DeleteMe Review: Comprehensive Analysis and Insights

Understanding DeleteMe

As someone well-versed in privacy matters, I have encountered numerous services designed to assist people in keeping their online presence private. Among these services, DeleteMe has become noteworthy in recent times. DeleteMe, established in 2010, is created by Abine, Inc., a firm committed to offering products that improve users’ privacy and security.

DeleteMe works by targeting data brokers who collect, store, and sell personal information. It’s essential to understand that removing your information from these data brokers can be a very challenging task, especially if you try to do this by yourself.

This is where DeleteMe comes in – the service automates the data removal process, taking on the daunting task of reaching out to data brokers, requesting that they delete your information for you.

Some key features of the DeleteMe service include:

• Comprehensive privacy reports
• Email and phone masking tools
• Regular monitoring and removal of personal information from data broker websites

As a privacy-conscious individual, it’s vital to know that DeleteMe can only cover the data brokers they are partnered with. While they offer an impressive list of data removal services, they cannot guarantee robust privacy protections against every data broker on the internet.

Now let’s take a closer look at DeleteMe…

The Value of DeleteMe

DeleteMe helps remove your personal information from data broker websites. These websites collect and sell your personal details without your consent, which can lead to your data being misused or even stolen. By using a service like DeleteMe, you’ll maintain control over who has access to your sensitive information.

One of the key features of DeleteMe is that it provides comprehensive privacy reports. These reports show what information has been removed from data broker sites, revealing any remaining traces that need further action. The email and phone masking tools are also handy for staying off such websites in the first place.

Exploring DeleteMe Services

One standout feature of DeleteMe is its custom requests. While DeleteMe works with an extensive list of data brokers, some users may have specific websites from which they’d like to remove their information.

DeleteMe’s custom request service allows users to submit additional removal requests for websites not initially covered by their standard plans.

Here’s what the DeleteMe data removal service includes:

1. Submitting opt-out requests to numerous data brokers.
2. Periodic follow-ups to ensure information remains removed.
3. Providing users with progress updates and privacy reports.

Examining DeleteMe Subscription Plans

When considering DeleteMe as a personal privacy service, it’s important to review their various subscription plans to find the one that best suits your needs. They offer subscription plans suited for individuals, families, and businesses.

At the time of writing this article, DeleteMe offers three main subscription plans:

1. Individual Plan
2. Family Plan
3. Business Plan

The Individual Plan is tailored for a single user and typically covers all personal information removal needs for that person. It is also the most affordable option.

The Family Plan is ideal for families who want to protect the privacy of all their members. This plan usually covers up to five family members’ data removal needs and offers better value compared to purchasing multiple individual plans.

Lastly, the Business Plan caters to businesses that require robust privacy protection for multiple employees or stakeholders. The features and pricing for this plan usually depend on the size of the organization and the bespoke privacy service needs. However, it’s worth noting that DeleteMe’s market focus is primarily on individual and family plans, with less emphasis on businesses.

In terms of pricing, DeleteMe operates on a subscription model with differing costs based on the chosen plan. While the exact figures may change over time, you can expect to pay a higher price for Family and Business plans compared to the Individual plan.

Keep in mind that subscribing for a longer period, such as annually, typically results in a more cost-effective solution than opting for a monthly subscription. Moreover, it’s worth noting that DeleteMe offers discounts for military personnel, veterans, and educators.

To get started with DeleteMe, simply choose the subscription plan that best suits your privacy needs, sign up, and let their data removal experts take care of the rest.

Pros and Cons of DeleteMe

As a privacy expert, I evaluated the DeleteMe service in depth, and I would like to share with you some of the pros and cons I discovered. This way, you can decide for yourself f it’s the right solution for your needs.

Pros

1. Ease of use: The DeleteMe service is straightforward and user-friendly, making it simple for users to manage their online privacy.
2. Data reduction: DeleteMe helps remove you from tons of websites and makes it more challenging for people to find your information.
3. Automatic results: The service runs on an automatic system that identifies and removes your personal data from data broker websites, ensuring your information stays private.
4. Time-saving: With DeleteMe, you don’t have to invest hours researching and requesting the removal of your information from various websites; they will handle everything for you.

Cons

1. No round-the-clock customer support: One downside of DeleteMe is that it lacks 24/7 customer support, which may be inconvenient for users in need of immediate assistance.
2. No free trial or free tier: Unlike some privacy services, DeleteMe does not provide a free trial or a free service tier for users to test the service before committing to a subscription.
3. Privacy policy concerns: Although DeleteMe aims to protect online privacy, it has been noted that there are privacy policy concerns about sharing your private information with third parties in an anonymized form.

In summary, DeleteMe provides valuable services that help users maintain their online privacy, but it does come with some cons. It’s essential to weigh both the pros and cons to determine if DeleteMe is the right choice for you and your privacy needs.

Effectiveness of DeleteMe

Let’s talk about DeleteMe’s performance in removing personal information from search engine results such as Google. The service does do an impressive job in tracking down and removing your data from various data broker websites.

From my experience over the past few years, I’ve seen a significant reduction in the amount of personal information appearing in Google search results after using DeleteMe.

One of the features that sets DeleteMe apart is its ability to generate comprehensive privacy reports. These reports provide an analysis of your digital footprint and indicate which websites have your personal information.

Not only do these reports help you gauge your current level of exposure, but they also offer insights into areas you might need to focus more attention.

In addition, DeleteMe also offers handy tools like email and phone masking. These tools allow you to maintain your privacy even when interacting with websites that might otherwise share your information.

To give you a clear idea of DeleteMe’s effectiveness, here are some key takeaways:

1. Efficiently removes personal data from data broker websites
2. Reduces visibility in search engine results like Google
3. Generates comprehensive privacy reports
4. Offers email and phone masking tools

Data Broker Websites and DeleteMe

I’ve seen firsthand how data broker websites collect and sell personal information without consent. These websites gather sensitive data from various sources, leading to privacy concerns and potential identity theft. It’s essential to protect ourselves against these data brokers, and DeleteMe can be huge help here.

DeleteMe targets data broker sites and works to remove your personal information from public view. The service actively opts you out from dozens of data broker websites, allowing you to maintain control over your privacy. Here are some entities that DeleteMe works with in their mission to safeguard your online presence:

1. Sites We Remove From
2. Data Broker Websites
3. Optery

So how does DeleteMe work? First, the service identifies and locates your personal details on various data broker websites. Then, they submit the necessary data removal requests on your behalf. Finally, they continuously monitor these sites to ensure your information doesn’t reappear over time.

Handling Custom Requests with DeleteMe

As noted briefly earlier, one of the key features of DeleteMe is the ability to handle custom requests, including custom removal requests.

The service allows users to submit custom requests for any additional information they want to be removed or specific websites they desire to address. This feature is particularly helpful when dealing with less common data brokers or unique situations that may not be covered in a typical removal process.

For example, if you encounter a website that isn’t on DeleteMe’s default list but still contains your personal information, you can proactively ask the DeleteMe team to address the issue. They will then research and initiate the removal process on your behalf.

Submitting a custom request is quite straightforward. Here’s an outline of the process:

1. Log in to your DeleteMe account
2. Navigate to the “Custom Removal Requests” section
3. Enter the necessary information, such as the specific website, your personal details, and any additional context
4. Submit the request and wait for the DeleteMe team to handle the removal

Keep in mind that while most custom removal requests can be addressed effectively, there may be some cases where the DeleteMe team is unable to completely remove your information.

In such scenarios, they generally provide guidance on alternative actions you can take to protect your privacy. This much-appreciated flexibility reinforces the value of DeleteMe as a comprehensive solution for removing personal information from the internet.

Deleteme Transparency and Customer Trust

In this industry where privacy laws constantly evolve, it’s crucial for companies to prioritize customer trust and adhere to these regulations.

DeleteMe is no exception. Throughout their data removal process, they maintain transparency in several ways:

1. Clear service explanation: DeleteMe clearly lays out what their services cover, from identifying your information on data broker websites to requesting removal and monitoring for reappearances.
2. Regular progress updates: With DeleteMe, customers receive detailed Privacy Reports every three months, keeping them informed on the progress of their data removal.
3. Responsive customer service: Reviews on Sitejabber often mention DeleteMe’s excellent customer service, showing that the company values open communication and maintaining customer satisfaction.

It’s also important to note that DeleteMe abides by current privacy laws, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

When it comes to building trust with their customers, DeleteMe excels in the following aspects:

• Positive user reviews: With a rating of 4.64 stars on Sitejabber, customers are generally satisfied with DeleteMe’s service and results.
• Industry expertise: DeleteMe’s continued success in removing personal data online demonstrates their in-depth understanding of the data collection landscape and privacy regulations.
• Addressing customer concerns: Their transparency and responsiveness to customer inquiries further build trust in their ability to protect your digital privacy.

Overall, DeleteMe presents itself as a transparent and trustworthy data removal service, one with a focus on customer satisfaction, and also staying informed on important privacy laws.

Alternatives to DeleteMe

Yes, DeleteMe is a great service, but there are also two other alternatives worth considering. Each of these alternatives offers different features and benefits, so let’s dive into some of the options available to help you protect your online privacy:

1. OneRep is a popular DeleteMe alternative that provides a comprehensive service for data removal across various data brokers. OneRep offers multiple pricing tiers to suit different needs and even includes a 5-day free trial, so you can test it out before committing.
2. Incogni is another data-removal tool that boasts broader data broker coverage and flexible pricing options. It is often compared with DeleteMe as they both focus on data protection, however, Incogni’s strength lies in its larger coverage, while DeleteMe’s strength is in its targeted approach with detailed reporting.

When looking for a DeleteMe alternative, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Coverage: How many data brokers does the service monitor and remove your information from?
• Ease of use: Is the service user-friendly and easy to navigate for privacy protection?
• Reporting: How detailed and transparent are the service’s reports on your data removal progress?
• Pricing: Does the service offer flexible pricing options and subscription plans that fit your budget and needs?
• Customer support: How responsive and helpful is the company’s customer service team when you need assistance?

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right alternative to DeleteMe that suits your specific privacy needs and preferences.

DeleteMe and Your Online Presence

In this digital age, it’s crucial to gain control over your online presence, including managing your data across various entities like online accounts, public records, and social media. That’s where DeleteMe comes into play.

When it comes to online accounts and social media, DeleteMe cannot directly remove your data. You’ll have to handle these aspects, such as adjusting your privacy settings or deleting accounts on your own. However, they can help tackle data brokers that collect and sell your personal details. This service opts you out from numerous sites, providing a level of protection and privacy you may not achieve independently ¹.

Public records and public databases are areas where DeleteMe shines. Their data removal experts actively target websites that sell personal information, removing your name, address, and other details from these locations. Some key advantages of using DeleteMe include:

1. Saving you hours of work
2. Providing quarterly reports on data removal progress
3. Offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee ²

DeleteMe Against Identity Theft

DeleteMe is also an effective tool in the battle against identity theft. It focuses on removing your personally identifiable information (PII) from data broker websites, which can significantly reduce the risk of your private information being misused.

One of the primary methods identity thieves use to obtain PII is through data brokers. By having DeleteMe remove your information from these websites, you are reducing the chances of your data falling into the wrong hands.

Final Verdict on DeleteMe

With my experience using DeleteMe, I’ve noticed that the service effectively removes my personal information from various data broker websites. It stands out because it covers a wide range of data removal tasks, such as:

1. Wiping out personal listings on data broker sites.
2. Monitoring new appearances of my information online.
3. Offering email and phone masking tools.

However, no data removal service is perfect, and DeleteMe does have some limitations.

For instance, while it excels at removing data from many broker websites, it cannot guarantee complete privacy protection, as new listings might appear on different or new data brokers. Ensuring robust privacy protection requires continuous monitoring, which can be time-consuming for users.

Despite these limitations, I feel that the benefits of DeleteMe outweigh any potential drawbacks. It helps me maintain a sense of control over my online presence and reduces my exposure to unnecessary risks, such as identity theft and unwanted solicitations.

In my opinion, investing in DeleteMe is worthwhile if you are concerned about your online privacy and want to stay proactive in maintaining control of your personal data. The cost of the service is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and protection it provides.

While DeleteMe is an effective service for data removal, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It won’t erase your entire online presence, but it does cover a significant number of data broker websites. This, in turn, makes it harder for unwanted entities to access your personal details.

As someone who has been using DeleteMe for some time now, I can confidently say it’s a valuable service to consider for protecting your online privacy. Though it may not provide robust privacy protections, it’s a strong starting point for those looking to take control of their personal information on the internet.

Just remember that, as with any tool, staying informed and vigilant is the key to maximizing the effectiveness of your data removal efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between DeleteMe and Optery?

While both DeleteMe and Optery aim to help keep your personal information secure, there are some key differences between the two services. DeleteMe offers a hands-free subscription service that removes your personal information from online data brokers and people-search sites source.

Optery, on the other hand, is more of a DIY solution, providing you with instructions and guidance on how to remove your information on your own.

How effective is DeleteMe at removing personal information?

From my experience and various other reviews, DeleteMe is quite effective at removing your personal information from the majority of data brokers and people-search sites. Although it’s important to note that new data can appear as brokers update their databases (or as new websites emerge), with DeleteMe’s regular scanning and removal process, you can be confident that your information will be removed as soon as it’s detected.

Can a family use DeleteMe with a single subscription?

Yes, a family can use DeleteMe with a single subscription through the Family Annual or Bi-Annual Plan. These plans cover multiple people within a household and offer a more cost-effective solution for families looking to protect their online privacy.

Are there any promo codes or discounts available for DeleteMe?

Discounts and promo codes for DeleteMe may be available from time to time through their website or other online sources. Be sure to keep an eye on their official channels for any promotions they may be offering.

What do users say about DeleteMe on Reddit and BBB?

When browsing various discussions on Reddit, I found that DeleteMe is generally well-regarded among users. However, bear in mind that individual experiences can vary.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating system is another useful resource, where DeleteMe holds an A+ rating, which speaks to its commitment to customer satisfaction and trustworthy business practices.

Footnotes

1. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/abine-deleteme ↩
2. https://www.thewaystowealth.com/reviews/deleteme-review/ ↩