does intelius notify the other person

3 min read 27-02-2025

Meta Description: Discover the truth about Intelius notifications. We explore Intelius's privacy policies, data collection practices, and whether people are alerted when searched. Learn how to protect your information and understand the implications of using people search websites. Get the facts and safeguard your privacy today!

Introduction:

Intelius is a popular people search engine, providing information like addresses, phone numbers, and relatives. But a common concern is whether Intelius notifies the person being searched. This article will explore Intelius's notification policies, data practices, and how to protect your information. Does Intelius notify the other person? Let's find out.

Intelius's Privacy Policy and Data Practices

Intelius's privacy policy states they collect publicly available data. This includes information from government records, court documents, and other public sources. They explicitly do not state they notify individuals when searched. However, the absence of a notification policy doesn't definitively mean they don't notify in certain circumstances.

What Information Does Intelius Collect?

Intelius collects a wide range of personal information, including:

Full Name: This is the primary identifier used for searches.
Address History: Past and current addresses can be found.
Phone Numbers: Both landlines and cell phone numbers may be listed.
Email Addresses: Potentially associated email accounts.
Date of Birth: This helps narrow down search results.
Relatives: Information about family members may be included.
Criminal Records (if available): Publicly accessible criminal records may be displayed.
Financial Information (limited): Potentially bankruptcies or liens.

Important Note: The availability of this information varies depending on the individual and the public records accessible. Not everyone will have all the data points listed above on Intelius.

Does Intelius Notify the Subject of a Search? The Answer is Complex

The simple answer to "Does Intelius notify the other person?" is no, not directly. Intelius doesn't send a notification email or alert to the individual being searched. However, there are nuances to consider:

Data Privacy: The data Intelius collects is primarily from public sources. While not directly notifying individuals, the existence of this information itself constitutes a potential privacy risk.
Indirect Notification: If someone finds sensitive information about themselves on Intelius and then contacts the site, it's considered indirect notification of the user's existence and information being visible.
Terms of Service: Review Intelius's terms of service carefully. They may contain clauses related to data usage and potential consequences of misuse.

Protecting Your Personal Information Online

Given the potential for sensitive information to be available via people search engines, taking proactive steps to protect your privacy is crucial:

Monitor Your Online Presence: Regularly search your name on various people search engines to see what information is available.
Review Your Social Media Privacy Settings: Restrict the visibility of your personal information on social media platforms.
Contact Intelius Directly: If you discover inaccurate or sensitive information, contact Intelius to request its removal (if applicable under their terms of service).
Consider a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help mask your IP address when searching online. This adds another layer of anonymity.
Use a Privacy-Focused Search Engine: Some search engines offer enhanced privacy features.

Alternatives to Intelius: Exploring Other Options

If you're concerned about privacy implications, consider alternatives to Intelius:

WhitePages: Another popular people search engine, but with similar privacy considerations.
Public Record Websites: Check state and county government websites for public records. This allows you to access information directly, without going through a third-party service.

Conclusion: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Yourself

While Intelius doesn't send explicit notifications, the availability of your personal information online presents risks. Understanding Intelius's data practices and actively managing your online privacy are crucial steps in protecting your personal data. Remember to always review the terms of service of any people search engine before using it. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability. Does Intelius notify the other person directly? No. But are there indirect implications and privacy risks? Yes. Be aware and protect yourself.