Last updated January 7, 2025 
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Instant Checkmate opt out & removal guide [2025]
| Removal difficulty | High |
| Profile is removed within | 4 weeks |
| Manual submission | around 20 min |
| Removal requirements | email, identity verification |
What is Instant Checkmate?
InstantCheckmate.com is a popular data broker website that collects and posts all kinds of personal information online. It is a part PeopleConnect, a network of data brokers and people-search sites. To remove your personal information from Instant Checkmate, you need to use PeopleConnect’s data suppression center.
How to remove your information from Instant Checkmate
In short:
- Go to PeopleConnect’s data suppression center suppression.peopleconnect.us/login
- Submit your email
- Click the verification link received to the submitted email address
- Submit your birthdate
- Submit your full name
- Find a matching profile, select it, and click “Continue”
- If requested, verify your identity via email or phone
- Choose “Suppress” in the drop-down under “Desired behavior” and click “Save”
Step-by-step removal from Instant Checkmate
Step 1: Go to Instant Checkmate’s Data Privacy Center.
Step 2: Hit “View Public Data Tools” under Public Data Tools.
Step 3: Hit “Manage my suppression tools” in the appearing box. You’ll be redirected to PeopleConnect’s opt out page.
Step 4: Enter your email address and check the box to agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. Then click “Continue.”
Step 5: Check your inbox for a confirmation email from PeopleConnect and hit the “Verify email” button. Note that the message can land in a spam folder.
Step 6: Enter your DOB, check the box verifying the info you entered is correct, and click “Continue.”
Step 7: Enter your first, middle, and last name, check the box confirming it’s your legal name, and hit “Continue.”
Step 8: Select the matching record from the list. Then scroll down and click “Continue.”
Step 9: Click “Continue.” If your identity isn’t verified, verify it via email addresses or phone numbers from your record.
Step 10: Click the Desired Behavior dropdown and select “Suppressed.” Then click “Save.”
Confirm opt-out after the page refreshes – double-check that your identity is now displayed as suppressed.
Alternative Instant Checkmate opt-out methods
If you’re having trouble using the PeopleConnect suppression tool, you can contact Instant Checkmate’s customer service representative directly. Call (800) 222-8985 or send an email to [email protected].
Remember to keep detailed notes with the date you reached out and the person you talked to. Check back with Instant Checkmate in 48 hours to see if your profile has been removed.
Your data is still exposed on other brokers
Even though you have completed the Instant Checkmate opt-out, numerous other people-search sites expose your information. While opting out of InstantCheckmate.com takes you in the right direction, it isn’t enough to keep your data private.
We recommend that you do these five first:
- How to remove yourself from MyLife.com
- How to remove yourself from FastPeopleSearch.com
- How to remove yourself from TruePeopleSearch.com
- How to remove yourself from TruthFinder.com
- How to remove yourself from Nuwber.com
Go through this list and send opt-out requests manually to each data broker, or subscribe to Onerep to remove records automatically from 207 sites with just a few clicks.
Why remove yourself from Instant Checkmate
Here’s why we highly recommend you opt out of Instant Checkmate first-hand:
- Site visits: around 4 mln. people look others up on Instant Checkmate every month.(1)
- Information exposed:
- A free Instant Checkmate lookup discloses names, age, associated addresses, phone numbers, jobs, and relatives.
- A paid report reveals aliases, images social media profiles, education, employment history, more info about relatives, possible associates, more contact data, location history, licenses and permits, criminal records, bankruptcies and liens, civil judgments, assets, and other personal details.
- Exposure on Google: Google has indexed over 2 mln Instant Checkmate pages making your data easier to find through its search.(2)
Sources: Similarweb, Google
Who sees your data on Instant Checkmate
| Demographic group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 42.62% |
| Female | 57.38% |
| 18–24 years old | 7.1% |
| 18–24 years old | 16.73% |
| 35–44 years old | 19.53% |
| 45–54 years old | 21.02% |
| 55–64 years old | 21.15% |
| 65+ years old | 14.47% |
Instant Checkmate quick links
About Instant Checkmate
- Founded: 2010
- Headquarters: 3111 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA
- Number of employees: 100 – 250
- Website URL: instantcheckmate.com
- Contact email: [email protected]
- Phone number: (877) 564-3003
FAQ
How do I remove information from Instant Checkmate?
To remove yourself from Instant Checkmate, use PeopleConnect’s data removal tool. Access the suppression page, submit your primary email address, and follow the link sent in a verification email. Then submit your DOB and full name, select your record, and select "Suppressed" in Desired Behavior. Complete the removal process by verifying that your identity is now displayed as Suppressed.
How does Instant Checkmate get your info?
Instant Checkmate scrapes open resources and publicly available records to find new information to add to their database. They also collect your personal information from other people-search sites with massive databases.
Is InstantCheckmate illegal?
No, Instant Checkmate isn’t illegal and is allowed to share your data. Everything they share has already been documented in publicly open records that are freely accessible. Instant Checkmate simply gathers this data, combines it into personal reports, and posts it online.
Can my profile reappear on Instant Checkmate?
According to OneRep statistics, deleted profiles reappear on people-search sites every 3-4 months. Once you remove your listing from Instant Checkmate, make sure to return to the site once in a while and check if your info has reappeared.
What information does Instant Checkmate share?
Here’s the list of information provided in a standard report on InstantCheckmate.com: current address and location history, contact details, criminal & court records, vehicle information, traffic violations, and much more.
Why does Instant Checkmate have my information?
InstantCheckmate.com is one of many data brokers that collect and share your personal information for a profit. They gather data from various publicly open sources, including census bureaus, criminal records, government and state records, yellow pages, etc. They usually claim to help you find long-lost relatives, classmates, and friends. However, they also expose you to numerous threats such as identity theft and stalking.
Is InstantCheckmate anonymous?
Yes, Instant Checkmate doesn’t notify people that they have been looked up by anyone.
Is InstantCheckmate a good site?
The Instant Checkmate website is legitimate and operates within US laws. However, it is often criticized for publishing people’s info without their consent. Moreover, some user reviews mention that the provided data is incorrect or outdated. You can submit an opt out request to remove your information from this site.
How do I remove myself from public records?
To remove yourself from public records, you need to contact the entities that are responsible for each record and ask to have it removed or hidden from open access. You may also request Google not to show in their search results any pages that expose your sensitive information. Next, remove your info from people-finder and data broker sites.
Dimitri is a tech entrepreneur and founder of Onerep, the first fully automated data removal service. Top cybersecurity CEO of 2021 by The Software Report.