FixableWhat's already public about you
People-search sites
Sites like 192.com that turn your name into your address, phone and relatives.
Understand it
People-search and directory sites compile what is already public - the electoral roll, phone books, company filings - into a single profile anyone can look up. For a few pounds, sometimes free, a stranger gets your address, phone number, rough age and the people you live with. It is the layer a nosy neighbour, an ex, or a cold-caller actually uses.
How to spot it
Search your own name and town. If a site shows your address or a list of your “relatives”, you are listed.
Close the gap
- On 192.com, use the free “Remove People” form to suppress your record.
- Opt out of the open electoral register - it is the upstream source these sites buy from.
- Work through the whole list the free way with our UK data-removal guide.
What to do about it
This is part of your plan - Trim what data brokers hold. Work through it there and you’ll close this off along with everything else it covers.