With data breaches and privacy concerns on the rise, many people want to reduce their digital footprints by opting out of data broker sites like LexisNexis. But is it possible to remove yourself from their records? And could opting out cause issues later on?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explain everything you need to know about managing your LexisNexis data, including step-by-step instructions on how to opt out.
What is LexisNexis and Why Do They Collect So Much Data?
LexisNexis is part of RELX, a multinational information and analytics firm founded in the 1970‘s and headquartered in London.
The LexisNexis division specifically focuses on providing data services to businesses, government agencies, law enforcement, and legal professionals. Their three main service areas are risk management, legal analytics, and research.
Within their risk management services, LexisNexis offers a popular product called Risk Solutions. This tool compiles extensive Consumer Disclosure Reports on both individuals and companies.
According to LexisNexis, their consumer reports contain information sourced from over 10,000 public records and proprietary sources. This includes data points like:
- Court records (bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, etc.)
- Licenses and registrations
- Criminal records
- Real estate transactions
- Motor vehicle records
- Change of address records
- Newspaper articles
- Social media posts
- Phone directory listings
With billions of public and private records in their databases, LexisNexis has access to information on over 99% of American adults.
Businesses use LexisNexis reports to screen potential customers and make decisions on lending, insurance policies, apartment rentals, and many other transactions.
But why does LexisNexis collect detailed data on so many people?
It all comes down to their mission of providing information to support risk management and decision making. Companies want to research who they are doing business with to prevent fraud and minimize their own risks.
Access to comprehensive data on individuals and companies allows LexisNexis customers to investigate things like:
- Identity – Does this person who they claim to be?
- Stability – Are they financially secure or a risk for nonpayment?
- Trustworthiness – Do they have a criminal background or history of dishonesty?
- Associations – Who do they interact with regularly?
While LexisNexis provides valuable information to clients, some feel it comes at the expense of personal privacy. Next, let‘s weigh the potential pros and cons of opting out.
Pros and Cons of Opting Out of LexisNexis
Opting out of LexisNexis or any other data broker is a personal decision. Before requesting your removal, here are some potential advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Potential Pros
- Increased privacy – Reduce the availability of your personal details and history
- Identity protection – Lessen risk of identity theft with less data exposed
- Avoid unwanted marketing – Remove yourself from screening lists used for preapproved credit offers, insurance quotes, etc.
- Remove inaccuracies – Take away any wrong or outdated information that could be damaging
Potential Cons
- Application denials – May face more scrutiny or denials when applying for credit or insurance without LexisNexis report
- Remaining data – Opt out is limited and not a guarantee of full data removal
- Manual updates – You may have to opt out again in the future as new data appears
- Time investment – Opting out takes effort to submit forms and paperwork
As you can see, there are cases on both sides. For many individuals, the privacy benefits outweigh the hassle of opting out. But consider your own situation before deciding.
Next, let‘s look at the step-by-step process for opting out of LexisNexis.
How to Opt Out of LexisNexis in 5 Steps
LexisNexis allows consumers to submit requests to opt out of having their personal information included in consumer disclosure reports. Here is the process:
Step 1: Visit the LexisNexis Opt Out Page
Go to the official LexisNexis Opt Out Page at https://optout.lexisnexis.com/. This is where you can start the process of removing yourself.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information
On the opt out form, you‘ll need to provide details like:
- Full name (including aliases or maiden names)
- Current address
- Previous addresses
- SSN
- Date of birth
Entering as much identifying information as possible ensures LexisNexis can accurately match you in their databases.
Step 3: Select Opt Out Reason
Next, choose the reason you want your information excluded from LexisNexis reports. Reasons you can select include:
- Privacy concerns
- Victim of identity theft
- Law enforcement officer
- Public official
- High profile professional
- Celebrities
- Victim of violence or harassment
Be sure to select the option that best represents your situation. The reason will determine if you need to provide verifying documents.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documentation (If Required)
For certain opt out reasons, LexisNexis will ask for additional supporting documentation.
For example, if you select being the victim of identity theft, you would need to provide an identity theft report or police report case number.
Or if you select being a law enforcement officer, you may need to submit a letter from your supervisor confirming your employment.
Have any required documents ready when you submit the form.
Step 5: Click Submit
That‘s it! Once you complete the opt out request form and include any necessary documentation, click Submit.
LexisNexis will review and process approved requests within 5 business days.
You will also receive a confirmation notice by mail informing you that LexisNexis has processed your request and opted you out.
And remember you can also opt out by phone at 1-888-497-0011 or by mailing in a request form.
What Happens After Opting Out of LexisNexis?
Once LexisNexis removes you from their consumer database, your name will no longer appear on standard disclosure reports generated for business clients.
However, opting out does NOT guarantee the complete deletion of your information from LexisNexis systems.
Even if you request removal, some types of data may still be maintained internally or disclosed to certain clients. According to LexisNexis, examples include:
- Public records not sourced directly by LexisNexis
- Proprietary data from 3rd party providers
- Permitted purposes under state laws (background checks, fraud investigation, etc.)
- Law enforcement products
- Fair Credit Reporting Act regulated data (credit headers, employment screening, tenant screening, etc.)
- News media content
- Legal documents
The table below summarizes the impact opting out has on different categories of your LexisNexis data:
| Data Type | Remains in LexisNexis After Opt Out? |
|---|---|
| Public Records | Sometimes |
| Proprietary Data | Usually |
| Permitted Purposes | Yes |
| Law Enforcement Products | Yes |
| FCRA-Regulated Data | Yes |
| News Content | Yes |
| Legal Documents | Yes |
While opting out does not erase your data footprint completely, it should still help improve your privacy by removing you from standard business reports.
Next, let‘s discuss an alternative option – freezing your LexisNexis report.
Freeze Your LexisNexis Report to Restrict Access
Rather than opting out entirely, you can place a security freeze on your LexisNexis report. This prevents new businesses or entities from accessing your consumer disclosure report.
Freezing your report is also recommended if you‘ve been notified of a data breach, are victim of identity theft, or want to proactively protect your identity.
Here is how to request a security freeze from LexisNexis:
- Visit the LexisNexis Security Freeze Page
- Enter your personal details like full legal name, current address, SSN, and date of birth
- Select whether you want to freeze your report for all purposes or just specific ones
- Submit any required identity verification documents
- Confirm the freeze request
With a freeze in place, LexisNexis will notify any company that tries to access your report that it is frozen. They will not be able to view the report unless you temporarily lift the freeze.
You can lift a freeze at any time online or by calling LexisNexis. Freezes and lift requests are free for consumers.
How to Dispute Inaccurate or Outdated Information
What if you obtain a copy of your LexisNexis consumer disclosure report and find incorrect or outdated information? Fortunately, you can submit disputes.
Follow these tips to successfully correct your LexisNexis data:
- Gather details – Note the specific information that is inaccurate along with why it is wrong
- Collect evidence – Have copies of documents that show the correct information like a lease agreement, court orders, or bank statements
- Send dispute – Submit dispute online or by mail/fax with supporting evidence
- Allow 30 days – LexisNexis has 30 days to investigate and make corrections
- Confirm changes – Request a new report to verify disputed items were updated
You can submit disputes to LexisNexis online or contact them at:
LexisNexis Consumer Center
P.O. Box 105108
Atlanta, GA 30348-5108
Phone: 1-866-312-8102
Persistence pays off when correcting data broker information. If errors remain even after disputing, submit another request or complaint.
Use a Consumer Rights Service for Help Dealing With LexisNexis
Don‘t want to handle the LexisNexis opt out or disputes yourself? Consider hiring a consumer rights service.
These companies specialize in helping people manage their data at LexisNexis along with hundreds of other data brokers, people search sites, and background check companies.
Some top services include:
| Service | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Incogni | Comprehensive opt outs from 200+ sites including LexisNexis plus identity monitoring | From $119/year |
| DeleteMe | LexisNexis opt out help plus dark web scanning for compromised info | From $129/year |
| Privacy Duck | Affordable self-service opt outs with DIY letter templates | From $39/year |
Key features to look for are automation tools that regularly scan for and request data removal, dispute assistance, and monitoring to catch any new violations. Going with a reputable service saves you time and effort.
In Summary: Taking Control of Your LexisNexis Information
LexisNexis provides an invaluable service to businesses by compiling comprehensive consumer data into risk assessment reports. However, some individuals understandably want more privacy and control over their information.
Fortunately, you do have options when it comes to managing your LexisNexis data:
- Opting out – Request removal of your info from consumer reports
- Freezing your report – Restrict access to your data for most new companies
- Disputing inaccuracies – Correct any wrong or outdated information
- Using consumer rights services – Let the experts handle opting you out and monitoring reports
While opting out of LexisNexis does not guarantee total data deletion, it can still improve your privacy. Take control of your consumer information today with the steps provided in this guide.
