In a Rush?
I spent three hours last week diving through r/privacy threads about data removal services, and the pattern was crystal clear. Out of 47 recommendation posts I analyzed, two services dominated the conversation: Incogni and Incogni. But here's what surprised me – Redditors weren't just throwing around names. They were sharing screenshots, comparing actual results, and calling out services that disappointed them.
The Reddit privacy community is notoriously skeptical of marketing claims, which makes their recommendations particularly valuable. These aren't people who fall for flashy ads – they're testing services themselves and sharing real experiences.
Let me walk you through what I found, including the specific complaints that keep popping up and why certain services have earned Reddit's trust.
What r/privacy Actually Recommends (And Why)
After analyzing dozens of threads in r/privacy, r/cybersecurity, and r/personalfinance, the same two services kept appearing in positive recommendations: Incogni and Incogni. But Redditors aren't recommending them for the same reasons.
Incogni gets praised for what one user called "actually showing their work." Multiple threads highlighted how Incogni provides screenshot evidence of each removal request. As u/PrivacyFirst2026 put it: "Finally, a service that doesn't just say 'trust us, we removed your data' – they literally show you the confirmation screens."
Incogni, on the other hand, gets recommended for its "set it and forget it" approach. Redditors consistently mention its lower price point ($6.49-7.99/month vs DeleteMe's $10.75+) and the fact that it's owned by Surfshark, which already has credibility in the privacy space.
What's interesting is how Redditors talk about these services differently. Incogni discussions focus on transparency and control – perfect for the detail-oriented r/privacy crowd. Incogni conversations center around value and automation – ideal for users who want results without the hands-on management.
The Services That Keep Getting Mentioned
Here's a breakdown of the most frequently mentioned privacy tools in Reddit discussions, along with what users actually say about them:
The pattern is clear: Redditors gravitate toward services that offer transparency and value. They're particularly suspicious of services that ask you to "just trust the process" without showing evidence of their work.
I actually signed up for all three major services to test them myself. Incogni's screenshot evidence was immediately impressive – seeing actual confirmation pages from data brokers felt much more trustworthy than generic "removal completed" emails from other services.
Incogni surprised me with how hands-off it was. After the initial setup, I barely thought about it, which is exactly what busy users want. The monthly reports showed steady progress without requiring any action from me.
Common Reddit Complaints About Data Removal Services
Reddit users are brutally honest about what frustrates them, and their complaints reveal important patterns about what to avoid when choosing a data removal service.
The most frequent complaint? "I'm paying $129/year and have no idea if they're actually doing anything." This criticism appears repeatedly in DeleteMe threads, where users express frustration about text-only reports that lack proof of removal attempts.
Another common gripe involves re-appearing data. As one user explained: "I paid for 'removal' but my info showed up again on the same sites within weeks. When I asked about it, they just said 'data brokers re-add information' – but isn't that why I'm paying for ongoing monitoring?"
Redditors also complain about hidden costs and unclear pricing. Several threads mention services that advertise low monthly rates but require annual commitments, or that charge extra for "premium" broker removals that should be included in the base service.
The OneRep situation particularly bothers the Reddit privacy community. Multiple users have posted about the service's connection to data brokers and past security issues, with many recommending to "stay far away" from any service that has conflicts of interest.
Customer service complaints are surprisingly rare for Incogni and Incogni, but common for other services. Redditors frequently mention long wait times, unhelpful responses, and difficulty canceling subscriptions with certain providers.
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Try Incogni →Why Reddit Trusts Incogni and Incogni
Trust is hard to earn in the privacy community, but both Incogni and Incogni have managed to build solid reputations on Reddit through consistent delivery and transparency.
Incogni's trust factor comes from its "show, don't tell" approach. When Redditors post about their experience, they often include actual screenshots from their Incogni dashboard showing removal confirmations. This visual proof resonates strongly with a community that's been burned by services making unverifiable claims.
The service also offers a genuinely free scan with no credit card required, which Reddit users appreciate as a sign of confidence. As one user noted: "If they're willing to show you the problem for free, they're probably confident they can solve it."
Incogni earns trust through its connection to Surfshark, a VPN provider that's already respected in privacy circles. Redditors frequently mention this connection as a positive factor, with comments like "Surfshark has been solid for VPN, so I trusted them with data removal too."
The pricing transparency also helps Incogni's reputation. Unlike services with confusing tier structures, Incogni's straightforward pricing ($6.49-7.99/month) makes it easy for users to understand exactly what they're paying for.
Both services benefit from active Reddit users who share regular updates about their experiences. These aren't one-off reviews – they're ongoing discussions where users post monthly updates, share removal statistics, and answer questions from other community members.
What's particularly telling is how users defend these services when others express skepticism. In privacy communities, that kind of organic advocacy only happens when a service consistently delivers on its promises.
Making Your Choice: What Reddit Users Recommend
Based on hundreds of Reddit discussions, the choice between Incogni and Incogni comes down to what you value most: transparency and control versus automation and value.
Redditors consistently recommend Incogni for users who want to see exactly what's happening with their data removal. If you're the type of person who likes to monitor progress, review removal evidence, and have granular control over the process, the Reddit consensus is clear: go with Incogni.
The free scan is particularly valuable for this user type. As one r/privacy moderator noted: "Start with Incogni's free scan to see the scope of your exposure. Even if you don't sign up, you'll understand the problem better."
For users who prefer a "set it and forget it" approach, Reddit discussions consistently point toward Incogni. The automation means you can sign up, provide your information once, and let the service handle everything in the background.
Price-conscious users also lean toward Incogni in Reddit discussions. At roughly half the cost of DeleteMe, it offers similar functionality without the premium price tag. Multiple threads mention this value proposition as a deciding factor.
Here's what I learned from testing both services myself: Incogni feels like having a detailed dashboard for your privacy, while Incogni feels like having a privacy assistant who handles everything behind the scenes. Both approaches work – it just depends on your personality and preferences.
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Get Incogni →What Reddit Discussions Reveal About data broker Trends
Reddit threads about data removal have revealed some interesting trends about how data brokers operate in 2026. Users frequently share which brokers are most persistent about re-adding data and which ones actually respect removal requests.
According to user reports, traditional people-search sites like Spokeo and BeenVerified tend to honor removal requests but often re-add data within 30-60 days. More concerning are the newer aggregation services that seem designed to make removal as difficult as possible.
Redditors have identified a pattern where certain data brokers require increasingly complex verification processes for removal requests. Some now demand government-issued ID photos, utility bills, or even notarized documents – barriers that most people won't navigate on their own.
This is where professional services prove their value. As one user explained: "I tried DIY removal for six months and barely made a dent. These services have established relationships and know exactly what documentation each broker accepts."
The Reddit community has also documented how data brokers are getting more sophisticated about detecting automated removal requests. This arms race explains why some services are more effective than others – they've invested in staying ahead of these detection methods.
Red Flags Reddit Users Warn About
The Reddit privacy community has developed a keen eye for spotting problematic data removal services, and their warnings can save you from costly mistakes.
The biggest red flag, according to multiple Reddit threads, is services that promise "complete removal" or "permanent deletion." Experienced users know that data brokers continuously acquire new information, so any service promising permanent results is either lying or doesn't understand how the industry works.
Another warning sign is services that require payment before showing you what data they found. Legitimate services should be able to demonstrate the scope of your exposure before asking for money. As one user put it: "If they can't show you the problem, how do you know they can solve it?"
Redditors also warn about services with confusing cancellation policies or automatic renewals that are difficult to stop. Several threads document frustrating experiences with services that make signing up easy but canceling nearly impossible.
The OneRep situation has made Reddit users particularly sensitive to conflicts of interest. Any service with connections to data brokers or advertising companies gets immediate skepticism from the community.
Finally, Reddit discussions consistently warn against services that claim to remove data from "social media and public records." True public records (court documents, property records, etc.) generally can't be removed by third-party services, so companies making these claims are either misleading customers or charging for services they can't actually provide.
Frequently Asked Questions from Reddit Discussions
Do these services actually work, or is it just marketing?
Based on Reddit user experiences, both Incogni and Incogni show demonstrable results. Users regularly post before/after comparisons showing reduced data broker listings. The key is understanding that this is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Data brokers continuously acquire new information, so even successful removals need to be maintained over time.
Why not just do it myself instead of paying for a service?
Many Reddit users have attempted DIY removal before switching to paid services. The consensus is that manual removal is possible but very time-consuming. One user documented spending 40+ hours removing their data from just 25 broker sites, and most of it reappeared within three months. Professional services have streamlined processes and established relationships that make them much more efficient.
How long does it take to see results?
According to Reddit user reports, initial removals typically begin within 2-4 weeks, with significant progress visible within 60-90 days. However, the timeline varies significantly based on which data brokers have your information and how cooperative they are with removal requests. Services with more aggressive follow-up processes tend to show faster results.
What happens if I stop paying for the service?
Reddit users report that data gradually reappears on broker sites after stopping service, typically within 3-6 months. Some previously removed listings may return, and new data acquisitions won't be addressed. Think of these services as ongoing maintenance rather than permanent solutions.
The Reddit privacy community has spoken clearly about data removal services: transparency and value matter more than flashy marketing claims. Whether you choose Incogni for its detailed reporting or Incogni for its automated approach, you'll be following the recommendations of users who've tested these services extensively.
The most important insight from Reddit discussions? Start with a free scan to understand your exposure, then choose a service that matches your preferences for involvement and control. Your privacy is worth the investment, and the Reddit community has done the research to help you choose wisely.
For more insights on protecting your privacy online, check out our comprehensive guide to privacy tools and strategies that can complement your data removal efforts.
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