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What To Do if a Scammer Has Your Phone Number

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Has your cell phone number made it into the wrong hands?

For many, a scammer with our phone number may not seem like a very big deal. After all, what exactly can they use a stolen phone number for other than making unwanted calls or sending spammy text messages?

As it turns out, quite a lot. In fact, a phone number often provides the only info scammers need to unlock your data and disrupt your life. If you’re not careful, those errant digits could create real havoc for your financial accounts, your identity and much more.

Below, we take a look at what a scammer can do with your cell number and what you can do to fight back.

Is it bad if a scammer has your phone number?

Yes! Scammers and cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever. And if a scammer gets their hands on your cell number, they can use that info to access other personal details you’d rather stay hidden. Once out there, that info then puts you at risk of a variety of scams, including SIM swapping, identity theft and more.

Needless to say, keeping your mobile phone numbers and personal info under wraps is more important than ever.

Can a scammer do anything with your name and phone number?

Modern scammers don’t need much more than your name and phone number to collect your personal data, hack your sensitive accounts and ruin your digital life. Cell phone numbers can even be used to get around security protocols, steal money from your financial accounts and steal your number outright, often leaving you to pick up the pieces.

In short, your phone number is generally more than enough information to steal more info and commit fraud. With only your phone number, scammers can run an incredible variety of nefarious schemes, including:

SIM swapping

A SIM swap involves using SIM cards linked to your number to hijack your number and your cellphone carrier account. With a new SIM card and your phone number in hand, scam artists trick not only your phone company but also financial institutions like your credit card company that use your number to identify you.

This SIM card fraud is also known as cell phone number rerouting, or scam porting.

Number spoofing

Spoofing is one of the more common ways fraudsters use your phone number against you. Spoofing allows scam perpetrators to make your number appear on caller ID instead of their own, even though it’s not you calling.

With spoofing apps available everywhere these days, this type of fraud is all too easy to pull off.

Smishing

Smishing is where criminals use your number to send scam texts and steal personal information. Texting scams trick people done one of two ways: 1) they contain malware-filled links that infect people’s devices and gain access to personal data, and 2) they pretend to be a trusted service professional from, say, the IRS or your bank, and request personal details to send money or solve a “problem.”

How much information can you get from a cell phone number?

Using just your mobile phone number, hackers and scammers can access a surprising amount of personal data, including such details as your current and previous addresses, email, birthdate and even sensitive financial information.

Once a scammer uses your number to unlock troves of personal data, they can then steal your identity and, in some cases, turn your life upside down.

How do scammers get your phone number?

Scammers can obtain your cell phone number in a variety of ways, but in most cases, the likeliest culprit is a data breach. Once a company’s systems have been hacked, the breached client data often ends up on the dark web, where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen personal info every day.

Criminals can also find mobile numbers by pulling old phone company statements and other bills from your trash. Additionally, online data aggregates (people search sites) offer endless opportunities for scammers to track down your mobile number and access your info.

What can you do if a scammer has your phone number?

Of course, the best cure for scams is stop fraudsters from accessing your phone number and other info in the first place. But if hackers do end up with your phone number, there are things you can do to prevent the problem from getting worse:

Avoid handing out your phone number online.

Be wary of random requests for your information, and always do your research first.

Contact your friends and loved ones and let them know fraudsters have your number.

Doing so can help protect your contacts on guard for potential fraud attempts in the future.

Reach out to your cell phone service carrier to report the problem.

Most phone companies will help install additional security measures on your account to prevent other access in the future. Ask your carrier about adding a second password to your account.

Change your passwords and security questions.

From your primary email account to social media accounts, bank logins and online profiles, take time to replace each password and update your login info immediately.

Use Google voice to create a new number.

When doing so, make sure the account is not linked to any other person or personal information.

Avoid unsolicited emails and texts.

Any messages asking for personal info or claiming your accounts have been hacked should be avoided at all costs. Never click a link from a message or contact you don’t recognize.

What to do if you have a scammer on the phone?

If you have a scammer on the phone, the most important thing to do is to avoid engagement. Never offer or provide personal info, particularly your social security number or bank account password. No matter what the scammer is looking for or how many calls you get, never give in to demands for information.

Once the call is over, you may want to report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC can use that info to identify trends, update public info on different types of fraud and build a case against repeat cybercriminals.

Want to protect your phone number online?

With a customized personal information removal solution, you can erase your phone number from search and gain control of your info for good. Want to learn more? Contact an Online Removal Specialist or Schedule Your Free Consultation today.

How to Remove from OKCaller.com

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Is your phone number showing up on OkCaller.com?

If so, your privacy may be at serious risk. When personal details like names, phone numbers, addresses and more appear on sites like OK Caller, they’re also likely featured in search engines.

And when that happens, scammers, criminals and enemies can find that data and use it against you at any time.

Below, we take a closer look at OKCaller.com, how to know if you’re on OKCaller and what you can do to remove your own phone number from the site.

What is OkCaller?

OK Caller is one of hundreds of online directories sharing your name and phone number on the web. A popular telephone safety directory, OKCaller.com lists more than 800 million unique phone numbers across the site.

OKCaller’s main purpose is reverse phone lookup. This means that people use OK Caller to find your personal info based on nothing more than a telephone number. By entering a number into the site’s search bar, users can often learn your name, address and other details almost instantly.

What’s more: users can search numbers in the OKCaller database without needing to pay or sign up. This is because the online directory makes most of its money from unobtrusive advertising revenue.

While not exactly a free service, OKCaller offers reverse phone search reports for a relatively small fee. Typically, such results are available for just under one dollar.

As an online service, OKCaller makes it fairly easy for users to identify unknown callers and avoid scammers. The downside, however, is that while OkCaller operates as a real time directory assistance provider, it also advertises and sells personal data.

And the consequences of having your info displayed on the site can sometimes be extremely large.

What can you find on OkCaller?

Much like other people search sites, a simple phone number search on OkCaller can provide a variety of personal details, including your:

  • Full name
  • Current location
  • Personal photos (those available online)
  • Current & previous addresses
  • Phone carrier and type of phone line
  • And more

After the initial search, the OKCaller website will generally only list the name and address last associated with your phone number. Users can access more personal info for the small fee mentioned earlier.

How did my number end up on OkCaller?

If you find your phone number on OKCaller, chances are it was pulled from one or more public records sites across the web. Like any other online telephone number directory, OK Caller starts by crawling millions of publicly available records to identify and collect your info.

Once collected, OKCaller aggregates this data into individual listings. It then makes these listings searchable through the OKCaller search bar.

The technology used to collect and sell your personal data is by no means unique to OkCaller. Other sites employ this same process to scrape personal details and sell them across the web. However, OK Caller does go a step beyond collection to authenticate data and provide verifiable contact information to the user.

What makes OkCaller unique?

In addition to basic info collection, the OKCaller website allows online users to add, update and verify listings across the site. In theory, this helps the site increase transparency and provide the most up to date and accurate information to future users. But in practice, it’s unclear if this actually boosts the site’s credibility, or simply makes it easier to spread false info online.

Listing your phone number is one thing. But encouraging OKCaller users to attach info to that number may create a whole new set of problems.

In fact, other users may be exposing sensitive personal details that can put yourself and your family at risk.

How do I remove my number from OKCaller?

It’s hard to completely delete phone numbers from the OKCaller directory or a similar service. That said, OKCaller opt out allows you to remove any personal details attached to an OKCaller phone number listing.

If successful, your number will be listed as “private” or “unlisted,” which blocks users from finding your name, address or other info when searching your number.

OkCaller’s Opt Out Process

The step-by-step OKCaller opt out process offers a simple way to remove personal details affiliated with OKCaller telephone numbers.

You don’t need to create or manage any login accounts on OKCaller to opt out. To start the process, simply:

1. Visit the OK Caller website

Once on the OKCaller.com homepage, locate the OKCaller search function under “Phone Number Query.”

2. Search your number

Enter your 10-digit number into Phone Number Query, no spaces or parentheses. Watch out for ads that may redirect you to another site.

3. Verify your OKCaller.com info

Once verified, proceed to the next step. However, if no phone numbers or personal information appear when searching your number, you are not listed on OKCaller.

4. Scroll down to “Edit Your Listing”

The “Edit Your Listing” feature typically appears about halfway down the page.

5. Verify that you own the number

OKCaller allows you to authenticate ownership and handle listing customizations by text or phone PIN.

6. Enter your four-digit PIN

Once you choose to receive your PIN by phone call or text message, a new personal dashboard page will pop up. In your personal dashboard, enter your PIN in the prompt.

7. Change your Listing Caller ID status

After entering your PIN, change your caller number status in the “Enter New Listing Caller ID” prompt to “Unlisted,” Unknown,” or “Private.” This will opt out any address and personal info previously on display in the OKCaller address book.

8. Confirm that the opt out process has worked

While the OkCaller opt out is pretty reliable, it’s important to confirm that your details were removed from the site. Once complete, use the OKCaller service to re-search your phone number.

If “Private” is listed in the Web Caller ID section, the process was successful.

9. Repeat as necessary

Removing your personal info from OKCaller and your current phone number is an important first step. But the chances are good that it’s not the only number you’ve had in your lifetime – or the only number you currently use to communicate, do business, etc.

To ensure complete caller safety on OKCaller, search other numbers you use or have used in the past. Because the OKCaller database is so large, it’s likely other numbers you know or have used are somewhere on the website. Repeat the opt-out process for each one (that you own, of course) to maximize coverage.

Using the website’s simple directory to search all known phone numbers tied to your name is the best way to achieve total peace of mind. The sooner you remove all the information from the website and OKCaller database, the safer you’ll be in the long run.

More About OkCaller

As a service, OkCaller.com makes it easy for people to identify calling parties and potentially find information on spammers, prankers, and more.

By storing so much info, The OKCaller database provides users a one-stop-shop not only for locating malicious callers, but for updating info that may one day help other users do the same.

And unlike many websites, OKCaller allows people to go beyond missed call lookup and mark specific phone numbers as “not safe.” While this could mean any number of things, this new system surely does provide some users a sense of security not often found through other data brokers.

Additionally, OKCaller.com is one of the first online directories (if not the only one) that allows you to message a number directly through its platform.

Like it or not, this is yet another feature that sets OKCaller apart from other search engines across the web.

Still, these extra bells and whistles don’t change the fact that OKCaller collects personal info. And at the end of the day, this puts OKCaller in the same boat with other people search websites – companies that sell your sensitive personal data while putting your online privacy at constant risk.

I’ve opted out of the OK Caller online telephone number directory. What next?

Removing your own phone listing from the OKCaller system avoids having your info found across the site. Still, there are hundreds of similar websites out there also selling your info across the web.

What’s worse: new data brokers are popping up every day, adding to an already sizable threat to your privacy.

Fortunately, there is a way to protect yourself and your info across the web. With the right personal information removal service, you can instantly identify and remove your personal data from hundreds of websites at once, achieving privacy and peace of mind faster than ever.

Need to remove personal info from the internet?

That’s our specialty.

From names and phone numbers to addresses, arrest records, background check info and more, our Information Removal Experts help you delete your personal data from OkCaller.com and hundreds of sites fast.

Our proven removal system delivers results and puts you in control of your info for good.

Want to learn more? Contact our Removal Team at 866-601-6803 or Schedule Your Free Online Consultation today.

Top Tips on How to Spot and Avoid OfferUp Scams

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Want to avoid Offerup scams? Below, we show you how to avoid getting scammed and maximize your experience across the site. 

Scammers are nothing new. But as online marketplaces grow in size and popularity, so do the number of ways fraudsters use to exploit those sites’ weaknesses and scam users out of their money and private info.

Take the OfferUp app. A popular mobile platform for buying and selling items locally, OfferUp now finds a variety of fraudsters in its midst. These scammers often pose as legitimate buyers and sellers, regularly using in-person transactions to trick actual users and steal whatever they can.

Unsurprisingly, this has earned the ire of many OfferUp users. And while OfferUp has tried to fix the problem of offer up frauds and ramp up seller and buyer protection efforts, those attempts seem to have fallen short.

More customers now ask the questions, “Is OfferUp legit?”  or “Are OfferUp purchases protected?”  as bad players continue to operate across the OfferUp platform, putting new users at risk every day.

Can you get scammed on OfferUp?

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, like any other online sales platform, you always face the possibility of getting scammed each time you use the OfferUp app. This is because scammers on Offerup know how to navigate the site and have plenty of ways to trick you out of your money and info.

How to identify common scams on OfferUP

Knowing how to identify common OfferUp scams is key to spotting the red flags and protecting yourself throughout the buying or selling experience.

Some of the more common types of scams to watch for include:

The Fake Check

Scammers fronting as real buyers will sometimes send the seller a phony check to complete the sale. Upon sending the check, they instruct the seller to use a portion of the total to cover shipping fees. Unfortunately, once the seller deposits the check, the scammer will call the seller (you) repeatedly to demand the seller wire the money back.

If the seller refuses to follow directions, the scammer will usually begin to issue threats, which ultimately creates fear. When that seller gives in and wires the money, the scammer gets their cut, leaving the seller at a potentially major loss. This is because the check was fraudulent, and the wired money was pulled directly from the seller’s bank account balance.

Code Verification

Code verification is another way pretend buyers use to get around the in-app payment process and capitalize on the fake check scam. To start, the “buyer” requests your phone number so they can text a “verification code” to prove you’re who you say you are.

They then say they can’t verify your ID or use the in-app payment method. This provides the excuse needed to send a check. Once received, they ask the seller to deposit it and send a portion back.

Much like the original fake check scam, you’re on the hook for the money you sent.

One Listing, Multiple Accounts

Scammers posing as sellers will often create multiple OfferUp accounts and post the same product listing on each one. Within each account/listing, the scammer will instruct buyers to send an email about making a purchase instead of buying directly on the app.

The “seller” emails buyers back with a request to pay by wire or by purchasing a gift card. Once the buyer sends the money, it is almost impossible to trace the transaction. Your money never gets returned.

In a Rush

In this scenario, the seller claims to be in a big rush to sell the item. They generally invent a clever backstory to show why they need to sell fast. Once the buyer is pulled in, the seller requests them to pay the cost of rushed shipping. In return, the scammer promises the buyer they can make the purchase for a great price.

Once the money is sent, the scammer doesn’t send the item, but instead blocks the buyer. This includes blocking any opportunity to instantly connect or send a message to that account.

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common scams for stealing OfferUp user logins, sensitive financial info and other personal data. These scams involve creating phony links, ads and websites that entice victims to take the next step. Once they do, they are presented with fake OfferUp app listings they are fooled into believing they can buy.

When customers attempt to buy these items, they are provided a payment form, which asks for their personal information. Once provided, thieves use this to steal their identities and their money.

Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list of Offerup scams, or scams found or any other marketplace app. But knowing the most common scams out there is definitely a good place to start.

How to avoid OfferUp scammers

Here are six helpful tips for avoiding scammers and OfferUp scams across the site:

Know who you’re buying from

Always do your research and dig into the seller’s OfferUp profile before making a purchase. Sellers with positive reviews and multiple product listings are likely trustworthy and worth buying from. But if you find any accounts with unclear images, duplicate accounts or questionable buyer instructions, it may be wise to steer clear.

Buy through the app only

Buying through the OfferUp app is fully traceable and the safest method for completing an OfferUp transaction. Other methods like money wiring (such as through MoneyGram or Western Union), accepting cashiers checks (or any check), or buying gift cards make it easy for scammers to get your money without getting caught.

Stick with buying local

Reduce the risk of never receiving what you pay for by only buying from local sellers. Buying from someone nearby makes it much easier to verify what you and retrieve the item in the future. On the other hand, buying from a faraway contact opens the window for excuses, increasing the odds you’re facing a scam and will never see the item once you’ve paid.

Never provide personal information

Scammers and strangers live to access your personal info and steal your identity on online sales platform sites. What’s more: they don’t need much. That’s because a cell phone number or former address is all that’s needed to start the process. No matter what the buyer or seller claims, never hand out personal data like email, phone numbers, or bank account info to anyone, period.

Never pay extra for shipping

Any request to pay extra shipping costs beyond the listed price is usually just a money-making opportunity for fraudsters. This is a giant red flag that should end the transaction immediately.

Be wary of aggressive behavior

Any message or behavior appearing as overly aggressive or pushy may point to a scam – and should raise red flags right away. If the contact begins sending repeated emails, demands or threats during the sale, it may be time to take your business elsewhere.

How do you know if a seller is scamming you?

Fraudsters aren’t always obvious or easy to spot. Yet, there are certain red flags to look for when dealing with others on the app.

Some good signs a seller is trying to scam include:

  • Trying to contact or sell to you outside the OfferUp system. Whatever you think of OfferUp security, the app’s internal messaging system provides the safest way to work with sellers on the platform. The app allows you to communicate with another person without handing out your phone number, email or other compromising info.
  • Sending you an outside link that requires a new log-in. No matter what they’re selling, never click on any link another person sends you during the process – even if it appears to be an OfferUp website.
  • Offering you a service, investment opportunity, something free or way to make money. Avoid any user offering something outside of the sale item or advertising a get-rich-quick opportunity.
  • Requests to be paid outside of the app. Anyone asking you to wire a payment through Western Union, buy a gift card or deposit a cashiers check to complete the sale should be avoided. The site offers payment processors for buyers to cover shipping, and cash is recommended for in person transactions.
  • Any person looking to pay for shipping and follow up with an invoice. All payments and fees for each transaction are clearly listed in the app.
  • Requests to complete business on another site or marketplace, like eBay. Anyone selling on OfferUp but looking to wrap things up on a website like eBay or elsewhere is likely up to no good. This is a major buyer beware and should be avoided at all costs.

Why are there so many scams on OfferUp?

You may ask, “can you trust offerup?”  The truth is, it’s hard to say exactly why there are so many scams on Offerup. Some might argue that OfferUp simply doesn’t do enough to protect real users or offer enough purchase protection. And in some situations, they may be right.

Others, however, would argue that scammers are more sophisticated and adaptive than ever. They would add that no level of security is really a match for such a widespread and surging problem.

But no matter the reason, it’s fair to say that education and prevention may be the best tools out there for protecting yourself and steering clear of the scammer trap. Knowing how to spot red flags and when to back away is always an important first step toward achieving peace of mind.

What happens if I get scammed on OfferUp?

If you use the OfferUp service and fall victim to a scam – or spot any suspicious behavior – report the incident to the site as soon as possible. Once you report and block a user, you may still see their items, but you won’t be able to exchange messages.

Also, if you gave out any bank or credit card info at any point during the transaction, be sure to contact your financial service provider right away. Your provider may or may not recommend canceling your account during the process. You might also comb through your bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges. If you find any, report those to your provider immediately.

Finally, remove any personal information listings from the web. Anyone who has gathered your info will likely use it to find more, and data aggregate sites make it all too easy to do so. A trusted personal info removal service may be your best bet to clean your online presence and protect yourself from future attack.

Need personal data removal? Contact a Removal Specialist today or sign up for Your Free Consultation.

How To Find Out If My Information Is On The Dark Web

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Is your personal information showing up on the dark web?

Better yet, how would you even know? And if your personal data is showing up on dark web sites, what does that mean for you and your loved ones? Is there anything you can do to protect yourself – or prevent things from getting worse?

Learn more about the dark web, how to know if your personal information is on it, and what you can do when your bank accounts and your identity are under attack.

What is the dark web, and why does it matter?

The “Dark Web” is a collection of websites and web pages hidden from the average internet user. These sites are not only inaccessible through normal web browsers, but are unindexed and do not appear in Google search results.

Because this layer of the web is hidden, users operating in dark web marketplaces remain anonymous. And, for the most part, their activity isn’t tracked.

For many, it’s this last part that is most troubling. Protected by multiple levels of encryption, dark web users can share, sell and use information almost at will. This includes hackers, scammers and identity thieves aiming to use it against you.

So, when you fall victim to a data breach, and your personal information slips past the surface web and into the dark web, chances are good it will be exposed to any number of bad characters.

And when that happens, anything from your online banking and credit card accounts to online accounts and social profiles are at risk of attack.

The dark web: how does it work?

While websites on the surface web and deep web generally have such endings as “.com,” “.net” or “.org,” every site on the entire dark web ends in “.onion.” What’s more: special software like TOR  is generally needed to access dark web sites. This adds numerous layers of encryption that protect user anonymity.

But despite its reputation, the dark web isn’t always used for nefarious purposes. In fact, many trusted news organizations and legit companies regularly use the dark web to exchange info.

Still, its anonymous nature makes it the ideal place for criminals to sell sensitive information and commit identity theft. And even with a quality dark web monitoring service, stopping such activity and protecting your info can be a major challenge.

How would my information make it to the dark web?

If you ever discover your name, email, phone number or login info on the dark web, it was likely stolen.

The question then becomes, how?

Information thieves use any number of methods to take your sensitive data. These may include:

Malware

Criminals often rely on malicious software embedded in your system to capture your passwords and access your account.

Hacking

Hackers work around the clock to hack online accounts and steal your personal info directly.

SIM card swapping

Sophisticated methods like SIM swapping allow criminals to take control of your phone number. They then use that info to gain access to bank accounts, medical records and more.

Phishing scams

Phishing emails and text scams are popular ways to hijack your passwords, take your data and commit fraud in your name.

Data aggregate/public records skimming

Hundreds of data aggregates like Whitepages.com, Intelius, BeenVerified and others collect public records and advertise your personal data in Google search. For a small fee, criminals and trolls can access that stolen personal information and use it to hurt you.

Low-tech data theft

Scammers don’t always need high-tech techniques to steal your data. In fact, some still obtain stolen information by sorting through your trash, locating bank statements and financial information they then sell to the highest bidder.

In short, your identity data can make it onto the dark web, and into the wrong hands, in a variety of ways. All criminals need are the will and motivation to pursue it.

What types of personal info can you find on the dark web?

Scammers traffic in all kinds of personal information on the dark web, using any stolen data available to access your accounts and steal your identity.

Major events like data breaches and data dumps can result in a personal info buffet for dark web scammers. These events can dish out such sensitive personal details as your:

  • Social security number
  • Current and past addresses
  • Personal mobile numbers
  • Email accounts and logins
  • Names of loved ones and relatives
  • Social media login information
  • Bank account information
  • Credit card numbers
  • Driver’s license information
  • Stolen or leaked data from credit reports
  • Online health records
  • Other online accounts

A thorough dark web scan can sometimes reveal a surprising amount of sensitive material making its way through dark web hacking forums and websites.

Unfortunately, once you identify these items, it’s a pretty good sign there is suspicious activity surrounding your information. It may also signal that you’re susceptible to identity theft and the time is now to take action.

How do you know if your identity is on the dark web?

Many companies offer dark web monitoring and dark web scans to learn if your information is on the dark web. Some even provide a free dark web scan tool, though a free service offer is generally only available with a catch (sign-up, paid subscription, etc.).

But while each dark web scan may market itself as a great way to identify suspicious activity on the dark web, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. If you suspect your information is on the dark web, be sure to research all dark web scans out there before making a commitment. Finding a tool that provides comprehensive coverage and can be customized to your situation is always your best bet.

It’s important to note that much like the World Wide Web, the dark web is incredibly vast. This makes it nearly impossible for even the most advanced dark web monitoring service to find every piece of exposed data.

Not only that, but because data breaches aren’t the only way info gets compromised (i.e., data aggregate skimming, low-tech data theft, etc.), a dark web scan may sometimes miss a crucial or sensitive data point you’re honing in on.

That said, performing a dark web scan typically provides the best place to start, particularly when you believe your sensitive information is at risk.

What does it mean if your information is on the dark web?

If you run a dark web scan and find your personal information on the dark web, you were most likely the victim of a data breach. But no matter how that compromised data made it to the dark web, chances are you may soon fall victim to an even bigger criminal threat: identity theft.

A stolen identity can have serious, even life-altering consequences that can take years and thousands of dollars to overcome. Not only does identity theft put your bank accounts, credit score and credit reports at risk, it can also put a big dent in your reputation, damaging your brand and credibility for years down the road.

What’s more: identity theft and cyber fraud are not only big problems across the country, they also show few signs of trending downward any time soon.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than 4.8 million Americans filed fraud and identity theft reports in 2020, a 45% jump from 2019. And of all complaints received by the FTC in 2020, identity theft accounted for over 30%, largely due to a 110% increase from the year before.

Cyber attacks like ransomware, phishing scams and bank account fraud are also on the rise. Using stolen personal information found on the dark web, cybercriminals end up cheating consumers out of tens of millions every year!

In short, once your social security number, credit card info or other personal data is found anywhere on the dark web, your identity is at risk. Hackers and scammers are always on the hunt for this stolen data, and won’t hesitate to use it against you.

Can you remove your information from the dark web?

Once disseminated, it’s nearly impossible to remove your personal information from the dark web. A dark web scan can reveal new mentions of your name and sensitive personal data. But trying to remove those items will likely lead you to a digital dead end.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to mitigate the damage and slow the spread of your personal data. Taking these actions quickly provides a fighting chance at protecting your info and preventing such issues in the future.

1. Contact your bank and credit card providers

If your bank account or credit card numbers show up on the dark web, contact your financial service providers immediately. You may have to cancel your accounts and create new ones, but it may be the best way to keep your financial information safe.

2. Create new passwords for EVERYTHING

It doesn’t matter when or where your info is found on the dark web. When your data is exposed, it’s time to unleash your inner password manager and change every password in your arsenal. From banking logins and social profiles to email accounts and subscription services, all passwords should be replaced with strong passwords as soon as possible.

3. Keep an eye on your credit card bills

Closely monitor bank statements and credit card bills for signs of suspicious activity. If you find unusual or fraudulent purchases, there’s a good chance it’ll be used again soon. In such cases, you should call your credit card company immediately. The faster you notify your provider, the more likely they will cancel those payments and won’t hold you responsible.

When you do find evidence of fraud, be sure to ask your provider for a new card and account number.

4. Get a credit report from all three credit bureaus

When your info is stolen, you’ll also need to monitor your credit reports for any new accounts fraudsters have opened in your name. And the best way to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date info is to request those reports from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

You may obtain free credit reports and credit scores (one from each bureau) once a year. When you receive these reports, scan each carefully for any evidence of bank loans or lines of credit opened in your name. If you identify anything suspicious to unfamiliar, call the provider that issued the account and explain the situation. It’s also a good idea to file a report with the FTC.

5. Remove your personal information from the web

People-search sites like Whitepages.com, Instant Checkmate and hundreds of others advertise your personal data each day in search engine results, making it all too easy for thieves to find it. Once found in search engines, criminals have no qualms about using it against you or worse: sharing and selling it across the dark web.

Fortunately, the right personal information removal service can help you track down all mentions of your name and info across search results pages, helping you identify and remove those listings before they fall into the wrong hands.

Is your name in the dark web?

If your name, email or banking info has found its way into the dark web, the time to act is now. Anyone from phone scammers to identity thieves never hesitate to steal your info and ruin your credit. The sooner you take action to protect yourself, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

Need a hand removing your personal information from the web? From personal details to background check data, we provide solutions to put you in control of your information fast.

To get started, schedule your free consultation with an EraseMugshots Removal Specialist today, or call 866-601-6803 .

What Can Someone Do With Your Phone Number?

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Hundreds of people-search and data aggregate sites sell personal details like your mobile phone number every day.

And with your cell phone number easy to find in Google, any number of hackers, scammers and marketers can use that info to dig into your identity and leverage it against you, sometimes at a moment’s notice.

Can giving your phone number be dangerous?

Criminals are always looking for the opportunity, any opportunity, to steal your data. In that sense, your cell phone number activates something of a gateway to your personal info, providing just enough room for thieves and fraudsters to collect your details and create lasting problems for yourself, your friends and your family for years down the road.

That said, the biggest danger of giving out your mobile number is that it may one day end up in the hands of a criminal.

Because your number is available in so many public records – and tied to so many accounts, logins, and other crucial personal information online – you’re taking a big risk each day it’s left accessible online. 

Once it’s found and hackers gain control, it’s possible you’ll never get it back.

How do identity thieves get your cell phone number?

As stated earlier, there are many data collection sites out there marketing your name, mobile phone numbers and other personal data online. These sites crawl public records and social media companies across the web to collect information about you and sell it to searchers, usually for a small subscription fee.

Some of the more popular people-search sites selling your mobile phone data include:

  • Whitepages.com
  • InstantCheckmate.com
  • Intelius
  • Truthfinder
  • Spokeo
  • BeenVerified
  • Pipl
  • PeekYou

Scammers also find your phone number and personal info through the many data breaches that occur online each day. Once a breach happens, criminals generally access this raw personal data on the dark web and use it to hack your online accounts.

Would-be criminals can also find your phone info by combing through your garbage, pulling numbers from things like your phone bill and other discarded documents.

What details can an identity thief get from a mobile phone number?

Identity thieves and other online scammers can gain access to an amazing amount of personal information from your phone number. This extensive list of details goes way beyond just your name or the victim’s mobile phone provider, and may include your:

  • Current physical address
  • Previous addresses
  • Names of relatives, including your spouse and children
  • Court and criminal records
  • Mugshots and other embarrassing photos
  • Social media profiles
  • Email addresses
  • Important online accounts
  • Banking information
  • Account security questions
  • Other cell phone numbers
  • Car registration, VIN and driving license info
  • IP address
  • And more

Despite any security measures you might have in place, it often takes very little effort for scammers and criminals to find your phone number, collect your personal details and use what they got against you.

In some cases, hackers will even use this info to hack your social media accounts and begin posting offensive messages that put your reputation in a tight spot.

Can someone steal your identity with your phone number?

These days, your cell phone and cell number are undeniably linked to your identity. That means that anyone seeking your information usually just needs your phone number to steal your data and take over your identity. Sometimes, they can do this in a matter of hours or even minutes.

And once that happens, it can take months or even years (and lots of money) to undo the damage and restore things to normal.

What can fraudsters do with your phone number?

Unfortunately, fraudsters and scammers can do a lot just by accessing your mobile number. This puts anything from your social media presence to your bank accounts and identity at risk with each new day.

These include:

Stealing your identity and ruining your life

Armed with little else but your phone number, scammers can steal your identity and wreak havoc on your life. It can often take years and sometimes even thousands of dollars just to repair the damage.

Accessing your bank accounts and stealing your money

Cyber thieves often use phone numbers to locate your sensitive data and access your bank accounts, credit cards, pin codes and more. This can have devastating results for your finances and credit score well into the future.

Using your mobile number to make robocalls

Easy access to exposed phone numbers makes you an easy target for marketing and scammer robocalls.

Private communications hacking

Savvy surveillance hackers often use the victim’s phone number to access private communications, including your text messages, voicemails and more.

Text scams targeting your contacts

Your mobile number and contact list put your friends and family in the crosshairs of text scammers who target victims relentlessly and without mercy. 

Hacking your social media accounts

Often all it takes is your cell phone number to hack your social media profiles and access more personal details you don’t want exposed. It can also result in hackers posting offensive messages on your accounts, damaging your reputation in the process.

Spoofing your mobile number to scam your loved ones

A hijacked phone number makes it easy for criminals to scam your friends, neighbors, relatives and anyone else on your contacts list. 

Sending phishing messages to friends and relatives

You may not believe you have a high value mobile number, but hackers see something different. Your number provides a virtual goldmine they can use to send text phishing messages (also called “smishing”) to your friends, family, and contacts across the country.

Email phishing scams

Email phishing is common practice among scammers and identity thieves aiming to use your number against you. What’s worse, phishing scams are more sophisticated than ever, making it hard to know what’s real and what may be a trap.

Mobile phone SIM swap that gives hackers total control of your cell number

With your phone number in hand, hackers often use the SIM swapping technique to imprint that number on a blank SIM card. Then, they take control of that number for good.

To complete a mobile phone SIM swap, hackers use your number and personal info to take over your number. They convince phone company employees to bypass two factor authentication and transfer your number and service to a burner phone.

Once a blank SIM card swap is completed, most phone companies are powerless to reverse the impact and prevent physical access. An attacker’s SIM card swap can also be used to fool financial institutions that rely on your phone number to confirm your identity. This makes it much easier to access your accounts and steal your money.

Also known as scam porting, SIM card swapping is one such cyber-attack you’ll never want to be a fallen victim of.

What do you do if scammers are using your number?

When scammers start using someone’s phone number, the results can be devastating – not only for the phone owner, but for their family, friends and anyone who happens to be on their contact list.

Fortunately, if you find that hackers are using your cell phone number to commit fraud, there are several tight new security measures you can implement to limit the damage:

Report the abuse to your service provider

Once in contact, request a secondary password for your account to stop future takeover attempts. This can prevent hackers from obtaining the temporary login code so often used to assume control.

Notify your relatives and friends that your number has been hijacked and is being used to scam people

Warn loved ones to be wary of any unsolicited SMS messages or links sent their way.

Stop handing out your cell phone number 

This goes for online and in-person requests.

Use two factor authentication on all accounts

This provides an extra layer of protection against potential threats.

Avoid apps and sites that directly link to your device

Create stronger passwords, and never reuse a password for numerous accounts

It may seem obvious, but such an oversight can leave the door wide open for identity theft.

Update security questions regularly

Today’s cyberthieves utilize sophisticated social engineering techniques to learn these questions, making it essential to change your questions regularly.

Use third-party authentication, where available

Multiple websites now provide this option for beefing up account security. But even this measure can sometimes fall short in the face of a determined hacker or online criminal.

Remove your phone number from the web

Keeping your phone number safe means limiting access to it across the internet. A comprehensive personal info removal service is the only routine solution proven to reduce visibility and keep your info out of the wrong hands.

Is your phone number showing up online? Protect it today with Online Removal services

Our customized Online Removal solutions work fast to remove your cell phone number from Google search and alleviate your raised cybersecurity concerns for good!

With Online Removal, you can identify and remove exposed phone numbers and other personal info from more than 100 people-search sites on the web. This stops cyber thieves, scammers and trolls from accessing that info and using it against you. 

Our cutting-edge technology scours the internet for all mentions of your name, phone, address and more. We dig deep to locate any personal info that can do you harm.

Once located, we take steps to delete those phone listings from searches of your name and help you take control of your online privacy.

We also provide instant alerts the moment new listings pop up on the web. This ensures you have the intel needed to take action and remove phone numbers before they become a problem.

Want to remove your phone number from the web? Contact us today to get started.

Criminal Records: What They Are And How They Affect Your Online Presence

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Life is not always everything we’d planned it to be. We sometimes find ourselves in the middle of troubling intersections, not knowing which choice is best for our future. We may act impulsively and commit inconsiderate acts, without regard to others’ sense of safety, privacy, or well-being.

 

In a nutshell, premeditated or not, this is how crimes and misdemeanors happen. This is how criminal records are born, and this is how life paths can end up being changed forever.

 

But what are criminal records after all, and what are the implications of having one appear online? Read this article to find out how having a criminal record may impact your life forever and what you can do to remove yours from the Internet.

 

What Are Criminal Records Anyway?

Before we can take a closer look at the ins and outs of criminal records, you should understand what constitutes a criminal record in the first place. 

 

A criminal record is the formal record of the offenses you’ve been convicted of after being found guilty or, as in some rarer cases, you’ve pleaded guilty yourself.

 

In the US, you’ll find that each state has its own law regarding criminal records and the length of time needed before they can be wiped off. In some states, your criminal history will be cleared after 7 years. In others, 3 more years will be needed for this. 

 

What Are The Implications Of Having a Criminal Record?

what are criminal records and do they appear in a background check

Criminal records can weigh heavily on the doer’s personal, social and professional life. This is because they tend to negatively alter the rest of one’s life or at least the years immediately following the conviction. 

 

If you have a criminal record, it doesn’t really matter if you were guilty or not, or how poorly intended you were when committing the act. All that matters is that having a history of your crimes visible online will affect other people’s perceptions of you.

 

Not only will a criminal record impact your ability to fit in the society as easily as you did before. But with criminal records available online to the general public, it means that the police, prosecutors, courts, landlords, and employers can all gain access to your criminal history. In fact, no person is exempt from this, and anyone can be routinely checked.

 

Looking for a new job? You might be required by your potential employer to provide them with a complete background check. Employers may either directly ask you this or proceed to perform a background check right off the bat.

 

Most companies will want to check a new employee’s criminal history record as a routine procedure before allowing them to join the company. This is a way of ensuring that the new hire will not bring unpleasant challenges in the work environment and threaten the safety of the other employees.

 

Where Can I Find Criminal Records For Free?

As we all know, the internet is massive. It delivers answers to most of our questions, and surprisingly or not, it also hosts most of our criminal records. Basically, if you’ve ever been arrested, anyone performing a criminal background check on you will see all your wrong deeds easily. 

 

Still, some arrest records can only be seen with the help of the local law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest. Or with the courthouse from the jurisdiction where it took place.

 

Background checks like this are not exactly free, but they are not expensive either. The additional fees required to unearth criminal records are:

  • Fees related to copying the information
  • Fees confirming that your check is certified and authorized. After all, this is a service that involves at least one or two institutions — law enforcement agencies to be exact — so a small fee to pay considering everything.

 

What Is The Best Site For Tracking Criminal Records?

Now that the industry has expanded — and with more ways to obtain anyone’s data — some websites provide both accurate information and good customer interaction:

1. Truthfinder 

Truthfinder.com has earned quite the reputation of returning trustworthy information among its users. Offering a wide variety of search options, it has a great mobile/web interface that includes very detailed reports. You will certainly find the criminal records you want on this site.

2. Instant Checkmate 

This platform boasts over 1.5 billion total searches and can offer you anything from state/county records to national court records. With Instant Checkmate, all you need is the person’s name, and you’re all set to find out tremendous information about them. The best part about it is that they’ll never know.

3. Intelius

The anonymous search offered by Intelius is both affordable and very effective. You can find out plenty of information about your person of choice, while also interacting with a user-friendly interface.

 

How About Removing Your Background Check?

There’s no way to go around it. Background checks are a pain to go through, especially if you know they’ll return results you would rather keep to yourself. Criminal records can put a damper on your life, and even ruin everything for you. If you let them, that is.

 

But have you ever thought about the possibility of removing your online arrest files?

 

At erasemugshots.com, we can help you restore your privacy by removing your mugshots and arrest records fast without hassle.

 

If you don’t act, your criminal record can be wiped clean, but only after at least 7 years. Or you can also put yourself through the painstaking process of attempting to get your record expunged.

 

By reaching out to us, you won’t need to wait or suffer while opportunities pass you by. After all, this is your chance to live your life to its fullest, regardless of what happened in the past.

 

If this sounds like something that could help improve your life, don’t hesitate to contact us! We will make this heavy criminal burden melt away.

 

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Are Mugshots Online an Invasion Of Privacy?

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Can mugshots online be considered an invasion of privacy? Find out what is an invasion of privacy and whether mugshots can be considered a trespass of our personal information by reading this article.

 

Laughing at celebrity mugshots posted online has become a national sport. But the lingering presence of mugshots in public space can be extremely embarrassing and even traumatic for the individuals portrayed — famous or not — especially since the misdemeanor is more often than not left for interpretation. 

 

Legally, a mugshot is considered public information. However, the rise of the internet and the level of exposure it implies has created an urgent need to revise the existing legislature. 

 

A mugshot can cause trouble when acquiring property, interviewing for a job, or even in one’s personal life. Not to mention that several websites have taken advantage of the legal loopholes and created quite a lucrative business: posting the mugshots online, then charging immense fees to take them off. 

 

With the world changing its perspective in regards to GDPR laws, should mugshots be considered an invasion of privacy or not?

 

Mugshots And The Invasion Of Privacy: The Facts 

When discussing the invasion of anyone’s privacy, one of the main issues with mugshots is the fact that they are taken after an arrest but before conviction. So, while the person could have been cleared, arrested by accident, or even framed, their mugshot will remain in infamy — without access to the full story.

 

Some states in the US classify arrest records as public information or public domain.

 

This allows many websites to post and tag photos without any consent. Federal mugshots especially qualify as public domain and are freely available to the public.

 

While some states have a set of laws specially designated for mugshot distribution, the vast majority simply hasn’t upgraded its legislature to include online use. And when it comes to online media, ethics was never its strong point. 

 

It is a wide known fact among online publishers that mugshots and the disclosure of private facts are a traffic magnet. Moreover, some websites have dedicated themselves exclusively to mugshot publishing, posing as guardians of public safety, when, in reality, they are extorting individuals to have their mugshot removed. 

 

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as many mugshots end up going viral and becoming basically part of internet lore and thus impossible to erase. The less flattering, the more viral potential a photo has — and is usually accompanied by half-truths or exacerbated statements.

 

Moral And Psychological Implications

what is an invasion of privacy

These pictures are often taken in moments of intense emotional and physical distress. 

 

While this should theoretically trigger a compassionate response from the viewer, the truncated story and the sense of detachment generate an almost cathartic experience. The viewer basically experiences a short burst of satisfaction and gratitude that misfortune has eluded them and has affected another individual. 

The effects, however, are devastating and degrading for the person in the picture and have little purpose in aiding the justice system. Other than their invasion of privacy, the financial gains are reserved for the publishing website. 

 

Society’s fascination for trials and justice being served is an integral part of our history. 

 

From witch trials in Medieval Europe to the crowd gathering public executions in Revolutionary France and the Old West, all the way to the sensationalized O.J. Simpson trial, turning the culprit into either a hero or a degenerated villain, depending on the audience.

 

However, researchers have proven, over and over, that public shaming and other media leakage can — and usually do — undermine the integrity of the judicial process. This means that the release of mugshots into the public domain has but one remaining purpose…entertainment.

 

Hence, the moral dilemma regarding whether mugshots can be considered an invasion of privacy and dealt with accordingly.

 

With such a wide distribution medium online, more and more police stations have been encouraged to release mugshots. The ruffled look contributes to “villainizing” the (again, NOT prosecuted) suspect, in sharp contrast with the clean-cut, often doctored professional photos of the “heroic” justice representative. This is a PR move widely explored since the famed television show “Cops.”

 

How Can a Mugshot Affect a Person?

In 2019, New York State drafted a law severely limiting the public release of mugshots to prevent their online exploitation and the invasion of privacy of the individual captured in the picture. This action has created a heated debate about the right to privacy vs. the public’s right to know. 

 

The arguments against it state that mugshots are the backbone of a safe community and aid procedural transparency. The arguments for it state that even after charges are dropped or the sentence is served, the person is still haunted by their mugshots, affecting their reputation and trustworthiness within the community. 

 

Basically, being labeled a criminal only serves as a disproportionate form of punishment long after the person has repaid their debt to society and is trying to move on.

 

The factor of mental health is also often glossed over. Many of the perpetrators are suffering from a form of mental illness. 

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with physical and mental disabilities from discrimination in employment, government services and activities, public accommodations, public transportation, and commercial businesses. Exposing these individuals to ridicule and cyberbullying is exactly that. 

 

Expunging Your Record

Paying these profit-based websites the required (and completely unregulated) fee to remove your mugshot can be a tricky feat. Luckily, progress has been made towards legally expunging your record and sealing it from public view.


First, the expungement law applies to several types of minor offenses, such as drug or non-violent sex crimes related. If the crime you committed falls under this category, make sure that the required amount of time has passed since the incident or conviction, and you haven’t been charged with any other criminal offenses since. 

 

A petition then needs to be filed in court requesting the arrest record and any other documents associated with it to be expunged or sealed. If the application gets court approval, you can send the expungement order to the publishing website. The website may even clearly state that it will remove the mugshots under such circumstances. 

 

If all these seem too complicated to handle, and you are tired of dealing with the invasion of privacy having a mugshot online causes, you can always ask the help of professionals.

 

EraseMugshots.com was launched to offer anyone and everyone a relieving mugshot removal solution. 

 

There are no eligibility requirements to remove mugshots, which means that everyone can have their past criminal history and online arrest records removed from the internet.

 

About The Invasion Of Privacy And Eroding Someone’s Reputation In The Digital Era

The general consensus is that the internet must upgrade its individual privacy regulations and prevent exploitation for profit. 

 

While someone’s criminal history is an important tool of the justice system, it should only be accessed by professionals — and under certain warrants. This should not be a just click away, inviting for a privacy intrusion and leaving room for the uninformed to draw conclusions.

 

The right of individuals to be safe from an online invasion of privacy and free from unwarranted publicity is an essential human right that needs to be protected in the digital age.

 

Want to learn more about what is considered an online invasion of privacy? Looking for help to clean your online presence from mugshots and any other embarrassing records that prevent you from moving forward in life?

 

Contact us today! Our removal specialists will work to remove all your personal information and arrest records from your background report from the top 45+ data aggregates online. 

 

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How To Remove Items From Your Background Check: What You Need To Know

Posted on by EraseMugshots

Haunted by the past? Learn how to remove items from a background check and restore your good name today.

It makes sense that landlords, employers, and lenders want to see background reports before deciding who to lease, hire, and lend money to.

Your background report provides an idea of who you are and helps them understand the likelihood that you’ll stick to your contract.

But while background checks make sense, having an issue with your background report doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. It could simply mean that you’re someone who went through a tough time due to circumstances out of your control. Or, it may even mean the information on your background report could even be a mistake.

For someone with a clean record, a background check can be nerve-wracking. Even if you pay your bills on time and don’t have a criminal record, mistakes can happen.

Some mistakes (such as a late payment) are unlikely to have any effect on getting a new apartment, job, or loan. But others (such as an arrest) can wreak havoc on your future.

If you have a mistake on your credit report or criminal history, it’s key to understand how to remove items from your background check. This allows you to move forward with your life, and seize the opportunities you deserve.

Understanding The Problem: Figuring Out Which Items To Remove

The first part of knowing how to remove items from a background check is understanding what you need to remove.

For instance, if a potential employer won’t offer you a position due to information on your background check, they’re required to tell you exactly why. Should this happen, you can move forward and learn how to tackle the issue the next time you apply for work.

If a lender rejects your loan application, they must provide you a written statement explaining the issue behind the decision. Once a year, you can get free copies of your credit report. These can provide the information you need to improve your credit.

Credit Report Corrections

There are many items on your credit report that can hurt opportunities. It’s important to understand how to remove items from your background check that could lower your credit score.

Inaccuracies to watch out for include:

  • Paid-off accounts listed as open
  • Identity theft issues, including the appearance of accounts you never opened
  • Negative financial events (such as bankruptcy) that should not show up due to the statute of limitations
  • Debts incurred by past spouses

Credit reporting agencies have 30 days to investigate and correct your report after an inquiry. If you notice an inaccuracy and are now applying for a job or loan, inform the person reviewing your application. Then, provide documentation that you reached out to the credit bureau to correct the issue.

Criminal History Corrections

Many jobs require a criminal record check. However, clerical issues can often result in mistakes on your criminal history report. This is why it is key to know how to remove items from your background check and criminal record.

Some common mistakes on criminal history reports include:

  • A lack of information. This may be a record of the arrest without a note that no charge was filed
  • A crime committed by someone with a similar name
  • Expunged/sealed items, even though these issues should not be visible

You must be aware of any issues on your criminal history report. This ensures employers, lenders, and landlords have accurate information about your past.

What If Your Background Check Has Correct Negative Information?

It can be hard to move past mistakes when you have correct negative information on your record. But, there are a few different things that you can do to lessen the impact, even if you have lingering issues you wish would disappear.

Steps To Remove Background Check Info

1. Learn What’s Showing Up

First, the best thing you can do is be aware of what’s on your background check. Then, you can let the person viewing the background check hear it from you before finding it on your credit or criminal history report.

When you get in front of the issue and talk to the person directly, you give them a chance to understand the issue from your point of view. When the person finds out from your background check (rather than you), it looks like you may be trying to hide something.

2. Combat Negative Info With Positive Data

Secondly, prepare yourself with information that shows how you’ve changed since the incident occurred.

Do you have negative information on your credit report and want to get a new apartment? Show your potential landlord records of utility bills and rental fees paid on time. Explain what caused the negative information to appear on your report in the first place.

If you have collections accounts on your credit, paying them off  — or setting up a payment plan — can show a potential landlord, employer, or lender that you are improving your financial health.

3. Expunge Your Records

If you have criminal records, you have a few options. You can work with the court to attempt to seal or expunge your record. Or, you can talk with your potential new landlord, boss, or lender about what happened and how circumstances are now different.

Depending on the crime, circumstances, and matters of the case, you can take steps to show you deserve another chance.

How To Remove Items From a Background Check: Getting Help

If you notice inaccuracies in your credit or criminal report, you’re not alone. What’s more: we can help.

It can be tough to try to stay on top of negative information, especially when you’re working hard to get a new job or to move to a new place.

When you reach out to Erase Mugshots, we’ll carefully go over your background report and talk with you about what needs to be removed. Our skilled team will go to work to create the reputation you deserve, helping you move forward.

Should You Try To Figure Out How To Remove Items From a Background Check On Your Own?

While you can try to figure out how to change items on your background check on your own, it’s not a good idea. It’s tough to find every site where negative background information about you is listed unless you’re a reputation management professional.

Remove negative info and clean up your background checks fast! Contact our Removal Team today to learn more.

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How Long Do Mugshots Stay Online?

Posted on by EraseMugshots

If you were arrested recently only to find your mugshot on the internet, you may be justifiably wondering how long do mugshots stay online.

 

The sad truth is that a mugshot can be online for years. And, what’s worse: they are accessible to people you might want to work for, date, or borrow money from.

 

We all do things we aren’t proud of. But it’s not fair that your criminal records should stay with you long past your last court date. Worse, you might never get a chance to explain your arrest to someone who sees your mugshot online!

 

How Long Do Mugshots Stay Online?

Without anyone taking action, your mugshot and arrest records may remain online indefinitely. And anyone can find them simply by googling your name.

 

It’s not crazy or unusual to find such information from events that happened a decade or more ago. So, here’s the problem…once Google indexes the information and third-party websites pick it up, it remains in search results long after those who originally posted it removed it from their site.

 

How Long After My Arrest Can You Find My Mugshot Online?

Your arrest photo and information can show up online in as few as six hours after your arrest. Search engines may then index that image in 1-5 days. And once it’s indexed, employers and lenders can find it easily after a quick name search.

 

Is It Illegal To Post Mugshots Online?

Since arrest photos and information are part of the public record, it’s not illegal (in most states) to post such information online.

 

A few states prohibit the posting of mugshots and arrest information by third-party websites. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Obviously, that still leaves 37 others.

 

How Does Mugshot Removal Work?

After learning the answer to how long do mugshots stay online, the next questions people have are “how do I find my mugshot” and “how can I get it removed”?

 

Once search engines index your arrest information, it can be difficult to remove all online traces yourself. This is because dozens of mugshot publication websites specialize in arrest information and mugshots. They grab public information from local, state, and federal websites and repost it on their own sites.

 

You may wonder…what’s in it for them?

 

 Well, money, of course! These sites lure in curiosity seekers and those googling names of arrestees using Google Ads and other similar strategies that earn them referral dollars.

 

You can try to remove information from each website by contacting the webmaster and requesting removal. However, there’s no guarantee the site will honor your request.

 

You can also petition the court to seal your records – or contact search engines like Google and Bing to ask for their help.

 

When you hire us, you get several advanced marketing tools to ensure all traces of your mugshots are gone from the internet and unavailable in search. Our methods work in seven days or less. Moreover, you don’t have to be concerned about pulling your “good” information from the internet. We only leave the stuff you want people to see.

 

Will Google Remove Mugshots?

When it comes to how long do mugshots stay online, Google occasionally helps remove information that is already indexed and online via the US Freedom of Information Act. 

 

However, this type of action is rare. There should be a compelling reason for search engine companies to take action. This might be that the information concerns a minor, or the court has expunged the records. Even in the best scenario, this process can take months.

 

Should I Just Pay Mugshots Websites To Take It Down?

Some mugshot websites take down information for a (rather hefty) fee.

 

You may succeed in removing your online arrest records from that one site. But there’s no guarantee that another third-party site won’t pick it up and post it.

 

What Are The Steps To Remove My Mugshot?

We make it easy to work with us. All you have to do is fill out the convenient form on our website. Then, we will contact you within a day to discuss your situation. After that, we give you a free analysis and fee estimate.

 

If you decide that our mugshot removal service is right for you, we start working on removing your information from the internet right away. The mugshot removal process can take up to five days. Within seven days, all information should be erased from search engines.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Remove a Mugshot?

Our fees depend on the amount of information we remove. Obviously, multiple arrests take more time and are more expensive. We let you know upfront how much your mugshot removal project will cost so that you can make an informed decision. We also offer a full money-back guarantee if we don’t deliver complete satisfaction with our service.

 

To learn more about how long do mugshots stay online and how to remove your mugshot from search engines, contact us today for a free removal analysis.

 

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