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    Safety & Privacy
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsApril 17, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Check What's Online About You

    Do a thorough search of your own name to find out what strangers can learn about you from public websites.

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Search your full name in quotes on Google
    2. 2.Add your city for more results
    3. 3.Search your phone number and email
    4. 4.Check the big people-search sites directly
    5. 5.Write down what you find
    1

    Search your full name in quotes on Google

    ~15s
    Go to google.com and type your name with quotes around it, like "Jane Smith". The quotes tell Google to find that exact name, not just the words Jane and Smith separately.
    2

    Add your city for more results

    ~15s
    Search again with your name and city, like "Jane Smith" Dallas. This often turns up people-finder sites with your address and phone number.
    3

    Search your phone number and email

    ~15s
    Put your phone number in quotes and search it on Google. Do the same with your email address. This shows any public page that lists them.
    4

    Check the big people-search sites directly

    ~15s
    Go to whitepages.com, spokeo.com, beenverified.com, and truepeoplesearch.com and search your name on each one. These are the sites most strangers use to look people up.
    5

    Write down what you find

    ~15s
    Make a list of each site that shows your info along with its web address. Use this list as your checklist for opt-out requests. Plan to repeat this search once a year.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Check What's Online About You

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Most people have more information online than they realize. Data-broker sites, old social media accounts, and public records all add up to a pretty detailed picture that anyone can find in about 5 minutes.

    Doing a full search of your own name once a year is a smart habit. When you see what is out there, you can decide what to remove and what to lock down.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Check What's Online About You — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure