How to protect your privacy in public records if you are a stalking survivor

If you have ever experienced stalking, domestic abuse, or persistent harassment, you know that the stakes of personal privacy are not abstract. They are deeply, sometimes frighteningly, real. For many survivors, the worry that an abuser could locate a new address, phone number, or workplace through publicly available records creates a constant undercurrent of anxiety.

You deserve to feel safe — and there are concrete steps you can take to reduce your visibility in public records, people search sites, and online databases. This guide walks you through them one at a time, in plain language, so you can reclaim some peace of mind.

Why public records pose a unique risk for survivors

Public records exist for good reasons: transparency in government, property transactions, voter accountability, and more. But the same information that keeps institutions honest can become a weapon in the wrong hands. Here is what a determined person could potentially find through publicly available sources:

• Property records tied to your name, revealing a home address
• Voter registration data that may include your residential address
• Court filings from protection orders, divorces, or custody disputes
• Vehicle registration records in some states
• Business filings if you own an LLC or sole proprietorship

People search sites like ActualPeopleSearch aggregate much of this data into a single, searchable profile. That convenience is helpful for everyday uses — reconnecting with family, verifying a new contact — but for survivors, it can feel like an open door.

Step one: enroll in your state's Address Confidentiality Program

Many states offer an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) specifically for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and trafficking. When you enroll:

1. You receive a substitute mailing address (usually a P.O. box managed by the Secretary of State's office).
2. That substitute address replaces your real one in most state and local government records — voter registration, vehicle titles, public assistance files, and more.
3. Your actual address is shielded from public disclosure.

To find out whether your state offers an ACP, contact your state's Secretary of State office or a local domestic violence advocacy organization. Eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures vary, but the programs are free in every state that offers them.

Step two: opt out of people search sites

People search platforms pull from public data sources and compile profiles that may show your name, past and current addresses, phone numbers, relatives, and associates. Removing yourself from these sites is one of the most impactful things you can do.

Here is a general process:

1. Search for yourself on the site to locate your profile.
2. Look for an opt-out or removal link — most reputable sites, including ActualPeopleSearch, provide one.
3. Follow the instructions, which typically involve verifying your identity via email.
4. Repeat for every major people search site you can find.

Keep a spreadsheet to track which sites you have submitted removal requests to and when. Some sites process requests within a few days; others take several weeks. You may need to check back periodically, because new data imports can sometimes recreate a profile.

For a broader walkthrough, our opt-out guide covers the major data brokers step by step.

Step three: lock down your voter registration

Voter registration records are public in most states. If your state has an ACP, your registration address should already be protected once you enroll. If your state does not have an ACP, consider these alternatives:

• Request a confidential voter status. Some states allow victims of domestic violence or stalking to have their registration records sealed or partially redacted. Contact your county elections office to ask.
• Use a P.O. box if your state permits it for voter registration (rules vary).
• Register under a legal name change if you have obtained one through the courts as part of your safety plan.

Step four: manage property and vehicle records

Real estate

If you own property, the deed is a public record tied to your name. Strategies to obscure this connection include:

• Holding the property in a trust or LLC that does not carry your personal name
• Working with a real estate attorney to structure ownership in a way that separates your name from the public filing

Vehicle title and registration

Some states allow ACP participants to use their substitute address on vehicle titles. If your state does not, ask your local DMV about confidential registration options for protected persons.

Step five: secure your digital footprint

Public records are only part of the picture. An abuser may also search for you through social media, search engines, and other online channels.

• Audit your social media accounts. Set every profile to private. Remove location data from posts and photos. Disable geotagging on your phone's camera.
• Google yourself regularly. Search your full name, phone number, and any known email addresses. If you find results that reveal your location, follow the platform's removal process.
• Use a VPN when browsing to mask your IP address and general location.
• Create new email addresses that do not contain your real name, and use them for accounts that could surface in search results.
• Enable two-factor authentication on every account — email, banking, social media, and cloud storage.

Our guides on protecting your address and checking your digital footprint go deeper into each of these steps.

Step six: court records and protective orders

If you have a restraining order, protection order, or have been involved in a custody case, those court filings may be searchable online. Some steps you can take:

• Ask the court to seal or redact your address from publicly available filings. Many judges will grant this for documented safety concerns.
• In some jurisdictions, you can request that your case be filed under a pseudonym or initials.
• Check your state's online court record portal to see exactly what is visible, and file a motion to restrict access if sensitive details are exposed.

Consult a victim advocate or attorney who specializes in protective orders — they will know the specific procedures in your jurisdiction.

Step seven: build a support network

Privacy measures are powerful, but you do not have to navigate them alone. These organizations offer free, confidential help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
• Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC): provides state-specific resources and safety planning tools
• Local legal aid clinics: many offer free assistance with name changes, protective orders, and court record sealing
• Victim advocates at your local courthouse or district attorney's office

A trained advocate can help you create a personalized safety plan that accounts for your specific situation, including which records to prioritize and which legal protections are available in your state.

What to do if someone misuses public records to find you

If you believe someone is using people search results, public records, or any other information source to locate or harass you, take these steps immediately:

1. Document everything. Save screenshots, emails, voicemails, and any evidence of contact.
2. Report to law enforcement. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. Provide your documentation.
3. Contact the platform. If the person found you through a specific people search site, report the misuse to that site's support team.
4. Talk to an attorney. Civil remedies — including restraining orders and civil harassment suits — may be available.

People search tools like ActualPeopleSearch are designed for legitimate personal use: reconnecting with family, verifying a new acquaintance, or looking up your own information. They are not intended to facilitate harassment or to circumvent protective orders. If you suspect misuse, please report it.

A final word

Reclaiming your privacy after experiencing stalking or abuse is not a one-time task — it is an ongoing practice. Start with the steps that address your most immediate concerns, whether that is enrolling in an ACP, opting out of people search sites, or locking down social media. Then work through the rest at your own pace. You have the right to live without fear of being found by someone who means you harm, and every step you take puts more distance between you and that risk.