites like USPhonebook attach these web pages to each consumer within their databases. The relative URL is collected during the form process while the "email" option collects it prior. The guide below offers everything you'll need to remove personal details from USPhonebook, free and fast.
USPhonebook Opt-Out: A Complete Guide
Opt-Out Using the USPhonebook Online Form
Most consumers will find the best removal solution using the tool hosted by USPhonebook. This online form has multiple steps outlined below; to start, open the USPhonebook Opt Out form in a new tab.
Step One
Once opened, read the provided "instructions for record removal". This passage outlines the upcoming procedure, the nuances of which are significant. Scroll to the latter half of the page and check the two available boxes. Enter an accessible (preferably alternative) email into the provided space; solve the CAPTCHA puzzle; then click the newly illuminated, boiled tomato-colored button at the bottom of the page.
Step Two
The next page displays a search bar with different elements. Users must enter their name, phone number, or address into the search bar before clicking the magnifying glass to the right. For this guide, we searched by name and location.
Step Three
From the search results, locate the record most closely associated with your personal information. When found, click the boiled tomato "View Full Address & Phone" button.
Step Four
The following page is the profile page. There should be another button towards the top of the first result section that reads, "Remove Record". In normal searches, this button does not appear. Click it once found.
The page will refresh immediately, showing a directive for the user to refer to a "sent" email. They warn it may take some time before the email appears, but it was instantaneous for us. The customer representatives have up to a month before they are obligated to reply to any requests, and only Californians are currently entitled to some form of response.
Step Five
The verification email comes from support@usphonebook.com; it hosts a dull blue button that must be clicked to complete the opt out request from the user's side.
At last, a confirmation page loads; there's nothing left for the user to do. From here, the request gets a confirmation or rejection status from a support agent. If acceptable, its impacts occur within 72 hours.
Request an Opt-Out using the Contact Us Page
Consumers who want to make a written request for their opt out must do so through "emailing" support. The only way to accomplish this is by using their Contact Us page. Collecting the necessary profile URL before accessing the contact form is recommended. It's more straightforward navigation, and requests are rejected without it. To obtain the profile URL, open the USPhonebook main landing page.
Step One
The main page boasts a search bar. Enter your details, name, phone, or address, then click the magnifying glass to the right. For this guide, we used a name and location.
Step Two
Locate the record most closely associated with your actual details. Right-click the report's "View Full Address & Phone" button when found. Then, select the "copy" option from the cursor menu. After the profile URL copies to the cursor clipboard, we can refer to the USPhonebook Contact Us page.
Step Three
Select the drop-down menu once the page loads. From the possible selections, select the fourth down. It reads, "How do I remove my information from your site?"
Step Four
The form changes instantly and presents spaces for contact details. Enter your full name and email address into their respective places. Right-click the URL space and "paste" it into the provided bar. Lastly, enter a quick message requesting an opt out. We wrote, "Please remove my information from USPhonebook's public searches. I want to opt out!" Solve the CAPTCHA, then "Submit" the form by clicking the button.
After pressing the "Submit" button, a green confirmation banner will appear above a fresh Contact Us page. From here, the customer support team will contact the user if they need additional assistance. Allow at least 72 hours before checking the status of the report. It may take up to 30 days before a representative answers a request; however, most consumers will have a quick turnaround time.
Clear Your Cache and Delete Old Bookmarked or Saved Links
All consumers must clear their cache and delete saved links associated with the old URL; without clearing the browser cache, the profile page may still appear, but this does not mean it appears for other computers. Conversely, if an old link from before the suppression request opens, it could push the record back into public reach. The following steps outline the process for clearing the cache in Chrome, most browsers have similar processes.
Step One
Open the respective browser and navigate to the settings or "Tools Menu". In Chrome, the three dotted lines are in the upper right corner. Other browsers may host gear icons or wrenches in this area.
Step Two
When the page opens, refer to the short menu on the left. Select the option "Clear Browsing Data". This will open a new tab with a pop-up. In other browsers, like Safari, the option reads, "Clear History and Data".
Step Three
Ensure the "Cookies" and "Cached images" options are checked within the pop-up. On most computers, they are automatic choices. Click the "Clear data" button within the pop-up, and the browser will comply. Users must close out and reopen their browsers to see the impact. Mac users must fully quit their browser window and reopen it rather than "snoozing" the application.
Check Back Annually to Confirm No New Records
People search sites maintain the same profile details for up to a year. New reports are public with newly available data after enough time elapses. For this reason, consumers opting out should consider checking annually for new reports. Suppression requests must be made for each respective profile. It's easy to check the status of a record; just perform a basic search on the main page. This guide is up to date with the current processes of opt out solutions provided by USPhonebook's privacy policy (2023).
