SmartBackgroundChecks.com is a data aggregate and people-search website. With online privacy a growing concern among web users, opting out of Smart Background Checks and other data aggregates is more important than ever.
According to Google Trends, Google searches for Smart Background Checks opt-out methods reached an all-time high last October. Google Trends analyzes the popularity of search phrases over time. Last year, more people than ever searched ways to opt out of Smart Background Checks. We can help
What is Smart Background Checks?
Smart Background Checks is classified as an online data broker. It’s known for posting highly personal and sensitive information about individuals on the web. The Smartbackground company provides a ‘smart’ people search function that allows people to run backgrounds on anyone they choose. The core business is one of information sharing, but like many data brokers, SBC often sells advertising or data for profit.
The search features can be completed with as little as a name. Smart Background Checks also allows you to find personal information online about an individual using only their cell phone number or address. SmartBackgroundChecks.com visitors can even access such personal information as location history, aliases, employment history, public record information and more.
The Smart Background Checks site manages a database of almost a billion records pulled from over 2,000 different data sources. In many cases, these data sources come from public records maintained by local, state, and federal authorities. Because this information is public, it is easily accessed. Data brokers scrape data sources and organize the information in a format that can be searched easily by site visitors.
Information online on sites like SBC exposes individuals to everything from scams and identity theft to relentless robocalls. Every background check can compromise your personal privacy. Even if your phone number or contact information is visible on people search sites like these, you may get unwanted or spam calls.
If you’re concerned about your online privacy, you’ll want to opt-out of Smart Background Checks as soon as possible.
Luckily, the Smart Background Checks opt out process takes as little as 60 seconds to complete. With expert insight from our team of technology gurus, analysts and legal professionals, we show you how to opt out of Smart Background Checks fast.
How to Remove Your Personal Information from Smart Background Checks in 3 Easy Steps
1. SmartBackgroundChecks.com Removal Request
To start the Smart Background Checks removal process, head to SmartBackgroundChecks.com/optout. Enter your email address and other requested contact information on the web page for verification purposes.
Check the prompt ‘I agree that I am the subject of the record I am requesting to be removed, or the subject has authorized me to have it removed for them.’ Then, click the ‘Accept Terms & Start Removal’ button. After you accept terms posted by SBC, you are directed to the next step of the process.
The smartbackground.com site states you should only select records related to you or direct family members. Automated requests made by software may not be fulfilled.
The background platform allows you to remove up to three individual records at a time.
2. Check Your Personal Info on SmartBackgroundChecks.com
On the following page, locate the clickthrough to Smart Background Checks’ search features. You’ll find your record here. It may appear you’ve returned to the homepage, but fear not. Wherever you’re directed to, it’s solely for the purpose of using the site’s search function.
After finding your record, press the ‘Click for More Details’ button. This is next to a padlock icon.
3. Submit the Removal Request
To complete the Smart Background Checks opt-out process, click the yellow ‘Request My Record To Be Removed’ button. The site provides a wordy opt-out request confirmation. This states that your request has been accepted and is being processed.
Smart Background Checks claims all requests to remove records are processed as efficiently as possible. According to Smart Background Checks, removal takes anywhere from a few minutes to several days. SmartBackgroundChecks.com completes the majority of opt-out requests within 72 hours.
SmartBackgroundChecks.com advises against revisiting or refreshing its opt-out page, as this may slow down the process.
Smart Background Checks Complaints
Despite SmartBackgroundChecks.com’s suggestion that requests are processed efficiently, Better Business Bureau complaints continue to pop up. In fact, BBB reports a pattern of complaints against the site.
Many complaints allege that:
- Smart Background Checks lists personal information without consumer approval
- Smart Background Checks’ opt-out function does not work
- The site does not publish a phone number for customers to access.
- Personal information removal requests are not processed
“BBB requested the voluntary cooperation of Smart Background in eliminating the pattern of complaints,” says the organization.
While the ownership of the site reportedly hasn’t responded to BBB’s messages, consumer opt-out requests are currently being processed.
Follow SBC’s instructions carefully and wait 72 hours to complete. SmartBackgroundChecks opt-out shouldn’t be a problem.
Growing online privacy concerns
According to Pew Research Center, U.S. citizens are more concerned about their personal data than ever. In fact, most believe their personal data — their phone numbers, personal details, and contact information — is much less secure than in years past. Every background check can expose the personal details that can impact your online privacy.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that people across the country are opting out of background check sites. This is also true of sites like BeenVerified, Whitepages, Spokeo, MyLife and Instant Checkmate.
Concerns specifically surrounding Smart Background Checks
For many, the Smart Background Checks.com business model raises more questions than answers. With that in mind, here are a few answers to commonly asked questions about SBC and how it operates:
Is Smart Background Checks legit?
Smart Background Checks is a legitimate business. This is despite its role as a personal information publisher. If you want to protect your privacy, it’s crucial to opt out of the site as soon as possible.
Is Smart Background Checks legal?
Despite growing criticism, SmartBackgroundCheck and its services are perfectly legal.
The site is not intended for employment, credit or tenant screening. But in reality, no effort is made to stop this from happening.
Where can I read Smart Background Checks reviews?
Many Smart Background Checks reviews can be found online, including on the Better Business Bureau website. You may also search Smart Background Checks reviews on your preferred review platform.
SBC reviews can also be found using Google or Bing.
Does Smart Background Checks opt-out include its app?
SmartBackgroundChecks doesn’t have a standalone app. Instead, the company website offers a user-friendly design to make data searches as easy as possible.
Users need only to enter a name, address, or phone number to collect private information.
How do I contact Smart Background Checks?
You may contact Smart Background Checks any time at SmartBackgroundChecks.com/contact. You may also message the site at its Atlanta-based post box address or by calling its customer service team phone number at 800-571-0614.
What are SmartBackgroundChecks.com’s terms?
SBC Terms of Service total more than 4,000 words. They cover the use of its services, third-party sites and proprietary rights. They also include a disclaimer of warranties, a liability limitation statement and information on the resolution of disputes.
Learn more about the site’s terms at SmartBackgroundChecks.com/terms.
Take back control of your data
According to a recent study on online privacy, more than 84 percent of U.S. adults now fear a lack of control over their private data.
Thankfully, taking back control from SBC is fast, free and incredibly straightforward.
The same Pew Research Center study also reveals about half of people feel they have no control over who can access their information.
More than ever, businesses and individuals are turning to privacy protection experts to restore peace of mind.
Managing your online reputation
Whether you’re a business owner, public figure or individual concerned about your privacy, we’re here to help.
Net Reputation has over a decade of experience in online privacy protection and reputation management. Our experts have the tools, technology and know-how to protect your private data and put you in control of your online reputation. We can also alert you by email whenever new information goes live.
Ready to restore your online privacy and improve your reputation in the process? Call the NetReputation team at 844-461-3632 to remove your private info today.