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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:09/03/2024

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    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.
    Optout case ************ BackgroundAlert, ****************************************** I have attempted to have my name removed from Background Alert, a data aggregator. They have collected and provide my personal information without my permission. I have provided the necessary identification information, but they are reqiring a copy of my ID. I think doing so is a further breach of my personal information and is not necessary. I have asked to remove my name from numerous sites such as this and this is the first time additional personal information has been requested. I do not think this is a fair business practice and is simply a requirement so 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: 09/09/2024

    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. 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/02/2024

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    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 my information removed from their website also i tried to upload id but they said it was too large the site says 5mb the picture of id was omly 3.5mb tried twice to upload it i dont think i should have to do this

    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

     

    Business Response

    Date: 09/19/2024

    Mark, 

    You did not need to provide your ID. Your information has been removed. 

     

    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:09/01/2024

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    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 attempted to have my personal information removed from the search website backgroundalert.com. The opt-out form demands that I upload a copy of my drivers license which I am not going to do. They are claiming that it is for identification, however they do not give an alternate way to accomplish the removal. I am asking only for my information to be removed and blocked from being made available again in the future.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/09/2024

    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: 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:09/01/2024

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    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 Background Alert as a data broker website that contained my information. In an attempt to remove my information from this website, I discovered that the opt-out process requires the submission of a photo ID. I am not comfortable providing additional personal information to an entity that I don't want to have any of my information. If other data brokers can remove my information without photo ID, ******************** should be able to do the same. I have two profiles on this website and I want to have both profiles 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:08/30/2024

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    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.
    The website, Background Alert, has posted our personal information without our permission. We attempted to have our personal information removed from this company's website along with all its similarly named and affiliated websites. The site requested that we submit a photo ID and we will not provide them any more personal information; such as a driver's license. We want all our personal information, including misspelled names, removed from their website and all of its affiliated websites and for our personal information never to appear again on their website(s). Scams are coming at the public at a rapid pace and this is not helpful.

    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: 09/14/2024


    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,

    ************************* And *****************************

     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/29/2024

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    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 Protection brought to my attention that Background Alert has personal information (address) and inaccurate illegal information (name) representing me posted on their website. I did not authorize for my address to be posted or an illegal name. I would like to remove the fraudulent posted information; however, Background Alert is requesting my ID to verify my identity. I do not feel comfortable with providing my ID to this company or any other identifying information. I have already been breached several times and this is an invasion of my privacy. I am requesting all information be 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. 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/27/2024

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    Resolved
    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: 08/29/2024

    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: 08/29/2024


    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:08/25/2024

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    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 attempted to have my personal information removed from this company's website along with all its similarly named and affiliated websites . The site requested that I submit a photo ID, I am not comfortable providing them any personal information such as a driver's license. I want all my personal information removed from their website and all of its affiliated websites and for my personal information never to appear again on their website(s). This is not an ethical request especially given the mass data breach that NPD is experiencing right now. Please remove me immediately.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/29/2024

    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:08/23/2024

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    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 storing and Selling my personal information without my consent. I would at this point request them to remove my information permanently and NEVER sell it again without my permission.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/29/2024

    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:08/23/2024

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    Answered
    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.
    On 8/23/24, I received an alert from Norton that BackgroundAlert is selling my personal information. I looked up how to manually remove my information and proceeded to do so on backgroundalert.com/optout. During the process of entering the requested information, I was asked to provide an image of my ID. I do now know why I should be forced to provide such sensitive information. I selected the option to mail in the information, only so I could proceed with my request to optout. They sent a confirmation email they received my request, but my ID must be faxed or mailed. I will NOT provide anymore more personal information of mine. I want all of my data removed from their site. I appreciate your help with this matter.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/29/2024

    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. 

Background Alert is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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