What Is DeleteMe and How Does It Work?

DeleteMe is a paid subscription service (launched in 2010) from Abine that helps people remove their personal information from data brokers and people‑search websites.

You’ve probably noticed that when you search your name online, you see profiles listing your home address, phone number, relatives, maybe even property info or marriage status. These profiles don’t come from you — they’re compiled by shady data brokers who scrape publicly available content, then sell it. DeleteMe exists to stop that.

No automation drudgery: they find where your info appears online and submit removal requests on your behalf. And they keep checking in every few months to make sure that your details aren’t back online again.

 Quick Summary

• What: DeleteMe is a subscription-based service that removes your personal data from data broker & people-search sites.
• How it works: You submit your info → they scan → send opt-out requests → repeat quarterly.
• Pros: Easy, professional, transparent, automated.
• Cons: Costs money, not perfect, info can return once you stop.
• Bottom line: A strong choice for convenience, privacy, and ongoing protection — especially if you want to stay low-profile online without the hassle.

Why DeleteMe Matters: The Privacy Stakes

Imagine this:

• Strangers knock on your door with your personal contact info.
• Spam calls flood your phone.
• Scammers use your data for identity theft.
• Sensitive info about you is floating around for anyone to find.

These aren’t just hypotheticals. Data brokers gather your name, DOB, contact info, family details — sometimes even inferred traits — and package it for sale. Even mainstream sources like Wired highlight the risk of doxxing and identity theft and recommend using services like DeleteMe.

So while DeleteMe by itself won’t vanish you from the internet entirely, it does shrink your digital footprint substantially — and that’s a step toward better safety.

How DeleteMe Works: Step by Step

Here’s a simplified walkthrough of a typical DeleteMe experience:

1. Sign Up & Provide Details

• You choose a plan (individual or family).
• Fill out your personal “data sheet”: name, aliases, addresses, emails, phone numbers, even an optional photo ID for identity verification.

Crucially, you’re not handing over any extra info beyond what’s already out there — DeleteMe uses what public sources already have to locate and remove your data.

2. Initial Scan

Once you’ve submitted your info:

• DeleteMe scans hundreds of major data broker sites (at least 56 core sites, with options to add 750+ more manually).
• Within the first week, they send you a detailed report showing which brokers have your info and what type (DOB, address, etc.).

You’ll get both an email summary and full access via your online dashboard.

3. Opt‑Out Requests

DeleteMe submits opt‑out requests to each broker on your behalf:

• These can be online forms, email requests, or other required verifications.
• In some cases, a limited power of attorney helps streamline the removal process.
• Verification steps might include a blurred photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) for proof, only if necessary.

This is where their combination of automated tools and human expertise really helps.

4. Confirmation & Quarterly Monitoring

• You’ll receive a follow-up report: some removals happen in under a week, others might take up to six weeks or longer depending on the broker.
• Every three months, DeleteMe re‑scans the same sites and issues fresh removal requests if your info reappears.
• If you ever find your info somewhere new, you can file a “custom request” through your dashboard.

It’s like having an ongoing privacy watchdog on your team.

What Exactly Gets Removed?

DeleteMe targets a broad range of personal data:

DeleteMe also supports aliases, multiple addresses/emails, and custom data upon request 

They don’t touch financial bank data or SSNs — because (1) you wouldn’t provide them, and (2) these are usually not public in the first place.

Pros & Cons of DeleteMe

 The Benefits

• Hands-off process: You don’t have to manually find and request removal from dozens of brokers.
• Transparent reports: You see where your info lives and what’s removed.
• Trusted & proven: Over 100 million opt-outs since 2010 — backed by strong ratings (4.6/5 on Trustpilot, A+ from BBB).
• Quarterly repeats: Office hours don’t matter — they proactively re‑check.
• Customization: You can request removal from extra brokers anytime.

The Downsides

• A cost commitment: Plans often require a yearly subscription (~$129/year)
• Partial results: A 2024 Consumer Reports test found they removed ~27% of listings within 4 months — others may fare better manually.
• Temporary results: Your data can return; this is why quarterly scanning matters.
• Trust required: You do need to share sensitive data, though DeleteMe’s policy says they don’t sell your info and store it only securely in the U.S.
• Coverage not exhaustive: They prioritize large brokers — smaller ones might get missed, though you can request them manually .

Some competitors like Incogni or Optery may offer slightly different coverage or pricing, so consider exploring those if pricing is a concern.

What Happens When You Cancel?

If you stop paying for DeleteMe:

• They keep your info on file for six months, by default, unless you ask for deletion.
• During this time, your data might reappear on broker sites because the service isn’t actively removing it.

Many users report that after ending service, their data often resurfaces within months. If you choose to cancel, make sure to request deletion of your data immediately — or subscribe again to continue protection.

Is DeleteMe Worth It?

If…

• You’re tired of privacy worries,
• You’ve tried searching yourself and found your info everywhere,
• You’d prefer a convenient, ongoing solution…

Then DeleteMe is a strong choice. Multiple reviews agree it’s user‑friendly and effective even if it can’t make you disappear completely.

But if you’re willing to invest time to manually opt-out from dozens of sites, you might do better on your own — though it takes a LOT of effort.

Many security experts (like those at Wired) describe services like DeleteMe, Aura, and HelloPrivacy as helpful preventative privacy hygiene steps. The Wall Street Journal also notes that while these services aren’t magic, they’re effective tools to reduce digital exposure.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re curious about other options, these are worth checking out:

• Incogni: Automated, based in Germany, covers ~200 brokers.
• Optery: Budget‑friendly, focused on 300+ sites, with quick reports.
• Aura, HelloPrivacy, PrivacyDuck: Broader privacy packages including antivirus, identity insurance.

When choosing a provider, compare:

• Broker coverage (how many they target)
• Removal methods (auto vs human)
• Report transparency
• Pricing model (annual vs monthly)
• Trustworthiness & privacy policies

Final Take: Does DeleteMe Work?

Yes — DeleteMe is a trusted, mature service that significantly reduces your personal info exposure online.

It won’t make you invisible on the internet forever, but it:

• Automates the time-consuming opt-out grind
• Sends professional removal requests backed with ID where needed
• Monitors for your info quarterly, so you don’t have to
• Provides clear reports on actions taken

For most users, especially those worried about spam, doxxing, or identity theft, it’s a smart investment in privacy peace of mind.

If you’re comfortable doing it yourself and want the deepest possible reach, you can—but you’ll need time, persistence, and organization to match it.