Have you ever Googled your own name? If not, you might be in for a surprise. With just a quick search, you could find old social media posts, personal details listed on random websites, or even information you never shared about yourself. 

Your online presence is more than just what you post. It includes everything that others have shared about you, from public records to data broker sites selling your personal details. If the wrong people get access to this information, it can lead to identity theft, scams, or even reputational damage.

So, what exactly might you find when you Google yourself, and how can you take back control of your online information? Let’s find out.

What You Might Find When You Google Yourself

Typing your name into Google might reveal things you didn’t expect. Here are some of the most common surprises people find:

• Personal Data on Data Broker Sites – Websites like Spokeo and Whitepages may list your name, address, phone number, or email.

• Old Social Media Accounts – Forgotten profiles or outdated posts might still be visible.

• Embarrassing or Inaccurate Information – Outdated news articles, blog posts, or reviews that no longer reflect who you are.

• Public Photos – Tagged images from friends or family that you didn’t realize were accessible.

• Negative Reviews or Comments – If you own a business, you might find unfair or fake reviews.

• Scam Listings Using Your Name – Impersonation attempts, fraudulent job postings, or scam profiles.

How to Take Back Control of Your Online Information

If you find something concerning while Googling yourself, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to clean up your online presence.

1. Remove Your Information from Data Broker Sites

Data brokers collect and sell personal details to marketers, recruiters, and even scammers. These sites include people search engines like Spokeo, Whitepages, and BeenVerified.

To remove your information:

• Visit the website’s opt-out page and request removal.

• Some sites require identity verification, like an email confirmation.

• Keep track of these sites, as they might relist your information later.

This process can be time-consuming, but privacy tools like PrivacyHawk can automate it for you by scanning data broker sites and removing your personal information to help reduce your digital footprint.

2. Update Your Social Media Privacy Settings

Social media accounts often have default settings that make posts, photos, and personal details visible to the public.

• Check your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

• Remove or limit old posts that may no longer reflect who you are.

• Disable location tracking on social media to prevent unwanted exposure.

3. Contact Website Owners for Content Removal

If you find something on a website that you want removed, you can:

• Contact the website owner and request deletion.

• If the content violates any privacy laws or terms of service, report it directly to Google or the platform hosting it.

For old social media posts, you can often delete them yourself, but if another person posted about you, you might need to ask them to take it down.

4. Set Up Google Alerts for Your Name

Google Alerts can notify you whenever new content about you appears online.

• Go to Google Alerts and enter your name in quotation marks (e.g., "Jack Bass").

• Choose how often you want to receive updates.

• This helps you stay aware of any new mentions of your name.

5. Secure Your Accounts to Prevent Identity Theft

If your information is already online, criminals may try to access your accounts. Strengthen your security by:

• Use unique, strong passwords for each account.

• Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

• Being cautious about sharing personal information online.

What to Do If You Find Something Harmful Online

If you discover something damaging or alarming while searching your name, take action right away.

• Identity Theft Signs: If you see accounts, loans, or credit cards opened in your name, report them to the authorities and freeze your credit.

• Fake Accounts: Report impersonation attempts to the platform hosting them.

• Defamation or False Information: If someone is spreading harmful falsehoods, legal action may be necessary.

• Sensitive Personal Data: If private information like your address or phone number is exposed, remove it as soon as possible.

In cases where your information is already being shared, tools like PrivacyHawk can help by identifying where your data is exposed and working to remove it from public databases.

Conclusion

Googling yourself is not just about curiosity. It is a smart way to check what information about you is available online and take steps to protect your privacy. The more you know, the better control you have over your digital presence.

Your personal data is valuable, and keeping it secure should be a priority. With the growing risks of identity theft and online scams, being proactive can save you from future problems.

If managing your online privacy feels overwhelming, apps like PrivacyHawk, available on Play Store or App Store, can make it easier by removing your personal data from online databases and helping you take back control.

Take a few minutes today to Google yourself. What you find might surprise you, and taking action now can protect you in the long run.