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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.

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/28/2024

    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.
    I am trying to remove my information from ************************** but they are requiring an ID in order to remove my information. I dont want to give them MORE information in order to remove my data from their site. I would like my data removed from this site and its affiliates.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/05/2024

    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:10/25/2024

    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.
    Background Alert has my personal information posted on their website. I did not authorize any of my information to be posted on their website. Background Alert requires my ID in order to Opt-Out. I do not feel comfortable providing my ID to this company or any other identifying information.I am requesting my personal information be removed from their website/database including all public and for-profit databases, and those of their affiliates. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/05/2024

    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: 11/09/2024


    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:10/24/2024

    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 requested Background Alert opt out my information from sharing and selling and to delete all my information. They sent me a code to access site. But when accessing the site Background alert requested I share photo ID before they will process my request. I will not provide further personal information to this organization so they can have more data to sell and share. I Request they immediately stop sharing and selling my information and I request they DELETE all my data.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    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: 10/30/2024


    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,

    ***** D ******

     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/21/2024

    Type:Service or Repair 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 have never authorized my information to be available on background alerts website. They have 2 profiles under my name. These need to be removed immediately. I went to follow the steps but feel extremely uncomfortable to providing an ID to have it removed. There should be other ways to prove my identity to have it removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    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:10/17/2024

    Type:Service or Repair 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 too, like the last several complaints entered, tried to remove my INACCURATE information from BackgroundAlert after receiving verification from ****** that my personal data was for SALE online by this company. After attempting to go through the steps to have my information removed, I too was required to upload a "Valid ID". In this day and age of cybersecurity issues, I AM NOT going to upload an ID and should not have to for a FOR PROFIT company database that is selling MY information, albeit inaccurate information. I am currently listed as "******************************" on their site which IS NOT and HAS NEVER been my legal name and is an error that the credit bureaus will not correct. I have had no problem at all opting out of many other online public records databases and believe it is in this company's best interest and responsibility to remove and take down the inaccurate information.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    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: 11/02/2024


    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:10/16/2024

    Type:Service or Repair 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 was recently made aware that my personal information was accessible via BACKGROUND ALERT. I made an attempt to OPT OUT and have my information removed from their site . But now they are asking me to provide a copy of my ID. I do not feel comfortable doing this and request your assistance with handling this matter.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    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:10/16/2024

    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.
    Just like the previous complaint, Norton Protection brought to my attention this morning 10/16/24 that Background Alert has personal information (address) and inaccurate information representing me posted on their website. I did not authorize any of my information to be posted on their site. I would like to remove the 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 am requesting all information be removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    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: 10/30/2024


    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:10/15/2024

    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.
    I recently received a notification from Norton 360 informing me that Background Alert using/selling my personal information for profit on the Internet. I requested them to stop; however, they required me to send in a copy of my ID. I think this requirement is a trap to obtain further personal information about me. I refuse to send information to a company that has already violated my privacy rights. I want all my information removed from their website, as well as from all public and for-profit databases, including those of their affiliates.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/15/2024

    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: 10/16/2024

    I check their website and My full name  is the only (******** ******) on the website. Addition to:  they email me  Oct15 2024  required me to send in a copy of my ID. I think this requirement is a trap to obtain further personal information about me. I refuse to send information to a company that has already violated my privacy rights. I want all my information removed from their website, as well as from all public and for-profit databases, including those of their affiliates.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    We have removed your info and you do not need to provide an ID. No further action required. 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/10/2024

    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 was alerted by Norton Protection today that my info is on Background Alert. I want to opt out but the company wants my ID. Since I didn't provide my information to them in the first place and don't want to give them any more info than they have, I don't feel comfortable giving my ID to them. I am asking that all the information they have on me be removed.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/15/2024

    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: 10/16/2024



    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22408392, 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,



    Liz Hauth



     

    Business Response

    Date: 10/29/2024

    Your info is removed. No further action required. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 10/29/2024


    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:10/06/2024

    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.
    Background alert is requiring a photocopy of my drivers liscense to opt out of their public and for-profit databases and to have my information removed from their site. I do not wish to share information that could risk identity theft with them. Other similar sites only require you to provide an email address that you can verify. I also attempted to remove their information through my Norton 360 privacy monitor subscription but was unsuccessful.I want all of my information removed from their site including all public and for-profit databases, and those of their affiliates to prevent further identity theft to me. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/15/2024

    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: 10/15/2024



    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22387643, 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,



    Nicole Pollard



     

Background Alert is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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