And I mean that in a nice way. I Googled my 'First, Middle, Last' and discovered that I have had many funerals, more that Mark Twain, in fact.
Of course, these were all guys that shared my name, some were even the same age (scary).
Scrolling down through the dearly departed, one Google caught my eye because the search blurb contained not only my hometown, but several past towns I have lived in.
When I clicked on it, I was taken to a site called USSEARCH, where I was shocked to see the names of 12 relatives listed as well as cities I have lived in going back over 30 years.
USSEARCH also offered anyone access to not only this data, but also several packages of my information for as little as 95 cents (Get current address, phone number plus up to 40 years of address history plus more).
The super duper snooper package includes email address, a social media search, marriage and divorce records, a criminal search, an "enhanced relative" search feature, and a search of known associates (special price $29.95).
At least I now know how I'm getting calls requesting info on my distant niece who has outstanding student loans. I tell the caller to pack sand and put me on their 'do not call list'. Which they don't. Next time, I'm going to give the number of one of the dead guys with the same name as mine.
Naturally, I don't want to have my data out there for anyone, so I clicked on the "privacy" link conveniently located in very fine print at the bottom of the web page. There I found a section that allows a person the remove their information (sort of kind of).
3. How to Block Display of your Profile on US Search Websites and in US Search Reports:
US Search obtains most of the information for our products and services from partners who generally obtain it from public records. We do not maintain or control those records, and cannot remove your name from any public records.
As a courtesy we offer individuals the ability to block certain records from appearing on the US Search websites, in US Search Reports, and in advertisements "powered by US Search" on third party website. The US Search Privacy Lock suppresses your name only as it appears in the particular record you block, and only suppresses information (e.g., address and phone number) that is associated with the record you block. If your identifying information appears in a different format in other public records, your name may still appear on our Website, in our reports, or in our advertisements. For example, if your name appears as "Mike" in some records and "Michael" in another, you will need to repeat the lock process for each record separately. If your identifying information, such as your address or area code changes, you will need to opt out again to prevent your new information from appearing. In order for us to suppress or opt out your personal information from appearing on our Website, we need to verify your identity. To do this, we require you to send us proof of identity via postal mail or fax, which we will use only to process your opt-out request. Proof of identity can be a state issued ID card or driver's license. Please cross out everything but your name, address, and date of birth before sending us the proof of identity.
Easy peasy, right? Next you have to print a form, copy your valid drivers license (you can blackout your DL number and picture), and mail it to these data miners. I have done this and will report back in the 7-14 days it takes to clear the info.