DeviantlyD
Posts: 4375
Joined: 5/26/2007
From: Hawai`i
Status: offline
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Before you go to the following link, please read the following I found on a web site about Spokeo from a number of people who feel like me about it:
For those of you who are trying to remove your information from Spokeo and are getting the "you're using the same IP"- or "you're using the same e-mail address"-type messages, here are some options for you. First, DO NOT connect to this service without using a web-based proxy (or, preferably, a VPN). If you use your home computer then the service will now have the IP address for you. I'm not sure what value such information would have for them, but my take is that, given the totality of negative comments about Spokeo, most people here would rather Spokeo have LESS information, not MORE. There are numerous web-based proxies that users can access without cost. One I use on occasion is www.hidemyass.com. Simply go to that web address and then TYPE in the address for Spokeo. Just to confirm that you're real IP address is still not being used, consider going first to a site like www.ip2location.com which will display the location from which you appear to be coming. There are other web-based proxies, but this one will get you started should you decide to remove your information. Note that www.HideMyAss.com has other proxies, so if you have multiple submissions for Spokeo, consider using one of HMAs other proxies. Second, and perhaps more importantly, DO NOT give Spokeo your real e-mail address. Again, the less information they have the better. Instead, consider using a mail-forwarding service such as www.MailExpire.com. With this free service simply give MailExpire your real e-mail address (don't worry. I've used them for years and have never had an issue with my real e-mail address getting spammed or viruses from MailExpire.) and they'll create a temporary e-mail address that you'll give to the site (Spokeo in this case). That way Spokeo will be able to send you e-mail without them knowing your real e-mail address. The only caveat is that you'll not be able to SEND e-mail with your new MailExpire address; only receive. If you DO need to both send and receive e-mail, for Spokeo or any other entity you wish to not have your real e-mail address, consider setting up an e-mail address for just such a situation. I use several, including vfemail.net and lavabit.com. Anyway, I do feel for those of you who have been the victim of violence, or at least threats of violence. Having such information so easily accessible is very unfortunate. I hope these tips will help. A friend.
Spokeo
Go to this site and put in your name. Spokeo is a so-called 'people' search engine. I don't know how they got access to my information, but the general information, for anyone to see, is my address, my age (approximation actually), and the fact I'm single. I used their removal page and that was wholly ineffective. I've since found out that many people have the same complaint. They list several sources for where they supposedly gain information (e.g. phone directories, social networks, marketing surveys, mailing lists, etc.) of which none apply to me. I am not in the phone book as I do not have a landline. I am not a member of any social network (other than Twitter, which I registered with "fake" information), I don't participate in marketing surveys, nor am I on any mailing lists.
My next step is to contact them by phone (I found their phone number via a DNS search) to have them remove me from their listings, as well as to find out the sources of their information. From there I have several other avenues I will pursue.
I can't even begin to express how livid I am about this company that was started by a pretentious little snot named Harrison Tang
Edited to add:
Here is some information for those who want it.
Spokeo, Inc
556 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 101-179
Pasadena, CA 91105
Tel: (800) 699-4264
Tel: 626) 921-6632
Tel: (626)-396-9499
Fax: (626) 467-4379
Harrison Tang - CEO
Business Start Date: 4/11/2006
< Message edited by DeviantlyD -- 4/24/2011 6:27:01 AM >
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