Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/13/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  PeopleWhiz has collected/bought and displayed sensitive PII like any shady data broker service. I want this information removed, as is the user's right. However, I also understand these borderline legal services make it as hard as possible for an end user to opt out of the service that should not be opt-in by default in the first place. Technically, these services should not exist, and I pray that the day that the hammer comes down hard on these services to make this practice outright illegal, but I digress. PeopleWhiz is no exception in making the opt-out process difficult. Moreover, they go the extra mile and require a user to send in more PII, a federal ID such as a driver's license in this case, that is more sensitive than the information that is attempted to be removed for what purpose or guarantee is unknown what they will use this newly gained information if sent in. I have scrolled through many of these complaints on PeopleWhiz, and many of these users have the same issue with this company. While these services are, and I emphasize, "technically legal," they are shady and skirt laws that would put others on a federal list of criminals. Since I cannot take legal action against "legal" services such as data brokers, I want my information removed without the high risk of giving them any more information I don't think they should have in the first place.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/19/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  Overall: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  However: While their this statement is true "We do not have control of the public records available", what they DO have control over is the fact that these records are intentionally scraped through crawlers, bought and sold from known and possibly unknown sources. It is the fact that public records are being picked up by these third party data broker services intentionally to be resold as a product to anyone from ad agencies to threat actors is why these services should be dealt with and made illegal. These companies solely exist for the sole purpose of harvesting and selling PII and wrapping it in a "it's public, bro" excuse. There is no excuse for these types of services, period.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  *********************************
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/13/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ****** alerted me to my personal information on line at Peoplewhiz. I have gone to the site and they are asking for my identification to REMOVE my personal info. This seems like a scam and they do not have the right to ask for my personal information especially since I want it removed! I see there are several other complaints in regards to this. I have gone to other sites to have this removed and NO OTHER site has asked for this info. I have read their responses to the previous messages and there is absolutely no reason they need to verify who it is even if multiple people with same name exist. REMOVE my info and I will check back to ensure it is removed.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/19/2024

  I do NOT need to provide my  ID to you.  You have not resolved anything.  There is no one else with name and regardless if there were -  you have a screen that pops up that says is this you.  I know it is me or any individual out there knows those are their past addresses or names  etc they should not be required to supply their info to you. No OTHER SITE does this. Remove it or I will need to pursue other action. 

  Business Response

  Date: 02/29/2024

  As mentioned in the previous message, we removed your information and you DO NOT NEED AN ID. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/12/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I refuse to disclose my ID when I am requesting to have my personal data removed. The whole point is to remove it from your site and now I'm handing my info to you. I would please like my personal data removed without the use of disclosing that information.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/12/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  1. ********* broker requires an ID to request a take down which is not required by any other sites as mentioned above by many others. 2. When you do try to remove your data, you cannot complete their process for 2 reasons: a. You do not receive the link they say is necessary to complete the request. Yes I checked my junk email folder and spam folder and bulk mail folder. It is not there. b. Once you do upload a image of an ID, you cannot proceed past the next button. This is the only site that I have had these kinds of issues from.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/11/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In order to remove my information from their data base on ************************************************* they are requiring that I provide an image of an unexpired ID. I am not going to give them an ID to sell to others. NO other data brokers ask for this in order to opt out of their data bases and sites.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/21/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

  However

  1) this business sent me mail before the BBB mail again asking for confidential information.  My virus software warned me about enclosed link due to malicious activity.  Yes I later read their response to ignore this message but the damage could already have been done.

  2) This business apparently has 13 different closely related web presences and I am concerned I will need to make 12 more complaints to get anything real accomplished. These include
  1.PeopleWhiz,
  2.PeopleWhizRCom, 
  3.PeopleWizardNet
  4.PeopleWhizrNet
  5.PeopleWhizNet
  6.PeopleWhized
  7.PeoplesWhizr
  8.PeoplesWiz
  9.PeoplesWizard
  10.PeopleWhizedCom
  11.PeopleWhizedNet
  12.PeopleWizardCom
  13.PeopleWizr
  

  Regards,
  

  ***********************
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/10/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I tried to remove my information from the website but am being required to provide an ID. There is no way that I'm going to provide a physical ID or even a copy to just have my name removed from something that I'm sure was acquired without my knowledge or consent.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/09/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I want to remove my name and personal information from peoplewhiz.com and they are requiring me to submit a photo ID. I am not comfortable giving my photo ID to a random database aggregator. I emailed and asked them to remove it and I do not want to upload/fax/ or mail a copy of my driver's license. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. We have gone ahead and removed your information and you do NOT need to provide an ID. Please disregard the email requesting ID - this is just your confirmation it has been removed.  If you need any additional assistance, please do not hesitate respond and we will ensure your request is processed securely. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/19/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/08/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Discovered today, 2/7/24, that my profile is on the following data broker sites (same company?):People Whiz,PeopleWhizNet,PeopleWhizrNet,PeopleWizardNet,PeopleWhizRCom,PeoplesWhized,PeoplesWhizr,PeoplesWiz,PeoplesWizard,PeopleWizr,PeopleWizardCom,PeopleWizCom,PeopleWhizedCom,PeopleWhizedNet.They are requesting my ID in order to remove my profile. But, I will NOT provide my ID info as they are a company I am not familiar with. Please advise on how to remove my profile from all these broker sites without providing them with my ID in order to remove my profile from their database...and how to prevent these sites from accessing my personal info in the future.Thank you so much.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/19/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. Can you please advise from the link included in this message what listings need to be removed? ************************************************************************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/06/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I discovered through Experian that this data broker operating under various domain names (i.e. *********.com, peopleswizard.com, peoplewhiz.net, peoplewhiz.com, people-wizard.com) collected my personal information. I would like to exercise my rights under the **** to opt-out of the sale and sharing of my personal information, and have my personal information removed from their websites. In order to do so online, I am being asked to upload an ID. According to the Attorney General of **********, a piece of identification is not mandatory in order to opt-out. Like many others, I find it highly questionable to be asked to submit more personal information to a data broker, particularly one that operates under so many different domain names. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/11/2024

  The California Consumer Privacy Act does not cover the public records that Peoplewhiz provides. Even if it was covered under the ***** we do allow any individuals to remove their information from our database. We need to confirm the identity of the person requesting their information to be removed as there can be impersonations and a variety of listings that match their name. Confirming their ID streamlines the process from our end and is the most efficient way for us to remove this information. However, as a courtesy, we are able to remove the information of the individual without confirmation if they are uncomfortable further verifying their identity. In this case we have gone ahead and removed the listing from our database and they do not need to provide anything additional to complete the request.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/11/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  **** Dumauthioz
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/05/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am trying to request that my personal information be removed from PeopleWhiz but to do so, they are asking for a picture of my ID. The whole point is that I don't want my personal information being shared online, so why would I be comfortable uploading my ID? Please remove my information. You can send an email for verification.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/11/2024

  Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Peoplewhiz is a provider of over 67 billion public records. Our data architecture and proprietary technology allows us to search through the records and deliver results instantly to our customers. We do not have control of the public records available, but we do allow individuals to remove their name from the database. The driver's license is only requested to validate the identity of the individual requesting (there can be multiple people with matching names and cities) for their information to be removed and to help us with our monthly compliance review. I have searched your name and location and do not get any returns. Can you please provide a screenshot of the listing you want removed? You will NOT need to provide your ID. Thank you for your attention to this matter.