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Review 3/18/2011
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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.
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Business's response - by Spokeo, Incon 9/28/2011
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Dear Teddy, I’m sorry to hear that you encountered difficulties removing your listing. Our Privacy page has been designed to be as simple as possible for your convenience. However, certain restrictions do have to be put in place to verify your identity and to prevent spammers and bots from removing hundreds of unauthorized listings at a time. We apologize if this has caused any inconvenience and are working very hard to make even more improvements. I can also assure you that your email address is not saved and/or sold to third parties. Spokeo guarantees that our opt-out policy is among the best on the Internet. In the meantime, If you have any listings that you would like to be removed, you can go ahead and email each of the URL's to our Privacy Team through our contact page: www.Spokeo.com/contact. The Spokeo Privacy team will remove your listings as soon as possible. Just allow up to 24-hours for the change to be reflected on our site. I can also assure you that your email address is not saved and/or sold to third parties.
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