ClustrMaps is "a combined hit counter, visitor tracker and geographic visualization tool.” It’s also a way for anyone with an internet connection to search for US citizens.
The people-search facet of ClustrMaps is free and requires only that the searcher enter a name or address. Results include the searched-for person’s phone numbers, family members, the market rent value for their home, and whether they completed college.
Understandably, many people in the US are unhappy about their personal information being made so freely available. If you’re one of them, read on and we’ll tell you how to opt out of ClustrMaps.
Why you should opt out of ClustrMaps
ClustrMaps makes money from your data. The only thing you get from it is the increased risk of identity fraud, harassment or stalking. Although the data it shares is minimal compared to some people-search sites, it actively encourages users to find out more.
Those who want more information than ClustrMaps provides are directed to BeenVerified, which is a subscription-based people-search website. We have a separate article detailing how and why you should opt out of BeenVerified.
How to remove your data from ClustrMaps
It’s easy to get your personal information removed from ClustrMaps. Just follow these steps:
- Go to: clustrmaps.com
- Enter your name or address in the search box and press "Find”.
- Locate your record and click "View Details”.
- Copy the URL to your clipboard or write it down.
- Go to: clustrmaps.com/bl/opt-out
- Enter your name, email, address, and the URL you copied in the relevant fields, and click "Next Step”.
- Select the information you wish to have removed using the tick boxes.
- Click "Apply”.
Your data will now be removed from ClustrMaps. To make sure it has been removed, check back after a couple of weeks. If your information is still there, send an email to [email protected].
If you receive no response, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Making a complaint online takes less than 10 minutes and the CFPB says that it normally gets a response from complained-about companies within 15 days. You can also make a complaint by calling (855) 411-2372, though this can take up to 30 minutes.
Where does ClustrMaps get its data from?
ClustrMaps says that it relies on "official data obtained from government agencies and institutions.” This includes parcel and assessor records; deeds; permits for building, construction, remodeling, and electrical work; license information (for example, alcohol and gun licenses); corporate registration records; building inspection results; SBA loans data; and WHOIS records.”
ClustrMaps also uses data submitted by its users. Unsurprisingly, it has a disclaimer absolving itself of responsibility for this data’s accuracy.
Where else is my data being used?
There are, unfortunately, several people-search sites like ClustrMaps. Some of the most popular include:
- Truthfinder
- Spokeo
- Intelius
- Instant Checkmate
- Whitepages
- USSearch
- PeopleFinders
- Pipl
- ZabaSearch
You can opt out of all of these, and we’ve written guides on how to do it for some – though the process is generally the same in all cases. Opting out isn’t difficult, it’s just time-consuming – as you need to check back to ensure your data has been removed and keep checking back to ensure it’s not re-added.
If you’re serious about keeping your personal details away from data brokers and people-search sites, the best option is to use a service that is dedicated to data removal. These services – which require a subscription – systematically contact data aggregation companies with removal requests. Importantly, they ensure your data stays removed.
The best data removal service
Incogni contacts individual data brokers with data removal requests and then subsequently chases them up. Our number one choice is a great value service that’s easy for anyone to use. Incogni provides a slick, user-friendly service that requires minimal effort to use. It was created by the people behind the highly rated Surfshark VPN, so has a good pedigree. Moreover, it is available in the UK and Europe, unlike most other removal services that are US-only. To use Incogni, all you need to do is sign up for a subscription, specify the personal data you want removed, and give permission to Incogni to act as your proxy when making removal requests. You can monitor Incogni’s progress by viewing an online dashboard. This details the number of requests issued, the number completed, and the number currently in progress. You can also see exactly which companies have been contacted and the data sector they operate in. Incogni’s database includes brokers trading data related to marketing, recruitment, risk assessment, people search, financial, and health information – more than 180 companies in total. Removal requests are sent to those that Incogni calculates are most likely to be holding your data. Once the data is removed, Incogni makes sure that it isn’t re-added at a later date. After Incogni successfully removes your personal information, it regularly checks to ensure that the companies don't re-add your data. As data removal isn’t a one-time process, you'll need to subscribe long-term for real results. Annual plans cost $6.49 per month or you can get a rolling monthly contract for $12.99. Subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service without risking anything financially. 1. Incogni
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How to opt out of ClustrMaps – FAQs