familytreenow.com

What is FamilyTreeNow.com

FamilyTreeNow is a free genealogy and people-search website. According to one summary, with just a first and last name you can find possible relatives and associates, current and past addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. (Lifewire)
It also offers traditional genealogy-type record access: census records, birth/death, marriage/divorce, etc. (Lifewire)
It aggregates publicly available information and allows you to build a family tree. (Lifewire)
The site is not affiliated with FamilySearch (a major genealogy organization). (FamilySearch)
So: free access, lots of data aggregated, useful for genealogy research – but also closely tied to people-search functionality.

How it works

  • You enter a name (and optionally other details) and the site returns a profile with various data points: possible associates/relatives, addresses (past/present), phone numbers, email addresses. (Lifewire)

  • The data comes from publicly available records and aggregated sources. The site states that it compiles “widely available public records” to build its profiles. (FamilySearch)

  • On the genealogy side: you can build a family tree using records found on the site. (Lifewire)

  • There is an opt-out page: you can request that your personal record be removed from the site. (Security.org)

What are the advantages

  • Cost: It’s free to use (searching and viewing many records) which is a plus compared to many paid genealogy platforms. (Lifewire)

  • Aggregation: It brings together many public records in one place, which can save time if you’re doing family-history or relative research.

  • Genealogy support: Beyond just finding people, you can build a family tree with it — helpful for hobby genealogists.

What are the risks / concerns

  • Privacy: Because it shows a lot of personal and family-related data (addresses, phone numbers, associates), some people view it as invasive. For example, one data-removal guide states that though the records shown are publicly available, aggregating them “makes it easier for others to see the bigger picture of who you are… [which] makes you an easier target for online scams and identity theft.” (Security.org)

  • Accuracy: Since the data is aggregated from many sources, there are risks of incorrect information. One article notes you should “fact-check for accuracy” because the site doesn’t guarantee correctness. (Lifewire)

  • Opt-out effectiveness: There are mixed reports about how easy it is to remove your information, how long it takes, and whether it stays gone. (Lifewire)

  • Re-appearance: Even if you opt out, new public data can cause a profile to be recreated. One article states: “Information may reappear if it changes and gets captured again by these databases.” (Lifewire)

How to opt-out (remove yourself)

If you find your record on FamilyTreeNow and want it removed, here’s how the process works (based on current advice):

  1. Go to the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” page on FamilyTreeNow, and find the opt-out link. (Security.org)

  2. Enter your email address and complete a CAPTCHA (to verify you’re human). (Security.org)

  3. Search for your record by name (and other details if needed) to identify the profile matching you. (Security.org)

  4. Once you find the correct record, click “Opt Out This Record”. (Security.org)

  5. You’ll receive a verification email — you must click the link to confirm. (Security.org)

  6. After confirmation, wait — the removal is typically reported to take up to 72 hours, though there are reports of delays. (Lifewire)

Important caveats:

  • Opting out removes the one record you selected. If there are multiple records on you, you’ll need to repeat for each. (Security.org)

  • Even after removal, new public records can cause new profiles. The site warns it may re-aggregate. (FamilySearch)

  • The removal does not guarantee your relatives’ data is removed—those are separate records. (Security.org)

Things to keep in mind before and while using

  • If you’re using FamilyTreeNow for genealogy research: use it as one tool, not the only one. Verify data with primary sources when you can.

  • If you’re concerned about privacy: check if your profile appears, then decide whether to leave it, restrict your other online footprints, or opt out.

  • Understand this: even though the data is “public,” aggregating it makes it more easily accessible — and that raises risk levels.

  • If you leave your profile visible: be thoughtful about what information you yourself upload (if you build a tree) — because linking living people with addresses/associates increases exposure.

  • If you opt out: revisit occasionally. Because re-aggregation happens, it’s good to check maybe semi-annually.

Final thoughts

FamilyTreeNow is a legitimate service — it’s legal, it uses publicly available records, and for many users it offers a useful free resource for genealogy or people-search. But the power of aggregation means it’s also potentially riskier from a privacy standpoint than individual public records scattered across various platforms.

If you’re simply researching ancestors or trying to build your tree, it’s a useful site. If you’re mindful about privacy, you’ll want to check your exposure and perhaps use the opt-out. Just don’t assume once you remove yourself you’re done — monitor regularly.

Key takeaways

  • FamilyTreeNow provides free access to aggregated public records and lets you build a family tree.

  • It can reveal a lot: addresses, phone numbers, associates/relatives, for living people as well as historical records.

  • Data accuracy is variable — always verify with primary sources.

  • An opt-out is available, but results vary and new records can reappear.

  • Because aggregated public data makes you more visible, especially to scammers or identity-threats, it’s wise to be proactive about your privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is FamilyTreeNow free?
Yes — the site states that searching and viewing records is free. (Lifewire)

Q: Is the information correct?
No guarantee. The site explicitly notes the records are from public sources and may contain errors. (Lifewire)

Q: Can I remove my information?
Yes — there is an opt-out process which you can follow to request removal of your record. (Security.org)

Q: Does opting out guarantee I won’t appear again?
No. The site may recreate records if new public data appears. Also opting out one record does not affect relatives’ records. (Security.org)

Q: Is it safe to build a family tree there?
It’s safe from a functionality standpoint, but from a privacy standpoint, be cautious: if you include living people with addresses/links, that could increase exposure.

Q: How is FamilyTreeNow different from other genealogy sites?
A major difference: it consolidates a wide variety of public records and is free; some other services charge for similar access. Also, it focuses not just on ancestors but on “living people” searches and relatives/associates. (Lifewire)

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