DeleteMe is a beacon of hope for those who seek to regain control over their online identities and protect private data from prying eyes. However, many wonder if this solution works as advertised and whether it’s worth the price, which is something we’ll break down in this DeleteMe review.
Make no mistake, DeleteMe is a powerful solution for data removal, especially when you look at it on paper. Still, no tool is perfect, and despite being effective at its core offering, DeleteMe is more expensive than its main competitors and has some questionable entries in its privacy policies.
We’ll get to it in due time. For now, let’s explore what DeleteMe is made of.
| Website | JoinDeleteMe.com |
| Availability | US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, UK |
| Coverage | 750+ data brokers (most require custom requests) |
| Core & Extra Features | Email and phone masking, detailed privacy reports, custom removal requests |
| Support | Phone, live chat, and email |
| Price | $8.60/mo |
| Annual Price | $129.00 |
| Deals | 20% Off Coupon > |
Key Takeaways
- DeleteMe's features encompass comprehensive privacy reports and handy tools like email and phone masking.
- While DeleteMe offers various data removal services, it may fall short in terms of ensuring robust privacy protections.
- With comprehensive coverage, DeleteMe ensures that your personal information remains protected across various corners of the internet.
- To get the best deal on DeleteMe, use this 20% off coupon >
Now, let's take a look at the pros and cons of using DeleteMe:
Pros +
Convenient opt-out handling
Custom requests available
Email and phone masking features
Multiple support channels such as email, live chat, and web contact form
Provides how-tos for free do-it-yourself removals
User-friendly interface
Cons –
No round-the-clock customer support
- No free trial or free tier
Privacy policy concerns
Sharing your private information with third parties in an anonymized form
DeleteMe feature summary
DeleteMe offers a broad range of features that extend beyond basic data removal. Here’s what the subscription gets you:
- Competent data removal: DeleteMe removes your sensitive information from data broker websites, drastically reducing your online exposure.
- Detailed privacy reports: These provide insight into the status of your data removal requests.
- User-friendly dashboard: Allows you to monitor the progress of the data removal efforts.
- Email masking: Provides an alternative address that shields your real email addresses from prying eyes.
- Phone masking: Safeguards users' phone numbers, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Payment card masking: Allows you to create a disposable credit card number to use when making purchases, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft (requires your credit card integration).
Company history and reputation: Can we trust DeleteMe?
Rob Shavell, Andrew Sudbury, and Eugene Kuznetsov (noteworthy business and consumer privacy advocates) launched DeleteMe in 2010. Although building up a solid reputation in the following decades, the service saw its fair share of criticism. For instance, many reviewers mention deceptive marketing claims (somewhat justified) and point out that DeleteMe is falling behind its ‘’younger’’ competitors.
Nonetheless, the vendor has carved out a niche for itself as a go-to service for those looking to scrub their information from data broker websites.
Initially focused on US data brokers, DeleteMe extended its reach overseas, now supporting some European countries, Singapore, and Australia.
There are also major concerns regarding DeleteMe's privacy policy, which unfortunately indicates your data may be shared with third parties in an anonymized form – a big no-no.
How DeleteMe works: A step-by-step guide
Kicking things off with DeleteMe is straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
- Sign up: Navigate to DeleteMe’s website, where you can open an account, complete the payment process, and provide your basic private information (necessary for the service to identify and remove your data from data brokerages).
- Search and match: Upon filling out the form, DeleteMe initiates a search across data broker sites to track down personal information associated with your account.
- Opt-out request: If it finds any information, DeleteMe will send an opt-out request to the broker on your behalf.
- Privacy report: Within a week of registration, the service sends you a privacy report that details which brokers have your data and informs you of the data removal’s progress.
- Limited power of attorney: To further facilitate the process, DeleteMe may request limited power of attorney. This allows it to reach out to data brokers and submit removal requests on your behalf.
- Identity verification: To verify your identity, you may need to submit a copy of your ID, driver's license, or similar identification document. Don't worry, you can blur out sensitive information like your photo and ID number.
- Custom removal requests: If you come across your information on a broker site, you can send out a custom removal request to tackle the problem on your own.
See all DeleteMe features here >>
First steps: How to get started with DeleteMe?
To begin your journey with DeleteMe, you'll need to provide some basic personal information. This information is used by DeleteMe to search for and remove your data from data broker websites. The details you'll need to share include:
Your name
Phone number
Email address
Physical address
You can also include alternative names, numbers, and emails, with a maximum of five for each category. While it's optional, sharing information about your employer can help improve the accuracy of the search.
Once you've provided this essential information, DeleteMe will swing into action. It will start the data removal process by scouring data broker websites for any personal information linked to your account. DeleteMe will also take care of submitting opt-out requests to these websites on your behalf.
Within just one week of signing up, you'll receive your first privacy report from DeleteMe. This report will give you the lowdown on where your data has been discovered on broker sites and provide updates on the progress of your removal requests. This marks the beginning of reclaiming control over your online privacy and kickstarting the journey to erase your digital footprint.
Features and benefits: What do you get with DeleteMe?
DeleteMe can become a true ally in your mission to regain control of your sensitive data, boasting solid features such as:
Impressive data broker coverage (Or is it?)
DeleteMe advertises its service as covering over 750+ data brokers, promising an all-encompassing protection of users' personal information. While it’s true that you can effectively reach out to 750 data brokers with DeleteMe, you won’t have an easy time, as the marketing lingo implies.
A closer peek at the fine print at the bottom of the data broker list reveals that a significant portion of these data brokers fall under the category of so-called custom requests.
This wouldn’t be much of a problem if custom requests had sorting and filtering options, but as it is, dealing with them makes it challenging for everyday users to gain a clear understanding of DeleteMe's actual coverage.
Fortunately, we’ve read the entire thing (even the fine print), so you don’t have to. Here’s what we learned:
- Standard one-person plan supports around 60 data brokers, with VIP and business plans adding 40 to the mix.
- 25 of those data brokers are international
In other words, 625 data brokers are actually hidden under custom requests. Thus, be prepared to take the initiative if you want to get your money’s worth.
Easy-to-use dashboard
DeleteMe offers a user-friendly dashboard that makes managing your online privacy more accessible. With a simplicity-first approach, the dashboard allows even users without much technical knowledge to easily navigate through their personal information and subscriptions.
As soon as you log in, the dashboard provides a snapshot of your recent activities and subscription details. Additionally, you'll find all the information regarding potential personal data concerns, allowing you to take action promptly.
On the left-hand side, you can edit your account details and gain access to advanced features.
Exhaustive privacy reports
DeleteMe's commitment to safeguarding your online privacy shows in the comprehensive nature of its data reports. These serve as your window into the progress of the data elimination process while also offering insights into your overall online presence. You’ll see details like the number of reviewed, matched, and removed listings, as well as any pending requests.
In addition, DeleteMe's privacy reports offer a good understanding of the data broker sites where your personal information has been discovered. They specify the type of information posted and even give you an idea of the average time it takes for removals to be completed..
Custom removal requests
DeleteMe’s custom requests give you the option to submit personalized removal requests directly from your dashboard.
Any time you discover your private data listed online, regardless of the website, DeleteMe's privacy advisors will swing into action. They’ll investigate the situation and determine whether they can delete the information on your behalf or provide you with clear instructions on how to remove it yourself.
Do note that the custom removal feature only becomes available after you receive the first privacy report.
Email, phone, and payment card masking
Not sharing private information is the most productive method of keeping your online privacy under control. This is why DeleteMe is so popular. It provides a masking feature that allows you to minimize the use of your actual data by giving you “fake credentials”.
Email masking
DeleteMe can generate email addresses on its servers and is capable of receiving registration confirmation emails on your behalf so that you don’t have to use your real email address.
Our favorite thing is that you can even decide to forward any emails from this address to your private one.
Phone masking
Similar to email masking, here you can get “burner” phone numbers to submit when registering for websites or services. By using these masked phone numbers, you shelter your actual phone number from spam callers and potential scammers.
We must note that, due to restrictions from most US carriers, forwarding short-code messages for verification isn't typically supported with masked phone numbers.
Card masking
With card masking, DeleteMe creates a virtual card you can fund and use as a payment method without exposing your real payment card details. This extra layer of protection ensures that your financial information remains confidential when making online transactions, providing you with peace of mind in this digital world.
Free scan report
DeleteMe has an appealing option: a free scan of over 40 data broker sites. This requires only your first and last name, city, and state of residence.
Try the free scan tool here >>
While it claims to be detailed, this free scan tool will deliver a blurred-out rendition of specific personal information. Naturally, you won’t really be able to discern what information is exposed on data broker sites.
No foul here, because the free scan is just a small teaser to pique your interest in signing up for DeleteMe's paid service.
DeleteMe’s security measures and privacy policy: Can you trust DeleteMe?
Despite DeleteMe having some questionable language in its privacy policy (we’ll get to that soon), it prioritizes security by employing rock-solid practices to protect personal data from modern cybersecurity threats.
Regulatory compliance and regular audits
Since 2021, DeleteMe has complied with AICPA SOC 2 Type 2 requirements, which means its security measures have been rigorously tested and verified. But it doesn’t stop there. DeleteMe conducts frequent internal and external audits to ensure its security policies and procedures are up to scratch. We also see this practice with VPN services, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
It’s the same story with data security. DeleteMe is in line with modern trends, maintaining privacy compliance with the GDPR and adhering to consumer data security and privacy laws passed by US states.
Robust data protection
DeleteMe employs state-of-the-art encryption protocols to maintain the security of personally identifiable information (PII). It leverages the ultra-secure 256-bit AES encryption, a standard trusted by government agencies and financial institutions worldwide. Your data is shielded during transit and while at rest with TLS 1.2 encryption, providing an impenetrable layer of protection.
DeleteMe also implements strict access controls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access. This means only authorized personnel can access sensitive data, and even then, they must go through layers of authentication.
Continuous threat monitoring
DeleteMe employs a comprehensive system of continuous threat monitoring. Harnessing advanced threat detection tools and intrusion prevention systems, it constantly scrutinizes network traffic for any unusual or suspicious activity. By proactively identifying potential threats, DeleteMe boosts its ability to protect your sensitive data.
Furthermore, the service runs a security operations center with a managed detection and response platform. Here, the DeleteMe team conducts real-time analysis of logs and alerts, meaning they’re able to recognize any security incidents and resolve them as they arise.
DeleteMe’s privacy policy
Let’s start by saying the company doesn’t sell any personal information you provide. However, DeleteMe may need to share some of your information with data brokers to fulfill opt-out requests – a definition of a necessary evil.
Still, there are some concerns. DeleteMe’s privacy policy outlines specific situations where your information could be shared without your consent, such as complying with certain government requests as required by law.
In addition, DeleteMe states that it may sell your data in an undefined “sale of assets”, which naturally raises a red flag for us. The vendor may also share your data in an anonymized manner, which can be a deal-breaker for privacy-focused users.
Customer support: What sort of help do you get with DeleteMe?
DeleteMe offers phone, live chat, and email support during specific time slots (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, ET). If the live chat team is offline, you can fill out a form with your name, email address, and message, and they will respond to you when they're available.
The positive side is that during these hours, DeleteMe's customer support team is quite prompt in addressing user inquiries. We tested the customer service and received an email response within an hour of submitting a support ticket. This is especially beneficial for users located in different time zones who may find it challenging to engage with live chat support during open hours.
That said, rivals like Incogni have 24/7 support, which makes DeleteMe seem outdated in comparison.
DeleteMe offers an additional resource in the form of a knowledge base with an FAQ section. It's worth mentioning that this knowledge base is relatively sparse and stingy on in-depth information.
Plans and pricing: Choosing the right option
| Duration | Single | Couple | Family | Premium |
| 1-year | $10.75/month | $19.08/month | $27.42/month | $35.40/month |
| 2-year | $8.71/month | $14.54/month | $20.79/month | / |
Deal: Get 20% OFF on DeleteMe's plans >
Although DeleteMe's price may be higher than that of some competitors, it's essential to weigh the value it offers in return for your investment. Plus, DeleteMe provides flexibility in its payment options, allowing you to subscribe either annually or every two years. You can also add additional people to the plan for a discounted fee.
For those looking to protect their personal information, the standard subscription covers all major data broker sites and includes public Google-able listings removed within days, as well as new opt-outs added all year at no additional cost.
DeleteMe even offers customized plans for businesses, ensuring that every company's unique privacy needs are addressed adequately. To get a quote for a corporate plan, you’ll have to reach out to DeleteMe directly.
DeleteMe doesn't offer a free trial or a free tier, but they do have a fairly flexible refund policy. If you change your mind before your first privacy report is ready, you can request a full refund with no questions asked. After your first report is completed, they provide a pro-rated refund based on the time remaining in your current subscription if you decide to cancel. This means you can try DeleteMe with peace of mind, knowing you have options if it doesn't fully meet your needs.
If you're seeking an affordable yet powerful alternative to DeleteMe, dive into the details of Incogni in our thorough Incogni Review.
Competition: What are the best alternatives to DeleteMe?
| Provider | Coverage | Availability | Extra features | Price |
| DeleteMe | 750+ | US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, UK | Email and phone masking, detailed privacy reports, and custom removal requests | $10.75/mo annually $8.71/mo bi-annually |
| Incogni | 210+ | US, Canada, the UK, the Isle of Man, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and all of the EU | Detailed view of data brokers being contacted and request status, automatic repeat requests | $8.29/mo |
| Privacy Bee | 350+ | US-only | Powerful browser extension and a free risk assessment | $8/mo annually |
| Optery | 270+ | US-only | Free tier available | $3.99/mo |
Let’s start with Incogni, which offers a better value for the money. It’s a more budget-friendly option (especially if you use the code “INSIDER55” for a 55% discount), has broader accessibility in Europe, and offers an intuitive automated approach to data removal.
Another alternative is Optery, which stands out with its pocket-friendly and transparent pricing and advanced scanning tools. Yet, its data broker coverage isn’t as extensive. On the other hand, Optery's premium subscription offers unlimited custom requests, giving you more control over the data removal process.
Meanwhile, Privacy Bee supplies users with a convenient browser extension for identifying and flagging untrusted websites, streamlining data removal. In contrast, DeleteMe prioritizes a human touch in its operations. Moreover, Privacy Bee offers a free version of its service, setting it apart from DeleteMe's offerings.
DeleteMe review conclusion: Is DeleteMe worth the cost in 2025?
DeleteMe offers a wide array of features, including privacy reports, data removal from data brokers, and powerful privacy tools like email and phone masking. Nonetheless, concerns about its privacy policy and competition from more advanced alternatives may make it less appealing for users seeking robust online data removal in 2025.
If the privacy policy business doesn’t bother you and you have cash to spare, the extra features DeleteMe brings to the table alone are more than worth it.
Other data removal guides:
- Best Data Removal Services
- Incogni Review
- Optery Review
- Privacy Bee Review
- Privacy Bee vs Incogni
- Incogni vs Optery
- Optery vs DeleteMe
- How to Delete Your Digital Footprint
- How to Delete Yourself from the Internet
- How to Massively Reduce Junk Email and Spam
- How to Not Get Doxxed
- How to Opt Out of Whitepages
- How to Stop Spam Calls and Robocalls
DeleteMe FAQ
Absolutely! It's a reputable service that has been around for over a decade at this point.
Does DeleteMe actually work?
Yes, DeleteMe does a solid job cleaning up your personal information from lots of data broker sites. It’s committed to playing by the rules and keeping your privacy intact. However, it's important to note that it can't completely wipe out your online presence due to legal restrictions preventing the removal of data from government websites.
When will I receive my first DeleteMe report?
When you join DeleteMe, you'll get your first privacy report in roughly seven business days. It should show where your data is located and will outline the steps necessary to delete it.
Does DeleteMe sell my information to third parties?
According to its privacy policy, DeleteMe takes steps to protect your sensitive data by transforming it into an anonymous form. However, it's important to note that, in certain circumstances, DeleteMe may share this anonymized data with third parties like government agencies.
This DeleteMe review was last updated on May 14, 2025.
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