What companies sell your personal information?

Answered by Robert Flynn

There are various companies that engage in the business of selling personal information. Some of the well-known companies that sell personal information include Spokeo, BeenVerified, and White Pages. These companies collect and aggregate data from various sources such as property records, court records, social media pages, and more to create comprehensive profiles on individuals.

Spokeo is one such company that offers reverse phone number and email lookups. By inputting someone’s phone number or email address, you can find information about their name, address, social media profiles, and more. This can be useful for individuals looking to reconnect with old friends or find contact information for someone they’ve lost touch with.

Similarly, BeenVerified is another company that allows users to search for various types of records, including criminal records, contact information, vehicle records, and more. This service can be helpful for individuals who want to conduct background checks on potential employees, tenants, or even online dates.

White Pages is another company that sells personal information. They provide access to public records, including contact information such as phone numbers and addresses. While White Pages can be useful for finding contact information for individuals or businesses, it also means that your personal information is available to others who may be searching for it.

It’s important to note that these companies do not obtain personal information illegally. Instead, they gather data from publicly available sources and compile it into easily accessible databases. However, the concern arises when this information is sold and distributed to third parties, potentially compromising individuals’ privacy and security.

In my personal experience, I have come across instances where my personal information was available on these platforms. I found my phone number, address, and even social media profiles listed on websites like Spokeo and White Pages. While this information was publicly available, it was unsettling to see it easily accessible to anyone who may be searching for it.

To protect your personal information from being sold by such companies, it’s important to be cautious about what information you share online. Be mindful of the privacy settings on your social media accounts, and consider opting out of data broker websites that collect and sell personal information. Additionally, regularly monitoring your online presence can help you identify and address any instances where your information may be exposed.

Companies like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and White Pages are examples of companies that sell personal information. They gather data from various sources and make it available to users who are looking for contact information or conducting background checks. While these companies operate legally, it is essential to be aware of the implications and take necessary steps to protect your personal information.