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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.
  • 106 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:03/27/2023

    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.
    Please reference optout case# '148817603752'. They will not remove my personal information from their website without uploading my ID. This is absurd and against the law.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/31/2023

    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: 04/03/2023


    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:03/20/2023

    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.
    3/20/23 - After a Norton Security scan showed my personal information showing up on BackgroundAlert.com, I attempted to remove my name/information from their site. I was shocked to see that they will not remove my name without a copy of my driver's license or other ID. I do not want to provide this information due to the risk of identity theft. I have had my name removed from other data broker sites and have never had to provide this information before. I see that I am not the only person who has had this problem or raised this concern with BackgroundAlert.com

    Business Response

    Date: 03/23/2023

    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: 03/28/2023


    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:03/20/2023

    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.
    On 3/17/23 I emailed Background Alert and requested to opt out of their data aggregation service. I do not want them to provide my private information online as part of their platform. I received an email on 3/17/2023 requesting my ID. They refused to do this unless I provide my ID. I do not want to provide them with my ID, as it is a complete breach of my privacy to provide my driver's license which includes my birthdate, etc.I only want them to remove my information.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/23/2023

    Your information has been taken down that email is your confirmation. NO further action is required. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/23/2023


    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:03/18/2023

    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.
    After I found information about myself on Background Alert, I went to their 'opt out' page to submit a request for them to remove my info. After filling in my name and state, and selecting the correct entry, I was prompted to provide a photocopy of my ID. I am NOT going to provide a copy of my driver's license or any other ID to a company that provides personal information without my consent. I would like for my info to be removed, without me providing more personal information..

    Business Response

    Date: 03/23/2023

    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: 03/23/2023


    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:03/17/2023

    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.
    They require an ID for me me to remove my information which I have no idea how they got it. This is outrageous.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/23/2023

    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:03/15/2023

    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.
    This company does not allow you to remove your personal information from their website without providing an image of an ID. I want my information removed without having to show them my driver's license.i have 4 records 2 names and 1 alias I want removed. I have attached a screenshot of the search results for the business to delete. Thank you

    Business Response

    Date: 03/16/2023

    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:03/09/2023

    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.
    Background Alert posted my personal information without my knowledge or consent. They want me to give them a copy of my ID and that isn't going to happen. I want my personal information removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/16/2023

    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:03/07/2023

    Type:Billing 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.
    This data collection agency is displaying my personal data online without my consent. I requested to have my information removed from their data base but they are saying I must send a copy of my ID to them so they can "verify" I am who I claim to be. I do not trust this company and refuse to send them any additional personal information they could exploit. This is the only data collection site I've come across that refuses to remove personal data at the person's request.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/16/2023

    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:03/07/2023

    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.
    Background Alert lists private, personal information without consent, then requires driver's license to remove/delete. Providing driver's license further jeopardizes privacy and security, and risks potential identity theft. Respectfully request removal/deletion without providing driver's license. Thank you.***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

    Business Response

    Date: 03/16/2023

    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:03/07/2023

    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.
    Personal, private information listed without my consent. Background Alert requires driver's license in order to remove/delete. Providing ID would further jeopardize my privacy and security. I respectfully request removal/deletion from online listing and internal database without providing driver's license. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/16/2023

    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. 

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