BeenVerified Review: Background Checks & Safety Guide

Background checks have become essential in our digital world. Whether you're screening a potential roommate, researching someone you met online, or simply curious about your own public records, having access to reliable information matters.

BeenVerified positions itself as a comprehensive solution for accessing public records and conducting background searches. The platform claims to aggregate billions of records from various sources, making personal information easily accessible to everyday users.

This detailed review examines what BeenVerified offers, how it works, and whether the service delivers real value for your money.

What Does BeenVerified Do

BeenVerified operates as a background check and people search platform founded in 2007. The New York-based company provides consumers with access to public records through an easy-to-use online interface.

The service aggregates data from thousands of sources including court records, property databases, social media profiles, and government documents. Users can search by name, phone number, email address, or property address to generate comprehensive reports.

Core services include:

• People search with contact information

• Reverse phone number lookup

• Criminal background checks

• Property records searches

• Vehicle history reports

• Dark web monitoring

• Genealogy research tools

• Email address verification

The platform serves millions of users who need quick access to public information without visiting courthouses or government offices. BeenVerified compiles this scattered data into single, readable reports.

The company maintains accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and operates under compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This legal framework governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and distribute personal information.

Is BeenVerified Legit

Yes, BeenVerified functions as a legitimate business operating legally in the United States. The company has provided background check services since 2007 and maintains proper business registrations.

The platform complies with FCRA regulations by clearly stating users cannot use reports for employment screening, tenant selection, or credit decisions. This compliance demonstrates the company follows established legal requirements for consumer reporting.

BeenVerified holds BBB accreditation and responds to customer complaints through official channels. The company provides transparent contact information including phone numbers and email addresses.

Legitimacy indicators include:

The service uses only publicly available information rather than hacking databases or accessing private records illegally. All data comes from government sources, court documents, and publicly shared information.

The company openly displays its physical address in New York and maintains proper business licenses. Corporate registration documents are available through public company databases.

Major app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store host BeenVerified applications. These platforms vet companies before allowing apps in their marketplaces.

Payment processing occurs through established, secure systems. The company doesn't use suspicious payment methods that would indicate fraudulent operations.

However, legitimacy doesn't mean the service is perfect or suitable for all purposes. User experiences vary significantly based on expectations and needs.

Is BeenVerified Safe to Use

Using BeenVerified carries minimal risk for people conducting searches. The website implements standard security protocols to protect user information during transactions and account access.

SSL encryption secures data transmission between your browser and BeenVerified servers. This prevents interception of personal information or payment details during searches.

Safety considerations for users:

Your search history remains private and confidential. BeenVerified doesn't notify people when someone looks them up in the database.

Payment information processes through secure channels with encryption. Major credit card companies recognize BeenVerified as a legitimate merchant.

The platform doesn't contain malware or phishing schemes. Browser security systems and antivirus software recognize the site as safe.

Account access requires password protection. Users can enable security measures to prevent unauthorized access to their subscription.

Privacy concerns exist primarily for subjects of searches:

Your personal information might be available in BeenVerified's database for others to access. This raises legitimate privacy concerns for many individuals.

The company provides an opt-out process for people who want their information removed. However, the removal process requires effort and doesn't guarantee permanent deletion.

Data accuracy issues mean incorrect information might be associated with your name. Mistaken identity problems occur when the system links unrelated people with similar names.

BeenVerified Reviews from Real Customers

Customer feedback about BeenVerified shows mixed experiences. The service holds a 3.8 rating on ConsumerAffairs and 2.9 on Trustpilot based on thousands of reviews.

Common positive experiences:

The interface design makes searching straightforward even for non-technical users. Finding the search function and entering information takes minimal time.

Reports compile information from multiple sources into one document. This consolidation saves hours compared to manual searches across different websites.

The reverse phone lookup feature helps identify unknown callers effectively. Many users find this particular function most valuable.

Vehicle history reports provide useful information for used car buyers. VIN searches reveal accident history and title problems.

Customer service responds to cancellation requests and billing inquiries. Support channels remain accessible for subscribers.

Frequent complaints include:

Billing practices frustrate many customers who report unexpected charges. The trial period converts to full subscription without prominent notification.

Information accuracy varies significantly between reports. Users discover outdated addresses, wrong phone numbers, and incorrect criminal records.

Some reports contain minimal useful information despite charging full price. Empty sections with no data disappoint subscribers.

Cancellation processes confuse customers who struggle to stop recurring charges. Multiple users report continuing charges after attempting cancellation.

The $1 trial converts to $26.89 monthly subscription automatically. This price jump surprises customers who don't read terms carefully.

Reddit discussions in various communities suggest BeenVerified uses data from questionable sources. Some users claim the service aggregates information from data brokers and spam lists.

BeenVerified Free Trial

BeenVerified offers a promotional trial period for new users testing the service. The trial typically costs $1 and provides access to one full report over seven days.

Trial details include:

The $1 charge authorizes your payment method and provides immediate access to search features. You can run one complete background check during the trial period.

After seven days, the subscription automatically converts to full price. Monthly charges range from $26.89 to $35.89 depending on the plan selected.

Users must actively cancel before the trial ends to avoid full subscription charges. The company sends email reminders about the upcoming conversion.

Maximizing trial value:

Research the person or topic you want to investigate before starting the trial. Having specific search queries ready helps you use the limited time effectively.

Read the full terms and conditions before entering payment information. Understanding the cancellation policy prevents unwanted charges.

Set a reminder to cancel at least 24 hours before the trial expires. This buffer prevents accidental conversion to paid subscription.

Screenshot or save reports during the trial period. Information remains accessible after cancellation if you preserve it locally.

The trial works best for people who need one-time information rather than ongoing access. Subscribers needing multiple searches should evaluate whether the monthly cost justifies the benefits.

BeenVerified Cancel Subscription

Canceling BeenVerified requires following specific steps through your account dashboard. The process differs slightly depending on how you subscribed.

Cancellation steps for website subscriptions:

Log into your BeenVerified account using your email and password. Navigate to the account settings or billing section.

Look for the subscription management area. This section displays your current plan and renewal date.

Click the cancel subscription button. The system may present retention offers or discounts to encourage you to stay.

Confirm your cancellation when prompted. Some users report needing to confirm multiple times through different screens.

Check your email for cancellation confirmation. Save this message as proof of cancellation in case billing disputes arise.

Verify that charges stop appearing on your payment method. Monitor your bank statements for at least two billing cycles.

Mobile app cancellations:

Subscriptions purchased through mobile apps require canceling through the app store. Website cancellation won't work for these subscriptions.

iPhone users must cancel through Apple ID settings. Navigate to Subscriptions in your Apple ID account and select BeenVerified.

Android users cancel through Google Play. Open the Play Store, go to Subscriptions, and select BeenVerified to cancel.

Common cancellation issues:

Some users report difficulty finding the cancellation option. The company has faced criticism for making cancellation less obvious than signup.

Customers sometimes discover continuing charges after cancellation. Contact customer service immediately if this occurs.

The phone cancellation option requires calling during business hours. Wait times vary but some customers report long holds.

Email cancellation requests may take 24-48 hours to process. Request confirmation and save all correspondence.

BeenVerified Login and Account Access

Accessing your BeenVerified account requires the email address and password you used during registration. The login page is accessible from the main website.

Login process:

Visit beenverified offical website and click the login button in the top navigation. This redirects to the account access page.

Enter the email address associated with your account. Make sure to use the exact email you provided during signup.

Input your password in the designated field. Passwords are case-sensitive and must match exactly.

Click sign in to access your account dashboard. You'll see your subscription status and search history.

Troubleshooting login problems:

Forgot password links send reset instructions to your registered email. Check spam folders if you don't receive the message within minutes.

Multiple failed login attempts may temporarily lock your account. Wait 15-30 minutes before trying again.

Using a different email address than your registration creates login failures. Check email confirmations from BeenVerified to verify the correct address.

Browser cookie settings sometimes interfere with login. Try clearing cookies or using a different browser.

Account security recommendations:

Use a strong, unique password for your BeenVerified account. Avoid reusing passwords from other websites.

Log out after each session on shared computers. This prevents others from accessing your search history.

Review account activity periodically. Check for unauthorized searches or changes to your subscription.

Update your password every few months. This reduces risk if your credentials are compromised elsewhere.

BeenVerified Customer Service

BeenVerified provides multiple support channels for subscribers and potential customers. Response quality and speed vary based on the inquiry type and contact method.

Available support options:

Email support at beenverified handles general questions and technical issues. Response times typically range from 24 to 72 hours.

Phone support at 1-888-579-5910 connects to customer service representatives. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday during business hours.

The FAQ section on the website covers common topics including billing, searches, and account management. This self-service resource helps with basic questions.

Live chat appears occasionally on the website. Availability seems limited to specific hours and may not always be accessible.

Common customer service interactions:

Billing inquiries represent the most frequent contact reason. Users question unexpected charges or difficulty canceling subscriptions.

Technical problems with searches not working or reports not loading require support assistance. These issues usually resolve quickly.

Refund requests sometimes succeed if contacted immediately after subscribing. The company's refund policy varies by situation.

Data correction requests face limitations. BeenVerified aggregates information from external sources and cannot directly modify public records.

Account access problems require customer service intervention. Representative can reset passwords or verify account details.

Customer service quality:

BBB records show BeenVerified responds to complaints and attempts resolution. However, customer satisfaction scores remain moderate.

Some users report difficulty reaching representatives by phone. Long hold times and limited hours frustrate customers needing immediate help.

Email responses can be slow during high-volume periods. The company appears understaffed for the number of inquiries received.

BeenVerified Phone and Reverse Phone Lookup

The reverse phone lookup function represents one of BeenVerified's most popular features. This tool helps identify unknown callers and verify phone numbers.

How reverse phone lookup works:

Enter any 10-digit U.S. phone number into the search field. The system queries databases containing phone registrations and public listings.

Results appear within seconds showing possible owner information. Reports include names, addresses, carrier information, and phone type.

Information typically included:

Current and previous owners of the phone number. The report shows if the number has changed hands recently.

Associated names and possible alternate identities. Multiple people using the same number might all appear in results.

Location information including city and state. Landline numbers provide more precise location than mobile phones.

Phone carrier and line type. Results indicate whether the number is mobile, landline, or VoIP.

Social media profiles linked to the number. Some reports connect phone numbers to public social accounts.

Spam and scam indicators. The system flags numbers reported as fraudulent or unwanted callers.

Accuracy considerations:

Mobile phone numbers change ownership frequently. The report might show previous owners rather than current users.

VoIP numbers and internet-based phones provide less reliable information. These services don't register the same way as traditional carriers.

Numbers registered to businesses might show company information. Personal calls from business lines create confusion.

Privacy-conscious individuals use unlisted numbers. These phone numbers might return minimal or no information.

Best uses for reverse phone lookup:

Identifying unknown callers before returning calls. This prevents connecting with scammers or unwanted contacts.

Verifying phone numbers provided by new acquaintances. Checking if the number matches claimed identity adds safety.

Researching business phone numbers before engaging. Confirming legitimate businesses helps avoid scams.

Finding additional contact information for people you've lost touch with. An old phone number might reveal current addresses.

BeenVerified App for Mobile Devices

BeenVerified offers mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms. These apps provide similar functionality to the website with mobile-optimized interfaces.

Mobile app features:

Quick searches from your phone's call log. Tap unknown numbers to immediately run reverse phone lookups.

Push notifications for saved searches. The app alerts you to new information about monitored individuals.

Integrated contact management. Add verified information directly to your phone's contact list.

Mobile-friendly report viewing. Scrolling and reading works better on phones than accessing the full website.

App-specific considerations:

In-app purchases handle subscription billing. Payment processes through Apple App Store or Google Play rather than directly through BeenVerified.

Cancellation must occur through the app store. Website cancellation won't stop app store subscriptions.

App reviews show mixed feedback about stability. Some users report crashes or slow loading times.

The mobile interface simplifies complex searches. Limited screen space means fewer search options than the desktop version.

Storage requirements can be significant. The app plus cached data occupies considerable phone memory.

Downloading the app:

Search "BeenVerified" in your device's app store. Verify the publisher matches BeenVerified.com before installing.

Review permissions requested by the app. Some users feel uncomfortable with extensive access requirements.

Read recent reviews before downloading. Check if current users report significant problems.

The app requires an active subscription. Free downloads don't provide access without paying for membership.

Does BeenVerified Work

The effectiveness of BeenVerified varies significantly based on what information you're seeking and who you're researching. The service works better for some purposes than others.

When BeenVerified provides useful results:

Reverse phone lookups for landlines typically return accurate information. Traditional phone registrations contain reliable data.

Property searches reveal ownership records and sales history. This information comes from official county records.

Vehicle history reports provide accident records and title information. VIN searches access government and insurance databases.

Finding social media profiles for common searches. Public social accounts often link to real names and locations.

Locating people with uncommon names. Unique names produce fewer false matches and more accurate results.

When BeenVerified struggles:

Finding current information for highly mobile individuals. Frequent movers leave outdated address trails.

Researching people with common names. John Smith searches return hundreds of potential matches.

Accessing records in states with strict privacy laws. Some jurisdictions limit public access to certain information.

Finding information about people who maintain strict privacy. Individuals who avoid social media and public records leave minimal traces.

Verifying international information. The service focuses primarily on United States records.

Accuracy factors:

The platform aggregates data from multiple sources with varying update frequencies. Some databases refresh daily while others lag months behind.

No verification process confirms information accuracy. BeenVerified compiles data without validating current relevance.

Results depend heavily on public record availability. States and counties maintain different levels of digitization and public access.

BeenVerified Pricing Plans

BeenVerified operates on a subscription model with monthly charges. The pricing structure has evolved over time and includes various plan options.

Standard pricing tiers:

Basic membership costs approximately $26.89 per month. This plan includes unlimited people searches and phone lookups.

Premium membership runs around $35.89 monthly. Additional features include dark web monitoring and property searches.

The $1 trial provides seven days of access before converting to standard pricing. Users must cancel before trial expiration to avoid charges.

Three-month subscriptions offer moderate discounts. The total cost equals roughly 2.5 months of regular pricing.

What's included in subscriptions:

Unlimited people searches during the subscription period. Run as many lookups as needed without per-search fees.

Access to all report types including criminal records and address history. The subscription covers the full range of available data.

Mobile app access with the same features as the website. Use your subscription across devices seamlessly.

Search history preservation during active membership. Previous searches remain accessible in your account.

Cost considerations:

The monthly subscription makes sense only for users needing multiple searches. Single searches carry a high effective cost.

Automatic renewal creates recurring charges. Calendar reminders help avoid unwanted billing cycles.

Competitor services offer similar information at different price points. Comparing features and costs helps identify the best value.

Some public records are freely available through government websites. Paying for aggregation might be unnecessary for patient researchers.

How to Cancel BeenVerified Account

Stopping your BeenVerified subscription requires intentional action. The automatic renewal system continues charging unless you explicitly cancel.

Complete cancellation steps:

Access your account settings by logging into the website. Navigate to the billing or subscription management section.

Locate the cancel subscription option. This might be labeled "manage subscription" or similar terminology.

Click through any retention screens offering discounts. The company attempts to retain subscribers with special offers.

Confirm your cancellation decision when prompted. Multiple confirmation clicks might be required.

Save the cancellation confirmation email. This serves as proof if billing disputes arise.

Monitor your payment method for at least two billing cycles. Verify charges actually stop as expected.

Alternative cancellation methods:

Call customer service at 1-888-579-5910 to cancel by phone. Request verbal confirmation and a confirmation email.

Email at beenverified support with cancellation requests. Include your account email and subscription details.

For app store subscriptions, cancel through Apple or Google. Website cancellation doesn't affect app store billing.

Post-cancellation considerations:

Subscription access continues until the end of your paid period. Canceling immediately still provides service until expiration.

Saved reports might become inaccessible after cancellation. Download or screenshot important information before canceling.

Your account remains in the system even after cancellation. Reactivation is possible if you change your mind.

Personal information from your account isn't automatically deleted. Contact customer service to request account data removal.

BeenVerified Alternatives to Consider

Several competing services offer similar background check and people search capabilities. Each platform has distinct strengths worth evaluating.

Major competitors:

Spokeo provides people search with strong social media integration. The platform excels at finding online profiles and contact information.

TruthFinder emphasizes criminal records and background checks. Deep dives into legal history represent this service's strength.

Intelius offers comprehensive background reports with detailed property records. The platform provides extensive historical data.

Whitepages combines free basic searches with paid premium options. The free tier provides more information than BeenVerified's free version.

PeopleFinders specializes in contact information and address history. The service costs less than BeenVerified for basic searches.

Social Catfish focuses on online dating verification. The platform helps identify catfishers and romance scammers.

Free alternatives:

Facebook search provides basic contact and location information. Public profiles reveal considerable personal details.

LinkedIn offers professional background information. Employment history and credentials appear on public profiles.

Google searches compile scattered information from various sources. Patient manual searching often finds what paid services aggregate.

County courthouse websites provide free access to many public records. Official sources contain more accurate information than aggregated databases.

State criminal record databases offer direct access to legal history. These official resources avoid intermediary data errors.

Choosing the right service:

Consider which information types matter most for your needs. Different services excel at different data categories.

Evaluate pricing based on usage frequency. Single searches might benefit from pay-per-report options.

Read recent reviews for accuracy assessments. Service quality changes over time as data sources evolve.

Test free alternatives before paying for subscriptions. You might find sufficient information without cost.

Privacy Concerns and Data Removal

Having personal information aggregated in BeenVerified's database concerns many individuals. The public nature of compiled data raises legitimate privacy issues.

Common privacy concerns:

Home addresses and phone numbers become easily accessible. This exposure could facilitate unwanted contact or harassment.

Family connections and associates appear in reports. Relationship networks become visible to anyone conducting searches.

Property ownership and value information displays publicly. Financial details that some prefer private become searchable.

Criminal records and legal history aggregate in one place. Past legal issues follow individuals indefinitely.

Social media profiles link to real identities. Online activities connect to actual names and locations.

Opting out of BeenVerified:

Visit the BeenVerified website and find the opt-out or privacy page. The company provides a specific section for removal requests.

Search for your own profile using your name and location. You need the specific URL of your listing to complete removal.

Fill out the opt-out form with your profile URL and email address. The system sends verification messages to confirm requests.

Click the confirmation link in the email within 24 hours. This verifies you control the email address.

Wait up to 72 hours for processing. The company claims to remove listings within this timeframe.

Check periodically for reappearance. New data aggregation might recreate listings over time.

Broader privacy strategies:

Remove information from multiple data broker sites. BeenVerified represents just one of many aggregators.

Consider automated removal services like DeleteMe or Incogni. These companies handle opt-outs across numerous platforms.

Limit publicly shared information on social media. Privacy settings reduce what aggregators can collect.

Use different phone numbers for online registrations. Segmenting contact information limits cross-referencing.

Request removal from marketing databases. The Direct Marketing Association offers opt-out tools.

BeenVerified for Background Checks

The platform provides basic background screening capabilities with important limitations. Understanding these boundaries prevents misuse and disappointment.

Available background information:

Criminal records from various jurisdictions appear in reports. Coverage includes felonies, misdemeanors, and some infractions.

Court records show civil judgments and legal disputes. Lawsuits, bankruptcies, and liens might appear.

Sex offender registry information aggregates from state databases. Public safety registrations become searchable.

Professional licenses and certifications sometimes appear. State licensing boards provide this public information.

Address history traces residential moves. Past locations reveal mobility patterns.

Critical limitations:

BeenVerified explicitly prohibits use for employment screening. FCRA regulations require different standards for hiring decisions.

Tenant screening cannot legally rely on BeenVerified reports. Landlords must use FCRA-compliant services.

Criminal records are frequently incomplete or outdated. Arrests might appear without showing case outcomes.

Information accuracy varies significantly by jurisdiction. Some counties provide detailed data while others share minimal records.

No verification process confirms current accuracy. Historical information might not reflect recent changes.

Appropriate uses:

Personal safety checks for people you're meeting online. Dating safety represents a legitimate use case.

Verifying identities before business transactions. Confirming someone's background before financial dealings adds protection.

Researching your own public records. Understanding what information appears about you has value.

Reconnecting with old friends or classmates. Finding current contact information facilitates reconnection.

General curiosity about public figures. Celebrity and public official information satisfies interest.

Understanding BeenVerified Data Sources

The platform aggregates information from thousands of databases nationwide. Understanding these sources helps evaluate result reliability.

Primary data sources:

Court records from federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These include criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and legal judgments.

Property records from county assessors and registrars. Real estate transactions and ownership details come from these offices.

Government databases including professional licenses and registrations. State agencies provide credentials and certifications.

Phone directories and white pages listings. Traditional telephone registrations supply contact information.

Social media platforms with public profiles. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other sites contribute data.

Marketing databases and consumer records. Commercial data brokers sell demographic information.

Data collection methods:

Web scraping pulls information from public websites. Automated tools collect and organize scattered data.

Data purchases from commercial aggregators. BeenVerified buys compiled information from other companies.

Public record requests access government documents. Freedom of Information Act requests provide some data.

User-contributed information from various sources. Some data comes from public submissions and registrations.

Quality and accuracy factors:

Update frequency varies dramatically between sources. Some databases refresh daily while others update annually.

Data entry errors from original sources propagate through aggregation. Mistakes in source records appear in BeenVerified results.

Matching algorithms sometimes link unrelated people. Similar names and demographics create false connections.

Historical data persists even when no longer relevant. Old addresses and outdated information remain in the system.

Making an Informed Decision About BeenVerified

Deciding whether BeenVerified suits your needs requires honest evaluation of expectations and alternatives. The service fills specific niches while falling short in others.

BeenVerified works best for:

Identifying unknown phone numbers from missed calls. Reverse phone lookup provides quick caller information.

Basic background research before meeting online contacts. Dating safety checks offer peace of mind.

Finding contact information for old friends. Reconnection searches often succeed with current addresses.

Checking vehicle history before purchasing used cars. VIN lookups reveal accident and title information.

Satisfying general curiosity about public figures. Celebrity and public official searches return interesting details.

Conducting multiple searches over a short period. The subscription model benefits users needing several lookups.

BeenVerified has limitations for:

Employment or tenant screening requiring legal compliance. FCRA regulations prohibit using this service for these purposes.

Comprehensive criminal background checks. Professional services provide more thorough and verified results.

Finding current information about highly mobile people. Frequent movers leave scattered, outdated data trails.

Researching people outside the United States. International coverage is minimal.

Critical decisions requiring verified accuracy. The aggregated nature of data introduces error possibilities.

Single searches where alternatives might provide free information. The subscription cost is excessive for one-time needs.

Questions to consider:

Could you find the same information through free searches? Manual Google and social media searches often reveal basic details.

Do you need multiple searches or just one? Pay-per-report services might cost less for single inquiries.

How important is information accuracy to your decision? High-stakes situations require official verified sources.

Are you comfortable with the subscription billing model? Automatic renewals require vigilance to avoid unwanted charges.

Do you understand the legal restrictions on use? Misusing background check services carries legal consequences.

Conclusion

BeenVerified provides a legitimate service that compiles public records into convenient reports. The platform serves millions of users who need quick access to background information.

The service excels at reverse phone lookups, vehicle history reports, and basic contact information searches. These practical features solve real problems for everyday users.

Significant concerns exist around data accuracy, billing practices, and the value proposition. Many users feel disappointed by outdated information and unexpected charges.

The monthly subscription model works only for people conducting multiple searches regularly. Single-search needs are better served by alternatives or manual research.

Privacy implications affect both users and subjects of searches. Personal information aggregation raises legitimate concerns about data accessibility.

Understanding the limitations and appropriate uses of BeenVerified prevents disappointment and misuse. The service functions as a preliminary research tool rather than a definitive information source.

Whether BeenVerified represents a worthwhile investment depends entirely on your specific needs and expectations. Careful evaluation of alternatives and realistic assessment of requirements guides the best decision.

The platform continues evolving in response to regulatory changes and customer feedback. Core concerns about accuracy and privacy persist across the entire background check industry.

Your comfort level with data aggregation services and specific use cases ultimately determine if BeenVerified fits your situation. The service provides value for certain applications while disappointing users with different expectations.