TL;DR: Incogni and DeleteMe are subscription services that send opt-out requests to data brokers, Aura bundles removal with identity protection, and Scan My Shadow is a one-time ₹498 scan report with removal steps. Prices are reported by reviewers and change often; check Incogni and DeleteMe directly. Free tool: Scan My Shadow's digital footprint checker at scanmyshadow.com/digital-footprint-checker.
A data removal service, also called a personal data removal service, contacts data brokers on your behalf so your details disappear from people-search sites. The options differ mainly in three ways: subscription vs one-time, coverage, and what else is bundled.
The three approaches
- Subscription removal: Incogni and DeleteMe run recurring opt-outs.
- Bundle: Aura packages removal with identity theft protection, credit monitoring and security tools.
- Scan and DIY: Scan My Shadow shows where you appear first, then gives steps you follow yourself.
Incogni
Incogni is made by Surfshark and automates removal requests to data brokers. Reviewers in 2025 and 2026 report annual pricing of about $95.88 for the Standard plan and about $15.98 for a single month. Custom removal requests are in higher tiers. Limits: it cannot remove data from brokers that ignore opt-outs.
DeleteMe
DeleteMe is a subscription service from Abine that submits removals and reports on progress; reviewers report about $129 per year for one person. Limits: it focuses on data brokers, not on every public record or social account.
Aura
Aura offers data broker removal as one part of a bundle that reviewers say also includes VPN, antivirus and a password manager, with credit monitoring and identity theft protection. It is more attractive if you want the whole bundle. See identity theft protection: is it worth it. Identity Guard and similar products compete in the same identity-protection space; check each provider for login, cancellation and pricing details.
Scan My Shadow
Scan My Shadow is not a removal subscription. It is a one-time scan of your phone number and email across 1,500+ sources for ₹498, delivered as a report with removal steps, after which your data is deleted. Start with the free digital footprint checker.
Which should you choose?
- Want ongoing, hands-off removals: a subscription such as Incogni or DeleteMe.
- Want identity protection plus removal: a bundle such as Aura.
- Want to see your exposure before paying for ongoing service, or handle removals yourself: a one-time scan, then free vs paid removal and the free US opt-out guide.
Also see who sells your data and removing yourself from Google.
Aura credit monitoring, Identity Guard and other brand questions
Aura offers credit monitoring, identity protection and identity theft coverage in bundles, and Aura Identity Guard, Identity Guard reviews and Identity Guard sign in questions belong on the provider's official site: use only the official login page and beware of lookalikes. Delete Me cost, "delete me from the internet" and "delete me free" searches usually mean DeleteMe pricing or how to delete your data yourself; see the free steps in who sells your data. An internet privacy service is worth it if you value ongoing automation. For a general view of identity products, read identity theft protection.
Searches for ID Guards, IDGuard login, ID Guard reviews and Aura identity protection are about identity monitoring brands rather than data removal. Use each provider's official site and read independent reviews before you pay.
FAQs
What is a data removal service?
A service that finds your information on data broker and people-search sites and sends removal requests on your behalf, usually as a subscription.
What is the best data removal service?
It depends on your goal. Subscriptions like Incogni and DeleteMe automate ongoing removal, Aura bundles it with identity protection, and a one-time scan suits people who want to see exposure first.
How much does DeleteMe cost?
Reviewers report about $129 per year for one person, with higher prices for multiple people. Check the DeleteMe site for current pricing.
How much does Incogni cost?
Reviewers report about $95.88 per year for the Standard plan billed annually and about $15.98 for one month. Check Incogni's site for current pricing.
Is Aura worth it for identity protection?
It is worth considering if you want a bundle of identity monitoring, credit monitoring and security tools; if you only want data removal, a dedicated service may be cheaper.
Is Scan My Shadow a data removal service?
No. It is a one-time scan of your phone and email that returns a report and removal steps, and it deletes your data after the report.
Can I remove my data myself for free?
Yes. It takes time, but the opt-out steps are free; see the free US opt-out guide.
How much does Aura cost, and is Aura credit monitoring worth it?
Aura sells bundles with credit monitoring, identity protection and other tools; pricing varies by plan and changes, so check its site. It is worth it if you want the bundle rather than data removal alone.
Where do I log in to Identity Guard?
Use the provider's official website or app only. We do not host or manage third-party logins, and lookalike login pages are a common phishing trick.
Is Incogni worth it?
It is worth considering for hands-off, recurring removal. It cannot remove data from brokers that ignore opt-outs, so compare with DIY steps and other services.
Can I delete myself from the internet for free?
You can remove a lot yourself for free: opt out of data brokers, delete old accounts and use Google's Results about you tool. It takes time, which is what paid services sell.
Before scammers use your details, see them first: check what is already public about you.
Curious what's already out there? Scan My Shadow checks a phone number and email across 1,500+ sources and sends a clear report — no guesswork, just facts. Start your scan.