A recent Minnesota murder case highlights the risks of personal data exposure and the importance of opting out of data broker listings for retirees looking to protect their privacy.
A tragic incident in Minnesota has raised urgent questions about online privacy and the risks associated with data brokers. The case involved a murder suspect whose notebook contained a list of 11 people search websites, underscoring the potential dangers of publicly available personal information.
Your home address, phone number, and even the names of your relatives could be readily accessible on various people search websites, often without your knowledge. This exposure can be particularly concerning for retirees, who may prioritize safeguarding their finances, family, and home. Understanding how to opt out of data broker listings can significantly reduce this risk.
In June 2025, Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically murdered in a targeted attack. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were seriously injured in a separate shooting incident. Investigators later discovered notebooks in the suspect’s vehicle that contained the names of public officials and a handwritten list of people search websites, including TruePeopleSearch, Spokeo, Pipl, PeopleFinders, BeenVerified, Whitepages, TruthFinder, Intelius, Ownerly, USSearch, and PeopleLooker. The notes detailed which services were free and the types of information that could be found through them.
While the discovery of these notebooks raised significant concerns, it did not establish whether the websites provided the victims’ addresses. On June 11, Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the murders, shootings, and stalking of the victims. He was sentenced on July 23 to two consecutive life terms, plus an additional 40 years in federal prison, with separate state charges still pending. This case has prompted a critical examination of how easily someone can access your home address and personal information.
Data brokers collect information from a variety of sources, including public records, online activity, and commercial databases. They compile this data into profiles that can be purchased or accessed by businesses and individuals. While some companies focus on marketing information, others operate people search websites that make personal details available through free searches or paid reports.
Depending on the data broker, these profiles may include a range of personal information. Although not every broker collects or sells the same data, the information available can reveal details you may not want to share with strangers. For a deeper understanding of how criminals utilize this information, consider reading our CyberGuy report on how scammers build profiles using data brokers.
Scammers can leverage publicly available information to make their schemes more convincing. Consequently, a suspicious call or message may sound surprisingly personal, increasing the likelihood of falling victim to a scam.
Even if you have not experienced any issues related to data exposure, taking steps to reduce the amount of personal information available online can make it more challenging for someone to research you. Fortunately, you can request removal from many people search websites for free. However, each company has different requirements, and removing a listing does not always guarantee that it will not reappear.
If you reside in California, you have an additional option. The state launched a free Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) in January 2026, allowing eligible residents to submit a single deletion request to over 600 registered data brokers. Starting August 1, 2026, these data brokers are required to process those requests. The system also mandates recurring checks for matching information, although legal exceptions apply, and removal is not immediate. Other states have their own privacy laws and removal rights, so your options may vary based on your location.
For those who find the prospect of manually contacting numerous websites daunting, data removal services can assist in managing the process. These services help identify data brokers and people search websites that may have your information, submit removal requests on your behalf, and follow up as necessary. Depending on the provider and subscription plan, available features may vary.
To get started, choose a reputable data removal service, create an account, and provide the necessary information to identify your records. You will typically need to authorize the service to submit removal requests on your behalf. Some providers also offer family plans that cover multiple household members. Before subscribing, compare the websites each service covers, its removal process, ongoing monitoring features, and subscription costs.
Even with automated removal, some personal information may remain publicly accessible. Property ownership records, government databases, and certain court records can continue to display details about you. Data removal services generally cannot compel government agencies to delete legally available public records. Additionally, not every website must comply with a removal request. While some services offer custom removals, legal restrictions and technical limitations can hinder the deletion of certain information.
It is important to note that removing data broker listings does not undo previous data breaches or guarantee that scammers will cease contacting you. However, reducing the number of websites that expose your information can make it more difficult for strangers to access your personal details. For retirees, this added layer of privacy can help mitigate exposure to targeted scams and unwanted contact.
As the Minnesota case illustrates, the amount of information someone can learn about you without ever meeting you is concerning. Your address, family connections, and personal history can provide scammers with the information they need to gain your trust. Once this information circulates, controlling its distribution becomes increasingly challenging.
Taking a proactive approach is essential. Start by discovering what information is publicly available, remove what you can, and continue to monitor your online presence. If the process feels overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a reputable data removal service to assist with ongoing efforts. While it may not be possible to erase every trace of yourself from the internet, you can certainly make your personal information more difficult to find.
Have you ever searched your name on a people search website and been surprised by the amount of information available? Share your experiences with us at CyberGuy.com.
According to CyberGuy, taking steps to protect your personal information is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
