How to opt out of SmartBackgroundChecks

A background-check and people-search aggregator.

Steps

Go to www.smartbackgroundchecks.com and search your own name + state (or full name/address/phone) using the site's normal search — this is a prerequisite, not optional, because the opt-out flow needs your specific profile.
Open your listing from the search results and copy its full profile URL (you'll need this if the opt-out form asks for it, and to confirm later that it's gone).
Go to the dedicated removal page at smartbackgroundchecks.com/optout (also linked from the 'Do Not Sell My Personal Information' link in the site footer).
On your profile page, click the yellow 'Request My Record To Be Removed' button; on the /optout page itself, enter a valid email address, check the box confirming you are the subject of the record, and complete the CAPTCHA, then click 'Accept Terms & Start Removal'.
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from SmartBackgroundChecks and click the verification link inside it — the removal does NOT take effect until this link is clicked, so this step is easy to miss.
Wait for processing: most independent tests show the listing disappears within 24-72 hours, though the company has told the BBB it can take 3-5 business days, and some guides say to allow up to 9 days before following up.
If the listing is still live after ~9 days, email privacy@mtalley.zendesk.com (or use the site's contact form) with your profile URL and the confirmation email as proof, and consider a BBB complaint if it's still ignored after that.
Recheck every 2-3 months: because the site re-scrapes public records, a removed profile can reappear later and need to be opted out again.

Processing time: Typically 24-72 hours after clicking the email confirmation link; the company has told the BBB it can take 3-5 business days, and one independent walkthrough recommends allowing up to 9 days before escalating.

Worth knowing: Data can and does reappear because the site periodically re-scrapes public records; every source recommends rechecking your name every 2-3 months and resubmitting the opt-out if a new/duplicate listing shows up.

Go to SmartBackgroundChecks' opt-out page →

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Other sites to check

Whitepages

One of the largest and oldest people-search sites — often the first result when someone searches your name.

Opt-out steps →

Spokeo

A large people-search aggregator pulling from public records, social media, and marketing data.

Opt-out steps →

BeenVerified

A background-check and people-search site; shares its removal database with PeopleLooker (same parent company, The Lifetime Value Co.).

Opt-out steps →

TruthFinder

A background-check site owned by PeopleConnect — opting out here also covers Intelius, US Search, and Addresses.com via one shared suppression tool.

Opt-out steps →

Intelius

A longtime background-check and people-search service, part of the PeopleConnect family (shared opt-out with TruthFinder, US Search, Addresses.com).

Opt-out steps →

MyLife

Known for its paid "Reputation Score" profiles; opting out removes the free public listing.

Opt-out steps →

See the full directory →

We verify these steps against SmartBackgroundChecks's own current opt-out page, but the process can change without notice. If these steps don't match what you see, use the link above and follow SmartBackgroundChecks's own instructions.