I’ve been told there’s private information about me online, how can I track this down?
For many people, the thought that strangers or former acquaintances are talking about them online can be deeply unsettling. In some cases, this worry stems from a real history of bullying, harassment, or invasion of privacy. In others, it may feel more like a persistent anxiety or obsession, but whether the fear is grounded in fact, perception, or a mix of both, it can have a very real and damaging effect.
Checking your online footprint for mental health and reputation protection
Comprehensive digital footprint investigations
Investigation of your online presence
When you need proof for peace of mind of your online presence
Checking your online footprint for mental health and reputation protection
Today, it's almost impossible to live without leaving some kind of digital trail. Even people who avoid social media find that their name appears in search results through old job listings, school websites, public registers, or third-party databases.
Add to this the rise in data leaks, hacked profiles, and doxxing campaigns, and it's no surprise that many people are becoming increasingly concerned about their online visibility.
What makes this worse is that online anxiety can become self-perpetuating. The more someone worries about what might be online, the more they search.This in turn increases their distress and can spiral into obsessive behaviour or deepen existing anxiety.
We've seen clients who have lost sleep, avoided public places, even left their jobs because they were convinced their digital reputation had been damaged. Sometimes, this fear is based on fact. Other times, it isn't- but the effect is just as real.
Comprehensive digital footprint investigations
This is where we come in. Our role is not just legal it’s also investigative, technical, and human. We begin with a consultation to understand the client’s concerns. Sometimes the client is convinced something terrible is online; other times, their partner or therapist encourages them to seek independent confirmation.
We take all of this seriously. We then conduct a full open source intelligence (OSINT) investigation. OSINT is a method used to collect and analyse data from publicly available sources on the internet.
Our searches go far beyond a quick Google scan. We begin by monitoring the web, looking for any traces of leaked personal data, references to the client's name or content posted in anonymous forums or illegal marketplaces.
This is particularly important where clients suspect their information might have been compromised or intentionally shared without consent. We then scan social media platforms comprehensively, not just visible posts but also those that have been deleted, hidden, or altered to avoid detection.
We consider mentions, tags, and even shared photos that may feature the client or their personal information. Our investigation includes targeted search engine queries using advanced Boolean operators and filters based on time, location, and context.
This allows us to uncover content that a typical search would miss, especially where content is buried deep. To find historical mentions, we use internet archives such as the Wayback Machine to recover previously deleted or altered web pages.
This helps establish a digital history that may support a legal claim or simply explain why something appeared in search results. We perform reverse image searches, often enhanced with facial recognition tools, to detect if personal photos of the client appear elsewhere online, either shared maliciously or reused without permission.
Our team traces usernames and email addresses across known data breaches. We look for evidence that the client's digital identity has been misused or impersonated.
Finally, we conduct a full reputation analysis by examining how the client's name, images, or identifiers are distributed online. This includes looking at how frequently they're mentioned, the sentiment of those mentions, and whether any reputational harm is ongoing or emerging.
For every case, we compile our findings into a professional report. These reports are used for different reasons. Some clients need it to prove to themselves and their loved ones that nothing harmful is online. Others need it as part of legal claims, employment disputes, or police reports.
In rare but serious situations, we have found disturbing material: fake social profiles, revenge posts, unauthorised images, and even references on forums used to plan harassment. In such cases, our legal team can act swiftly to have content removed, secure evidence, and protect the client’s safety.
Investigation of your online presence
One client, whom we'll call David, approached us after years of believing that colleagues from a former job had spread harmful content about him online.
He'd been bullied at work over a misdiagnosed illness, despite signing a settlement agreement, the mental toll followed him for years. He felt judged in his local community, avoided supermarkets, and was convinced his address had been leaked. After conducting a full investigation, we found no substantial defamatory content online.
David’s digital footprint was small, and most references to his name were neutral or outdated. The confirmation allowed David to finally breathe. He told us: “After reading the report, I am reassured that no untoward issues were found. Please extend my thanks to the team for their prompt and professional efforts on my case, which have been of great assistance”.
David’s case illustrates an important point: the fear itself can be debilitating. By providing facts, our investigation helped replace anxiety with clarity.
When you need proof for peace of mind of your online presence
Not everyone is tech-savvy. Even those who are may find it difficult to search effectively or interpret what they find. That’s where expert help can make a big difference.
If you or someone you care about is spiralling over their digital footprint, a professional review can offer more than information. It can offer relief. If we find something harmful, we’ll help remove it. If we don’t, we’ll give you the evidence you need to move forward.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your digital presence or worried about what may be out there about you, contact us today. We offer expert digital footprint reports, legal removal services, and compassionate support. Call us at 020 7183 4123 or email
