FamilyTreeNow might look like a handy genealogy site, but it also shares a lot of personal details—like your full name, address, and phone number. While it’s great for family research, it’s not so great for privacy. If you’re uncomfortable with strangers having access to your info, here’s how to take it down.
Why You Should Remove Your Info
FamilyTreeNow gathers data from public records and makes it easy for anyone to find. That’s helpful if you’re building a family tree, but it can also lead to problems:
- Unwanted Attention: Your personal info could end up in the wrong hands.
- Identity Theft: The more public data out there, the easier it is for fraudsters.
- Harassment Risks: Accessible information can make you a target.
Removing your details is a simple way to protect yourself.
Step-by-Step: How to Opt Out
1. Go to the Opt-Out Page
- Visit the FamilyTreeNow Opt-Out Page.
- Enter your email address (this is for confirming the request later).
- Complete the CAPTCHA to prove you’re not a robot.
- Click “Begin Opt Out Procedure” to move on to the search step.
2. Find Your Record
- Enter your first and last name, city, and state. Adding your birth year can narrow the results.
- Click Search to view the records.
3. Confirm It’s Your Info
- Look for your record in the search results.
- Click View Details to open the profile and confirm it’s your information.
- Click the red “Opt Out This Record” button at the top of the page.
4. Verify the Request
- Check your email for a confirmation link.
- Open the link and click it to finalize the request.
5. Wait for Removal
- It may take up to 72 hours for your record to disappear.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
If your record is still visible after a few days:
- Retry the Process: Sometimes the system doesn’t register your first request.
- Contact Support: Use the Contact Us page on FamilyTreeNow to explain the issue. Include the URL of the record to help them locate it faster.
More Ways to Protect Your Privacy
Opting out of FamilyTreeNow is a good start, but there are other steps you can take:
- Use a Disposable Email Address: If you’re contacting data brokers, this prevents your primary email from being added to marketing lists.
- Monitor Your Online Presence: Regularly search your name online to see what’s out there. Setting up Google Alerts can help you stay informed.
- Consider Professional Help: If you want to remove your info from multiple sites, an online reputation management service can make the process easier.
Stay in Control
Taking your information off FamilyTreeNow is quick and effective. By following the steps above, you can protect your personal details from being publicly accessible. If it feels overwhelming or you’d rather let someone else handle it, there are experts who can help.
Your privacy matters—don’t wait to take action!