ThatsThem Opt-Out
Table of Contents
What Does ThatsThem Do?
ThatsThem is an entirely free consumer information search engine; curious searchers use a name, location, email, phone number, or IP address to find records associated with a target. These reports may include historical vehicles, internet behavior, lifestyle, properties, demographics, financials, contacts, and "known" information like birthdays. The data displayed in these records are not overseen or maintained by ThatsThem; instead, they are whip-stitched together using reports from other websites.
Unlike data brokers, who own and maintain consumer records, search engines like ThatsThem provide a brief overview of associated data. Record-generating data brokers like Intelius, Spokeo, or BeenVerified dictate what data becomes associated with a consumer. Data broker websites gather information from various sources to create consumer records, then sell the aggregated reports. ThatsThem doesn't sell data records. Instead, they offer parties a way to "see" the essential details about a consumer; in function, they show some information, hoping the searcher will purchase a "full" record on the attached website.
The research and data overlay software these websites use could be better. Due to how data brokers gather consumer information, there is always the risk of inaccuracies in the extruded product. For most consumers, this means a wrongly associated phone number or address; for others, this may mean false offender statuses or criminal histories. Consumers can create an account with ThatsThem to correct the inaccuracies, but the falsehood may appear in other records. Instead, place an opt out request with ThatsThem. It won't remove the information from the data brokers directly, but it can stop a false wildfire.
What Do I Need to Know to Remove Myself from ThatsThem?
An "opt out" for data brokers may reference multiple consumer privacy aspects. For example, website members can request an advertising opt out to halt direct marketing or contact. Non-website members have a different meaning for "opt out". These requests change a consumer's data privacy status or "remove" it from public searches. There are two ways websites fulfill these requests; either by deletion, where the record dissolves where applicable; or by suppression, where the record hides until the life of the report expires.
ThatsThem offers an unusual solution in which opt out requests are treated with deletion and suppression methods. The record data disappears, but ThatsThem also adds that data to a suppression list. Instead of the details being deleted and ignored if they appear again, ThatsThem aims to hide that deleted data. ThatsThem's statements on the mixed method are in their CCPA Privacy Policy:
Although ThatsThem takes a proactive approach to consumer privacy requests, this doesn't guarantee they will remove the data. Unless the consumer lives in a data privacy state (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Virginia), ThatsThem can easily reject requests. They state this ability in the CCPA privacy policy and their overarching policy. They don't promise to remove all information about a consumer, but they attempt to conceal it.
Where to Start Your ThatsThem Opt-Out
There are two ways to request an opt out from ThatsThem. Consumers can make their requests by email. Emailing the request will only succeed if there is applicable information the service agent can enact the request on. How to get the record data is listed in the tutorial below. For most consumers, however, the best opt out solution is to use the online form from ThatsThem.
How to Remove Information from ThatsThem: Guided Tutorials
Obtaining ThatsThem Profile Information
Before sending a request through email, pick up a record screenshot; without it, the service representatives have an additional reason for rejection, even in privacy law states. If the agent cannot determine which record to delete, they will opt not to act. Unfortunately, none of the details on ThatsThem are connected to a specific page, they only appear in the results list. The records not having a distinctive web page is a problem.
Add together the elements of one "referenceable page", and the possibility of duplicate reports and confusion abounds. The only way around this "application" problem is by delivering the necessary data straight to them, a screenshot of the record. Luckily, ThatsThem makes the process relatively straightforward. To start, open ThatsThem.
Step One
On the main landing page of ThatsThem, enter a consumer name into the search area, then a relative location. Click the orange "Search" button to conduct a quick search. The page will instantly start a "Billions of Records" scan, if the page breaks during this process, refresh it accordingly.
Step Two
Many results may appear on the next page. Locate the records most closely associated with the target. Then, open the Snipping Tool application from your computer applications, or press Windows + PrtScn (or Print Screen). If using the keys method, the shot saves to the Screenshots folder in your Photos File. Those placing requests for multiple records should use one screenshot for each.
Email the Opt-Out Request to ThatsThem Directly
Consumers should place opt out requests every six months as ThatsThem policy allows. Those looking to maintain distance from ThatsThem should consider emailing their team rather than using the online form. Utilize an alternative email whenever interacting with data scavenger websites, more distance means better cybersecurity. Before sending the requested email, take note of this passage in their CCPA Privacy Policy:
The consumer must provide enough information to verify they are the owner of the data being removed; and display what "you" want to happen. The passage above reiterates that agents may not interact or respond if they cannot verify identities. The text below offers an email template consumers can use to create a verifiable request; copy and paste it into an email creator to use it quickly. Don't forget to attach the screenshot of the record to the correspondence, leave no room for circumvention!
Send to Email: optout@thatsthem.com
Subject: Data Privacy Change Request
Mail Body:
Hello,
My name is [Full name]; I request that my information and data associated with me be removed from ThatsThem searches. I want my details to be private from the public and third parties. I understand this request may not remove all my data from the internet. My data can be accessed through other websites unless I make an opt out request to them individually. I've attached a screenshot of the record I want to be removed. Please have an agent complete my request and then send me confirmation.
Consumer Information:
- Full Name: [Use the name associated with the record in the screenshot]
- Address: [Use the one on the record and others associated with the consumer]
- Phone Number: [List one for contact reasons, it doesn't need to match the record]
- Email: [Use the email sending this message, it'll be added to the suppression list]
- Date of Birth: [If this seems sketchy, be calm, this is confirmation of "known" data]
- Additional Information: [Anything else that may assist or impact their judgment]
Thank you,
[Full Name]
[Date]
[Attachment]
Submit a Quick Online Suppression Form
The ThatsThem opt out quick form takes about a minute to finish; it's one page, a CAPTCHA, and a submission button. Admirably short. If the correct information is entered, the agents on the other side of the process can apply the request immediately. Agents may only accept these forms if the entered information matches a record. Consumers must enter all the details of a record into this form, which they must do with each request. For example, the user would enter the details from the profile censored in black above to the entries on the form.
Step One
After locating the record using the steps above, open the ThatsThem Opt Out form in a new tab. Keep the tab with the records accessible.
Step Two
Fill in the record details in the provided spaces. It does not matter if the information is accurate. If there are multiple entries in the report, separate them with commas. Do not, however, attempt more than one record per request, they will reject it. After the inquired information is entered, solve the CAPTCHA puzzle, then click "Submit".
And that's it. The privacy team must now determine if the request is valid and whether to enact it. The pop-up in the middle of the screen asks for up to a week before verifying the data was removed. Additionally, it can take up to two weeks to be removed from giant search engines like Google and Bing.
After Confirmation, Verify the Results, then Return Later
There's more to do after receiving a request confirmation. Return to ThatsThem and run another search for the record. When successful, no reports will appear; though there are skewed cases. Your details may appear in response to a Sponsor result. These outcomes are not by ThatsThem, so the user must refer to that broker's privacy policy to remove the information. Additionally, if the specific record is still visible after the request, try clearing the browser cache, then research the details. This guide is current with the processes of opt out solutions provided by ThatsThem under their privacy policy (2023).
