Most data brokers have an online opt-out form, but plenty of them bury it, make it needlessly complicated, or only accept removal requests by email. When that happens, you need to know exactly what to write to get results.
These data broker opt-out emails are ready to copy, paste, and send. Each template is designed to invoke the right privacy laws, include the necessary details, and get your removal request processed as quickly as possible.
Not sure which brokers have your data in the first place? Run a free Optery scan to find out. It checks 366+ data broker sites in about 30 seconds and shows you exactly where your personal information is exposed — so you know who to send these emails to.
What to Include in Every Data Broker Opt-Out Email
Before you copy the templates below, understand what makes data broker opt-out emails effective. Every request should include your full legal name as it appears on the broker’s site, the specific URL of your profile or listing if you can find it, a clear statement that you want your data removed, a reference to the applicable privacy law (CCPA, GDPR, or your state’s privacy statute), and a request for confirmation once the removal is complete.
Do not include more personal information than necessary. You’re asking them to delete your data — don’t give them additional data points in the process. Include only what’s needed to identify your record.
Template 1: Standard Data Broker Opt-Out Email
Use this for most US-based data brokers and people search sites. It’s straightforward, professional, and references CCPA rights.
Subject: Personal Data Removal Request
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to request the removal of my personal information from your website and databases. Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and applicable state privacy laws, I have the right to request deletion of my personal data.
Please remove all records associated with the following information:
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Profile URL: [Link to your profile on their site, if available]
I request that you delete all personal information you hold about me, including but not limited to my name, address, phone number, email address, and any associated records. Please do not sell, share, or distribute my personal information going forward.
Please confirm via email once the removal has been completed. I expect this request to be processed within 45 days as required by law.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
[Your Full Name]
Template 2: GDPR Data Deletion Request (for EU/UK Brokers)
Use this for data brokers based in Europe or the UK, or any broker that handles data of EU/UK residents. The GDPR gives you stronger rights than most US laws.
Subject: GDPR Data Erasure Request — Right to Be Forgotten
To the Data Protection Officer,
Under Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), I am exercising my right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”). I request that you delete all personal data you hold about me.
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Email Address Associated with Your Records: [Your Email]
Profile URL: [Link to your profile, if available]
I withdraw any consent previously given for the processing of my personal data. Please delete all records, including any data shared with third parties, and confirm the deletion in writing within 30 days as required under GDPR Article 12.
If you are unable to comply with this request, please provide a written explanation of the legal basis for retaining my data.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
Template 3: Follow-Up Email When They Don’t Respond
If a data broker ignores your initial request, send this follow-up after 30 days. Escalating the tone and referencing regulatory complaints often gets a faster response.
Subject: Second Request — Personal Data Removal (Original Request: [Date])
To Whom It May Concern,
I submitted a data removal request on [date of original email] and have not received confirmation that my personal information has been deleted. This is my second request.
Under the CCPA, you are required to respond to verifiable consumer requests within 45 days. Under the GDPR, the deadline is 30 days. Failure to comply may result in a formal complaint to the relevant regulatory authority.
Original request details:
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Profile URL: [Link to your profile, if available]
Date of Original Request: [Date]
Please process this removal request immediately and confirm completion via email.
[Your Full Name]
Template 4: Bulk Request for Multiple Profiles
If you find your information on multiple sites owned by the same company (some data broker companies operate several brands), use this template to cover all of them in one email.
Subject: Personal Data Removal Request — Multiple Properties
To Whom It May Concern,
I am requesting the removal of my personal information from all websites and databases operated by your company. I have identified my personal data on the following properties:
[Site 1 — URL of your profile]
[Site 2 — URL of your profile]
[Site 3 — URL of your profile]
Under applicable privacy laws, including the CCPA, I request that you delete all personal data associated with the following identity:
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Please remove my data from all of your properties and databases, suppress my information to prevent re-collection, and confirm completion via email.
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
Tips for Sending Data Broker Opt-Out Emails
A few things that make your data broker opt-out emails more effective:
Use a dedicated email address. Consider creating a separate email just for opt-out requests so your primary inbox doesn’t get cluttered with confirmations and follow-ups. This also limits the additional data you’re sharing with brokers.
Keep records of everything. Save copies of every email you send and every response you receive. If a broker doesn’t comply, these records are essential for filing complaints with the FTC, your state attorney general, or a data protection authority.
Be persistent but professional. Some brokers will ignore your first request. The follow-up template above usually gets results, but if a broker still doesn’t respond after two attempts, you can file a complaint with your state’s attorney general office or the relevant data protection authority.
Include the profile URL when possible. Finding the exact URL of your listing on the broker’s site makes it much easier for them to locate and delete your record. Without it, they may claim they can’t find you in their system.
When Manual Emails Aren’t Worth Your Time
These templates work, but the reality is that there are hundreds of data broker sites. Sending individual emails to each one, tracking responses, following up with non-responders, and repeating the process every few months is a serious time commitment — typically 40 to 80 hours for a thorough cleanup.
Automated data removal services handle all of this for you. Incogni sends legally valid removal requests to 420+ data brokers automatically, follows up with non-responders, and re-submits requests every 60 to 90 days to prevent your data from reappearing. At $7.99/month on the annual plan, it costs less than a single hour of most people’s time. Optery provides the same automation with added screenshot verification of every removal.
For step-by-step guides to the major broker sites that do have online opt-out forms, check out our individual guides for Spokeo, Whitepages, BeenVerified, TruePeopleSearch, and Radaris. For the complete list, see our full data broker opt-out guide.