Top 11 Data Brokers Who Require ID Verification
Published
Aug 13, 2024
Going deeper on removals
This guide is meant to be a quick summary of sites to reach out to. Why do you need this guide? Kanary helps submit requests across hundreds of websites that do not require high levels of identity verification. But if you’re working as a journalist, politician, or activist, you might need to go deeper and this guide is for you. Our team aims to keep it up to date, but sites change their information and processes, so reach out if you notice something here isn't helpful: [email protected].
Which sites are on this list? We cover companies who aggregate personal data while staying secretive about how that data is used and who has access. These companies are tied to federal law enforcement, intelligence agencies, police, as well as the credit agencies that power our modern day legal and financial systems. Because of the sensitive nature of the data they aggregate, they do not allow companies like Kanary to search and validate removals. Instead they require individuals to request copies of their data and send data removal requests using government IDs and Social Security Numbers to validate legitimacy.
These are tedious, so your best strategy is to block some time, gather the right documents in advance, fill out these forms, and work through the removals. Our team is here to help with any questions, but unfortunately cannot submit your SSN or state ID on your behalf at this point.
The implications of removing your data
Removing your data from these systems could make approvals on things like loans, background checks, or screens slower. In a data-rich era, having very little information out there about you can raise suspicion, even if it shouldn’t. An alternative to deleting your data from these systems is suppressing or freezing data from being shared.
If any of these companies are difficult to work with, look at the paths for escalation. Some of these have already had class action lawsuits brought against them, and have specific channels for dealing with ongoing privacy complaints. Especially if you live in a state with privacy legislation that protects your rights, you can and should report violations to your State’s attorney general.
The 10 companies to start with
Some sites have multiple options for removals or opt outs. Start by requesting your data to get an understanding of your exposure. Then work through the options.
Where to request a copy of your data:
How to verify your identity:
Share and verify your email. Then complete a “Knowledge Based Authentication” form where you confirm questions like past addresses, ages of relatives, businesses you’ve been associated with.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
5 minutes
Where to submit removal request or correction of your data:
Time for their team to respond or remove:
45 days
Escalation contacts:
Call their phone number: 1-877-774-2094
Where to request a copy of your credit report:
How to verify your identity:
Share a partial SSN, verify your phone number.
Time until they complete your request:
45 days
Where to request a freeze on credit inquiries:
Where to submit a dispute about your data:
Time to complete submission:
10 minutes
Escalation contacts:
Where to request a copy of your data:
How to verify your identity:
Share a full SSN, verify your phone number.
Time until they complete your request:
45 days
Where to request a freeze on credit inquiries (you will need to create an account):
Where to submit removal request or correction of your data:
Time to complete submission:
10 minutes
Escalation contacts:
To take any action with TransUnion, you will need to set up an account:
How to verify your identity:
Address history, partial SSN, phone number verification.
Time until they complete your request:
45 days
Where to request a freeze on credit inquiries:
Where to submit a suppression request:
Time to complete submission:
5 minutes
Escalation contacts:
NOTE: They do not have a formal process, you will be required to email their privacy team and go back and forth with support to fulfill your request.
Where to request a copy of your data:
How to verify your identity:
They will ask you to verify your address history, name, and phone number via email. You should not need to send them SSN or government ID.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
5 minutes
Time until they complete your request:
45 days
Where to submit removal request or correction of your data:
Escalation contacts:
Where to request a copy of your data:
How to verify your identity:
Share address history and personal information. Then complete a 3rd party ID verification form where you confirm questions like past addresses, ages of relatives, businesses you’ve been associated with.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
5 minutes
Time until they complete your request:
45 days
Where to submit removal request or correction of your data:
Escalation contacts:
Where to request a copy of your data or request an update to your information:
How to verify your identity:
Share First Name, Last Name, Street Address, City, Zip, and Date of Birth. Depending on the type of request you may also be required to provide either your Social Security Number or Your Driver’s License Number and State.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
10 minutes
Time until they complete your request:
45 days or more
Where to submit a suppression request for your data:
Where to submit a freeze request on your data:
Where to submit a deletion request - if you live in a state that provides you that right:
How to verify your identity:
Requires your full SSN and a copy of your government ID showing proof of address and birth date.
Escalation contacts:
Call 1-888-497-0011
Where to request a copy of your data:
How to verify your identity:
Address history, email verification - SSN is OPTIONAL. Go through a third party, ID DataWeb, identity verification process after submitting the request. You will need to share phone number, front and back of drivers license, and a selfie.
We typically recommend blurring your information on your ID when submitting it for review, but in this case, they are doing a match on Drivers License ID and Photo, and will not process your request without the required information.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
20 minutes
Time until they complete your request:
45 days or more
Where to submit removal request or correction of your data:
Escalation contacts:
call 866-633-7656.
Where to request a copy of your data and/or deletion:
https://pipl.com/privacy-documents/ccpa-opt-out-form for Californians
How to verify your identity:
Share name, email, partial address. They will confirm via email, it will likely go to your spam folder. We recommend sharing as little information possible here.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
5 minutes
Time to complete request for copy of data:
45 days
Escalation contacts:
Where to submit a delete or access request:
Note they have a distinct flow for each State’s privacy legislation
How to verify your identity:
Provide a picture of yourself. The photo will not be included in future search results. You will also need to verify your email. You will also need to provide a government issued photo ID as well. You should blur or block your ID number and address and birth year before submitting.
Time to complete request for copy of data:
20 minutes
Time to complete request for copy of data:
45 days
Escalation contacts:
(This class action just happened)
Where to submit a delete or access request:
NOTE: set up a burner gmail or us a throw away email when contacting this company
Email [email protected] 'request to delete' or 'request to know' or 'request to correct'
Or call 800-630-1790
How to verify your identity:
You may be asked to confirm your SSN or provide proof of address history
If asked for SSN or license, only provide partial information and blur any non-essential data
Time to complete request:
10 minutes
Escalation contacts:
(This class action just happened)
We're here to help
If you're a Kanary member and struggling with any of these companies, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. If you notice we're missing any important sites, we'd love to hear from you. [email protected]
Don't be a sitting duck.
Find where your personal information is being exposed online and remove it for good.
Or, send us a note [email protected]. We’ll respond within a day!
