Personal Privacy

I have a public profile and I'm worried about people finding where I live

Started by Sonic_biscuit • November 11, 2026 • 12 replies
Sonic_biscuit
Sonic_biscuit November 11, 2026 at 6:34 AM

I run a small consulting business and have a fairly visible online presence, podcast appearances, a YouTube channel, LinkedIn. Lately I've had a couple of weird interactions (someone sent a package to my old office address, and a client made a comment about my neighborhood that felt too specific). I don't have an LLC yet, and my home address is on my business license because I'm a sole prop. I'm starting to freak out a bit. What are the actual steps to stop my home address from being public? I know an LLC is often mentioned, but does that really hide everything? I'm not trying to do anything sketchy, just don't want randos showing up at my door.

mossy_loaf
mossy_loaf November 11, 2026 at 7:13 AM

An LLC alone won't hide your address if you're the registered agent. You need to use a registered agent service and make sure your formation documents don't list your home. Also, check your state's rules—some require a physical address for the LLC, but a commercial mailbox or agent address can work. And don't forget to scrub your personal info from data broker sites; that's often how people find you.

TinfoilHattie
TinfoilHattie November 11, 2026 at 10:29 AM

First off, if youre a sole prop, your business license is probably tied to your name and address at the county level. Switching to an LLC with a registered agent is step one, but you'll also want to get a virtual address or PMB (private mailbox) that looks like a suite, not a PO box. UPS Store works in some states. And yeah, data brokers are the real stalker tool—spokeo, etc. Opt out of those

Sonic_biscuit
Sonic_biscuit November 11, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Thanks. I hadn't thought about the data broker angle. I just googled myself and found my old apartment from 8 years ago on one of those sites. Gross. Any specific registered agent services people trust? I see Northwest and Registered Agents Inc. advertised everywhere.

BrevityIsSoul
BrevityIsSoul November 11, 2026 at 10:44 AM

Northwest is fine. Just don't use a service that lists you you as the agent 'in care of' them—some states still show your name. Also, if you're the only member, your name might appaer in the articles of organization in some states. Wyoming and New Mexico are popular for privacy. Do a quick search on your state's LLC filing requirements before you pay anyone.

grumpy_cat_99
grumpy_cat_99 November 11, 2026 at 11:22 AM

lol good luck. if someone really wants to find you, they will. but yeah, data brokers are the low-hanging fruit. also check your county assessor's website—property records are public. if you own your home, your name is there. you can sometimes request a redaction if you're a victim of stalking, but it's a hassle. maybe consider a trust for the house? that's a whole other rabbit hole.

Sonic_biscuit
Sonic_biscuit November 11, 2026 at 11:37 AM

A trust? I've heard of that for real estate but always assumed it was for rich people. Is it actually feasible for a normal small business owner? I rent, so property records aren't an issue for now, but eventually I'd like to buy.

mossy_loaf
mossy_loaf November 11, 2026 at 11:49 AM

Renting actually simplifies things—no property records with your name. But your lease might be recorded? Usually not. For the trust, it's not just for the wealthy. A land trust can hold title to your home and keep your name off the deed, but you need a lawyer to set it up properly. Might be overkill for now. Focus on the LLC + agent + data broker removals first.

TinfoilHattie
TinfoilHattie November 11, 2026 at 11:52 AM

Also, check your voter registration. Some states make that public. And if you've ever filed a restraining order or been involved in a court case, those records are online. You can sometimes get them sealed, but it's not automatic. Oh, and don't forget to use a separate business phone number (Google Voice is free) and don't put your personal email on your website's WHOIS. Use a privacy service for domain registration.

BrevityIsSoul
BrevityIsSoul November 11, 2026 at 2:39 PM

This. WHOIS is a huge leak. Most registrars offer free privacy now, but double-check. And if you have an About page with a photo, reverse image search can find other profiles. Not much you can do about that except use a less personal photo.

grumpy_cat_99
grumpy_cat_99 November 11, 2026 at 4:10 PM

Honestly, the package thing is creepy. Have you considered a PO box for business mail and a separate addrees for packages? Amazon lockers, etc. Also, if you're really worried, a security camera and a dog are cheaper than a lawyer. Just saying.

Sonic_biscuit
Sonic_biscuit November 11, 2026 at 5:10 PM

Yeah, the package was weird—it was sent to my old office address from a 'fan' with no return address. I didn't open it. I'll look into the PO box and maybe a virtual address for the LLC. Thanks for the tips, everyone. I feel a bit less overwhelmed.

mossy_loaf
mossy_loaf November 11, 2026 at 5:50 PM

One more thing—if you're on LinkedIn, your profile might show your location as your city. You can set it to just your state or cuntry in the settings. And And turn off 'share profile updates' so people don't get notified when you change jobs. It's not a full fix, but it reduces the breadcrumbs.

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