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Business Profile

Searchers of Records

Background Alert

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Searchers of Records.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 337 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 100 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

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.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/15/2024

    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 made a request to opt out of ************************** to stop selling my information. To do so, they request uploading of ID. *************************************************************************************************************** I find putting more personal information out on the web to be completely unnecessary when 10 other websites were able to do so without such a request.I think this very unfair and potentially harmful request to upload ID is not needed to verify my identity, which can be done in many other ways.Find another means to identify me!

    Business Response

    Date: 09/23/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. ********** 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: 09/24/2024


    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:09/14/2024

    Type:Customer Service 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 requesting to have my personal information removed from this data broker ************************** website. ********************************** is requesting for a copy of my ID in order to have my personal information removed from their sites. I did NOT consent to ************************** to collect and sell my personal information. So why would I give them even more personal information by submitting an ID?. I am requesting that ************************** to remove my personal information from their sites.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/23/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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:09/13/2024

    Type:Customer Service 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 have attempted to have my name removed from a data collector, Background Alert. I have provided the necessary identification information, but they require a copy of my ID. I am uncomfortable with giving them such personal information and feel it is entirely unnecessary. There does not appear to be any other means to contact them to avoid the requirement for an ID. I feel this requirement is a trap to obtain further personal information that can be disseminated to other entities. I would like to have my identification removed without need for personal ID disclosure

    Business Response

    Date: 09/19/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/19/2024


    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:09/13/2024

    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 requesting to have my personal information not be shared without my consent. I sent an opt-out request; however, they are asking that I send a copy of my photo ID in order to remove my information. I am not comfortable sending my ID as they are already using my personal information without consent.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/19/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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:09/11/2024

    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.
    this data broker site refuses to remove my personal information without requesting a copy of my ID. This is a violation of my privacy rights. I want my information removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/19/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/20/2024

    i have not heard from thecompany.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/20/2024

    We have removed your info. No further action needed. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 09/24/2024


    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:09/08/2024

    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.
    Background Alert is requiring a photo ID to opt out of their public and for-profit databases and to have your information removed from their site. I do not feel comfortable sharing more personal informarion with them. Other similar sites only require you to provide an email address that you can verify. I want all of my information removed from their site including all public and for-profit databases, and those of their affiliates. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/11/2024


    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,

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

     
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/08/2024

    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.
    Norton Privacy Monitor identified Peoplewhiz as a data broker website that contains my information. The opt-out process requires the submission of a photo ID. I do not want to provide my photo ID to an organization that I do not want to have any information. Other data brokers can remove my information without a photo ID so backgroundalert.com should be able to do the same. I want the ***************************** 65 profile on this website removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/10/2024


    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:09/07/2024

    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 recently discovered my information for sale on backgroundalert.com and submitted a request to remove my information and opt out permanently. I have made this request on similar websites where my information was for sale and the process simple, but Background Alert requested additional information in the form of a copy of my ID. The whole point of opting out is that I do not want this company to have my information, and giving them additional personal information - and a copy of my ID, at that, which contains more information that could be abused - is entirely counterproductive. I see no reason to "verify" someone's ID when they request to remove information because there is surely no nefarious motive for requesting the removal of personal information from a shady website such as this. Asking for that verification, however, is certainly suspicious behavior, particularly when similar companies do not require it. Considering Background Alert has already obtained and shared my information without my permission, I do not wish to hand over additional information to them.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/09/2024


    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:09/06/2024

    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.
    This company is selling my private information online and I requested them to remove the information. I sent him an email message and they refused to remove it until I send them a picture of my ID.. First of all in the state of **********, theres a law about selling private information. I have a credit monitoring with AAA and they notified me and told me to contact the 3 credit bureaus. They also advices me to contact the company but they acknowledged receiving my email but want a picture of my driver license. I refuse to give them additional information and they continue to ask for a picture ID. First of all, they already have my information. Why should I give them additional information? Some more of my private information is already posted, they want to confirm so they can continue to scam me.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/10/2024


    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.  As long as my information is completely deleted and not sold again. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

    Regards,

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

     
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/06/2024

    Type:Order 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 am attempting to remove my information from BackgroundAlert.com however they require an ID to do so. I do not feel it is appropriate for me to provide a copy of my id to delete this information as this contains very personal and sensitive information.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns. Background Alert 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: 09/10/2024


    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,

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

     

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