Business Profile
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Background AlertThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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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 ComplaintThe 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:02/17/2023
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus: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 lists personal/private info online and unlike every other data aggregator, they demand that you share with them a copy of your ID in order to get them to remove your info, only FURTHER exposing your privacy by doing so. This company needs to remove or suppress people's personal/private data when requested and without demanding that you share a copy of your ID with them, which will only further breach your privacy in doing so.Business Response
Date: 02/20/2023
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. Tell us why here...Initial Complaint
Date:02/15/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus: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.
Same as everyone else here, Backgroundalert.com is requiring uploading an image of your ID to remove your info from their site. This is absolutely ridiculous. All of their business responses on this page say "you do NOT need to provide an ID" and yet their website doesn't let you remove your info without doing this. All scammy data brokers are horrible, but these guys are the worst none of the other ones require an ID to be uploaded to remove your info.Business Response
Date: 02/20/2023
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:02/15/2023
Type:Order IssuesStatus: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 have my personal information removed from BackgroundAlert.com. I have submitted my opt-out request to do so, however, I see that I am required to provide a copy of my driver's license or other ID in order for my information to be removed. I do not feel comfortable submitting an image of my ID because of the possibility of identity theft or other fraudulent activity that it might be used for. No other website has asked for my ID to have my information removed. BackgroundAlert.com didn't ask my permission to post and sell my personal information so I ask that it be removed.Business Response
Date: 02/20/2023
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: 02/22/2023
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:02/05/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus: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.
2/5/23: Re: backgroundalert.com: I attempted to opt out from having background information displayed, only to be asked to supply more personal information like a photo ID before they would delete my info. I did some research on this business and ended up here. I would be more than happy if they could delete my information - it is incorrect anyway. I see that others have contacted Better Business and have gotten good results. However, I find it unreasonable that, although they are making people happy that complain here - there are probably many others who want this and haven't posted here. I think it is unreasonable to ask for personal information to do this and I can't believe this is legal.Business Response
Date: 02/07/2023
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: 02/09/2023
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.However, I want it to be stated for the record that the need to show ID to get information off is unnecessary and should be investigated.
Regards,
*************************
Initial Complaint
Date:01/29/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 opt out of Background Alert which posts personal information about me, but they will only allow me to opt-out if I provide a copy of some type of personal ID. I will not give them this since I do not trust that this will not also show up in their profile of me--many other opt-out sites simply verify thru one's email. See from their opt-out web site: "To remove your information from our search results, start by filling out this form. ID required You will be asked to provide proof of your identity before we can complete your request. Takes 5 days Although we will try to process your request as fast as possible, this process can take up to 5 business days once you have submitted all the required information and documentation." This is like a way to hold those who want to opt-out hostage!Business Response
Date: 01/31/2023
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: 01/31/2023
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:01/29/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 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.Business Response
Date: 01/31/2023
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.Customer Answer
Date: 02/03/2023
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:01/28/2023
Type:Customer Service IssuesStatus: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 Backgroundalert.com to remove my information from their site, however they require a copy of my driver's license or other ID to do so. I don't want to submit these documents because of the possibility of identity theft and various other fraudulent activity that my ID might be used for. In an era when identity theft is a real threat this is a horrible business practice. I did not give them permission to use my information in the first placeBusiness Response
Date: 01/31/2023
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: 01/31/2023
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:01/22/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus: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'm wanting BackgroundAlert.com to remove my information from their site but they require a copy of my driver's license or other ID to do so. I don't want to submit these documents because of the possibility of identity theft and various other fraudulent activity that my ID might be used for.Business Response
Date: 01/23/2023
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.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/24/2023
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:01/20/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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.
Backgroundalert.com has my personal data without my permission. I have attempted to opt out on their website, but they require me to upload an ID in order to remove myself from their website. I do not feel comfortable with that request and feel it will increase my risk of potential fraud and ID theft of my personal information. I want my names and any other information pertaining to me to be removed from their database without providing an ID or any additional personal and private information Thank you!!!Business Response
Date: 01/23/2023
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.Customer Answer
Date: 01/24/2023
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. Must follow up that they do this.
Regards,
*************************
Initial Complaint
Date:01/18/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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.
On 1/18/23 I attempted to remove my personal data (opt out) from the data collection website, BackgroundAlert.com, which it has collected and makes available to the public without my consent. To do so, it required me to provide them with a copy of my personal ID (i.e. my drivers license). This obviously would result in me giving them even more personal information, and is a requirement other such data collection websites do not require to opt out. I would like my personal data deleted from their database without having to provide such additional data. Thank you.Business Response
Date: 01/23/2023
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.
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