LocateFamily.com presents itself as a people-search service, but it functions primarily as a data broker that collects and publicly publishes personal information—such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and family connections—without explicit consent. The site exploits removal requests by demanding sensitive documentation including photos of passports, driver’s licenses, and utility bills, under the guise of verification. This intrusive data collection serves as a phishing scheme to harvest detailed personal information, which is then used to further dox, harass, or extort individuals. Recent regulatory actions, including a €525,000 fine by the Dutch Data Protection Authority, highlight the severe privacy violations and risks associated with LocateFamily.com’s practices.
Recommendation: LocateFamily.com is a highly problematic platform that poses serious privacy and security risks. Users report significant difficulties removing their data, with many expressing concern that removal attempts serve as traps to extract more personal information. The website’s demand for sensitive documents as “proof” is a red flag for phishing activity. Victims frequently experience harassment and threats arising from the exposure of their personal data on this platform.