Pros
- Advanced search options and filters for refined results
- Incorporates dark web scan to determine potential compromises to your personal data
- The monthly membership plan offers unlimited reports
Cons
- Clear and transparent information regarding the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Monthly subscription is mandatory; No individual report purchases
- Downloading reports as PDFs requires an additional payment
Overview About TruthFinder
There are numerous websites offering background checks, but not all are worthwhile investments of your time or money. Some fail to provide comprehensive information, while others may contain outdated or inaccurate data. Additionally, certain websites may not adhere to the necessary legal requirements for the data they provide to be utilized effectively.
We closely reviewed TruthFinder to ascertain its status as a reputable background check website or whether it’s one you should overlook.
TruthFinder was established in 2014 in San Diego, California. Since its inception, it has conducted tens of thousands of background checks.
One significant distinction between TruthFinder and some other similar services is its examination of private records in addition to public ones. This feature is uncommon among services, as it complicates their offerings and potentially increases costs. Consequently, the information provided by many competitors is likely something you could uncover through your own extensive search efforts, given enough time.
Conducting a background check with TruthFinder can provide additional details and offer a more comprehensive insight into someone compared to simply searching for their name online. You may gain access to supplementary information about previous locations, police reports, or photographs.
How it works?
TruthFinder has access to hundreds of millions of records, primarily sourced from publicly available databases. These sources include federal, state, county, and local databases, as well as criminal and civil court data, professional association databases, licensing databases, telephone directories, and other public repositories of information.
Regrettably, commercial records like magazine subscriptions and marketing info seem to be unavailable to the site’s search engine. Additionally, we were unable to locate any information regarding the frequency of updates to TruthFinder’s database, which is crucial for maintaining timely and accurate information.
Despite this, TruthFinder’s search algorithm is finely tuned to delve into the deep web, uncovering information that might not typically surface in a standard background search. The search engine meticulously sifts through social media networks and other online accounts, including online shopping profiles and blogging platforms.
Moreover, when utilizing TruthFinder for a search, it extends its reach to the dark web – the section of the internet accessible only through specialized software. This ensures a thorough exploration of your subject’s online activities, potentially revealing information they may have taken great pains to conceal.
Available Reports
Although TruthFinder does offer background checks, its services extend far beyond this singular function.
Background Checks
While TruthFinder is primarily recognized for its background check services, it also distinguishes itself by scanning private records alongside public ones. This approach allows for more comprehensive and detailed information compared to its competitors.
TruthFinder may not consistently retrieve information across all categories for every individual. The contents of your report are contingent upon the availability of information. Bearing this in mind, your report may include the following information:
| Personal Information |
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| Location History
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| Asset Information |
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| Online Profiles
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| Employment and Educational Information |
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| Relationship Records
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| Criminal Records
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Reverse Phone Lookup
TruthFinder’s phone number search feature allows you to input a phone number into the search field to identify its potential owner. This feature is especially useful when you receive calls from unfamiliar numbers. TruthFinder conducts this search by scanning public records associated with the provided number. Conveniently, you are only required to input the phone number without providing any additional information.
Search results include the name of the owner, along with any known aliases. These aliases can provide insight into their nickname, married name, or former name. Additionally, you may encounter a photo of the individual. This search will also provide you with a list of other individuals who may be associated with the phone number, including previous owners of the number.
Dark Web Scan
This specific scan conducted by TruthFinder aims to determine if your personal information is available for sale on the dark web. Its purpose is to assist you in identifying whether you are a victim of identity theft or if your information has been compromised. While online identity theft may not have always been a significant risk, it has become a growing concern in recent years, particularly with the increasing digitization of various aspects of our lives.
Additionally, TruthFinder offers the option to customize its dark web scan. This customization entails selecting which pieces of your personal information it will search for and monitor on your behalf.
The list of options includes:
- Contact information
- Driver’s license information
- Bank account numbers
- Debit and credit card details
- Phone numbers
- Medical identification numbers
- Social security numbers
- Passport numbers
- Membership or retail card information
Pricing
TruthFinder solely offers a subscription payment model, with no provision for purchasing reports individually. The basic membership, encompassing most features, is priced at $28.05 per month on a recurring basis. However, opting for a two-month plan entails a discounted rate of $23.28 per month if both months are paid in advance. Subsequently, the price reverts to its original amount.
It’s worth noting that there is a distinct membership option specifically for reverse phone lookups, priced at $4.99 per month. You have the flexibility to purchase either membership separately or opt for a bundled package that includes both memberships.
It’s important to remember that if you wish to download a background check report, there is a fee of $2.99 per report. This charge applies to each report you opt to download. However, you have the option to view the reports without downloading them as part of your membership.
Legitimacy Check
To access the TruthFinder website, you’re required to click on an “I understand” button below a notice. This notice explicitly states that TruthFinder is not a consumer reporting agency and is intended for curiosity purposes only. It’s made clear from the outset that the services may not be utilized for purposes requiring compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), such as making decisions regarding insurance, consumer credit, tenant screening, and similar matters. This notice demonstrates transparency in the service’s operations.
Note that background check sites do not claim to provide more information than what you could technically find on your own. This is consistent with the approach of many services that consumers pay for nowadays.
Ease of Use
TruthFinder stands out as a distinctive background check service due to its capability to conduct deep web searches. This type of search delves into significantly greater detail than a standard online search, setting it apart from other background check websites currently available. Additionally, the deep web search feature enables users to ascertain whether their online security has been compromised, offering an added layer of security.
Customer Support
TruthFinder offers reliable customer support, though its support hours could be more extensive. Live chat with a representative is available only on weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific time. While not ideal, this still provides a full 12 hours of support every weekday, which exceeds the support offered by some similar services.
Although late-night and weekend support is unavailable, TruthFinder boasts an FAQ section with genuinely helpful information and answers. There’s a high likelihood that you’ll find solutions to your queries there, potentially eliminating the need to contact support altogether.
TruthFinder’s blog, Infomania, serves as a valuable resource for tips and tricks on maintaining online safety. Regularly updated with a wealth of information, Infomania offers insights into TruthFinder’s capabilities and how to maximize its benefits. Additionally, you’ll find advice on staying safe both online and offline.
The information provided on Infomania covers a wide spectrum, ranging from everyday tips to more advanced topics. For instance, you can learn about basic online safety practices as well as more advanced techniques, such as how to completely erase an email from your computer rather than just deleting it.
Final Thoughts
TruthFinder stands as one of the most popular background check websites, offering versatile features including reverse phone lookups and dark web monitoring for personal information. With a reputation for trustworthiness and safety, the website provides users with a reliable platform for accessing information.
It’s essential to note that TruthFinder operates on a monthly membership model, providing unlimited searches for subscribers. If you only require a single search, you may find better value with a different service that offers pricing on a per-report basis.
