How To Opt Out of ClustrMaps – And Why You Should Do It
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 support@clustrmaps.com.
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
- Nuwber
- Pipl
- PeopleLooker
- 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
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How to opt out of ClustrMaps – FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why am I on ClustrMaps?” answer=”
ClustrMaps – and other people-search sites – obtain personal information about US citizens primarily via government and public records. Other sources of data include social media sites, and self-reported information provided via contests and surveys.
Data is also available through data brokers, advertisers, and retailers. For example, companies may sell the data obtained from customers using their websites.
” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Is ClustrMaps illegal?” answer=”
No, ClustrMaps is legal. However, that doesn’t mean it has a right to make your data publicly available. Some US states – such as California – make it a legal requirement that companies delete your data if asked.
” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What is ClustrMaps used for?” answer=”Although it has a people-search facility, ClustrMaps is best known for its website widget. This provides information on where a website’s visitors are from. A geo-location heatmap shows which countries visitors originate from. ClustrMaps provides additional data on how long visitors stay on a website, and how often they visit. ” /]]
