ComplaintsforLocateFamily.com

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Current Alerts For This Business

Pattern of Complaint:

On July 3, 16 & 31, 2019, BBB attempted to contact LocateFamily.com, regarding a high volume and pattern of complaints. BBB received complaints alleging private consumer information is being publicly reported on the website. The removal request is an automated process that can only be completed if the consumer provides an email address or send a copy of their state-issued ID card. The business failed to resolve seven of those complaints through BBB’s complaint process.

BBB notified LocateFamily.com about the pattern of complaints and asked them to voluntarily cooperate in eliminating the pattern by providing a written response outlining specific steps to avoid similar complaints in the future. BBB also requested general information including copies of policies, the names and full contact information of the business’ principal officers and responsible management, copies of its promotional and advertising materials, the physical address of its principal office, and a completed BBB Standard Business Questionnaire.

As of Aug. 8, 2019, LocateFamily.com did not respond to its pattern of complaints or BBB’s requests for information.

BBB has concerns about LocateFamily.com’s business practices and urges consumers to use caution based on the business’ complaint activity and lack of responsiveness.

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Complaint Details

Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.

Initial Complaint
04/22/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
This website: ******************** tries to EXTORT PRIVATE INFORMATION from individuals (after I click on remove they have on the information they come back at with me with an email requesting private ID information) after continuously publishing their information when they request it to be removed! I would like my information and my family's information (they will file individually) to be PERMANENTLY removed from their site and not put on anywhere ever again, I will be checking.
Business response
04/23/2024
Because **************** is unable to ascertain the identity of an individual making a request to remove information, **************** will only remove information if the individual making the request can prove that the information in question refers to himself/herself. To do this **************** requires that the individual provide a photograph or scanned image of a valid piece of REASONABLE identification showing the same name (and address information) as that which is to be removed. REASONABLE identification is not formal government issued ID, but is instead something like a business card, statement, invoice or mailing label showing the name and address. This ID should be e-mailed to **************** via *********************. Once it is received, **************** will indicate in its records that the ID has been received for a given e-mail address and will promptly remove the information. This means that any future requests (should the information inadvertently be re-displayed) using the same e-mail address for the same information will be processed without delay. DO NOT SEND GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID. The type of identification we require would be ANY LEGITIMATE DOCUMENT THAT CAN REASONABLY PROVE YOUR IDENTITY. This could include a copy of a bill, mailing label, business card, etc. Please understand that these measures have been introduced to prevent abuse, as we have no other way of confirming an individual's true identity. These measures have been vetted by our attorneys as a reasonable and lawful means of establishing identity.

Customer response
04/23/2024
I would like the business to remove my private details permanently as as the sites they are saying their entries come from I had already requested removal and they do not exist. I will not provide ANY private details in their attempt as a phishing scam. I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Regards, ******* *********** ******* ***********
Initial Complaint
03/31/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
This company has phished out my information and posted by contact detail online. I need that removed right away. It has my address and previous address I lived. I has my phone number. I need all that information removed. It is violation of my privacy.
Business response
04/01/2024
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone.
With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavor to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made.
On Thu Jan 10 2019 we received a request from "****" (******************) to remove information pertaining to "**** ********".
On Thu Jan 10 2019 we sent a message to "****" (******************) confirming that the information would be removed.
On Thu Jan 10 2019 a message was sent to "****" (******************) indicating that the information had been removed.
After information is removed, no personally identifiable information remains displayed, but a name may remain displayed since a name may refer to more than one person.
Thank you, LocateFamily.com
Initial Complaint
03/20/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
Anytime I do a Internet search of my phone number ###-###-####, it brings up the name ******* *********. For several years and in Internet, search of my cell phone number ###-###-#### brought up the name of ***** *********. I have been the sole possessor of this cell phone number for over 25 years. During the 25 years, I have not not shared this phone number with anyone ever and to my knowledge no one by the name of ********* has ever had this phone number. I continue to get text messages supposedly from political groups that are directed ***** *********. After many complaints to ******, *****’s name got removed and now it is *******. I believe that locate family.com is a scam website. I do not know how this may be affecting my credit rating or anything else about my identity.
Business response
03/20/2024
We have no record of a request to remove information from LocateFamily.com for the email in question.
We suggest that this individual submit a removal request using our removal tool located here: *****************************************
Initial Complaint
01/15/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
I have asked this company multiple times to remove my personal information from their website and provided the additional information they requested however they still have not removed my information. I want my information removed and want no futher contact with nonsense web page. I want all my information , name ,address,phone,email address removed. I am tired of bs from these types of scam websites. Below is the information : and link to said info* *** ******* ****** **** ****** **** *********** ***** *** ****** ****** ***** * ************ ************************************************
Business response
01/16/2024
Because LocateFamily.com is unable to ascertain the identity of an individual making a request to remove information, LocateFamily.com will only remove information if the individual making the request can prove that the information in question refers to himself/herself. To do this LocateFamily.com requires that the individual provide a photograph or scanned image of a valid piece of REASONABLE identification showing the same name (and address information) as that which is to be removed. REASONABLE identification is not formal government issued ID, but is instead something like a business card, statement, invoice or mailing label showing the name and address. This ID should be e-mailed to LocateFamily.com via [email protected]. Once it is received, LocateFamily.com will indicate in its records that the ID has been received for a given e-mail address and will promptly remove the information. This means that any future requests (should the information inadvertently be re-displayed) using the same e-mail address for the same information will be processed without delay. DO NOT SEND GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID. The type of identification we require would be ANY LEGITIMATE DOCUMENT THAT CAN REASONABLY PROVE YOUR IDENTITY. This could include a copy of a bill, mailing label, business card, etc. Please understand that these measures have been introduced to prevent abuse, as we have no other way of confirming an individual's true identity. These measures have been vetted by our attorneys as a reasonable and lawful means of establishing identity.
Initial Complaint
12/16/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
I have a unlisted phone nu*ber which I pay extra for. Locate fa*ily has violated *y privacy &a*p; I have asked the* to re*ove &a*p; sent the* letter proving *y address, person with e*ail. Two ti*es I have requested na*e of person in charge so *y lawyer can address the supervisor. Why are they violating *y privacy when I pay extra for unlisted phone nu*ber. I a* also putting in co*plaint with privacy co**isioner
Business response
12/18/2023
LocateFa*ily.co* is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive *anner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in *ind, LocateFa*ily.co* will endeavor to respect your desire to have infor*ation re*oved and will re*ove a listing if a valid request is *ade. On Sun Dec 17 2023 we received a request fro* "*ary ***********" (*************************) to re*ove infor*ation pertaining to "*. ***********". On Sun Dec 17 2023 we sent a *essage to "*ary ***********" (*************************) confir*ing that the infor*ation would be re*oved. On *on Dec 18 2023 a *essage was sent to "*ary ***********" (*************************) indicating that the infor*ation had been re*oved. After infor*ation is re*oved, no personally identifiable infor*ation re*ains displayed, but a na*e *ay re*ain displayed since a na*e *ay refer to *ore than one person. Thank you, LocateFa*ily.co*
Customer response
12/18/2023
I have reviewed the response *ade by the business in reference to co*plaint ID ********, and have deter*ined that this does not resolve *y co*plaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Regards, **** *********** THEY ARE BREAKING PRIVACY LAWS IN CANADA &a*p; THERE SITE SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN
Initial Complaint
12/13/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
Locatemyfamily.com displays my personal information including address without my consent which creates a threat and safety concerns for my life and wellbeing. I followed their instructions and emailed them asking to delete my personal information which they promise on their website to remove in 72 hours following such request. In turn, they requested me to provide documents to verify my identity which I also did using the email they provided. However, they never deleted my information and I received a bounce back email saying that the email Locatemyfamily provided is not operational. I have reasons to believe that this is a phishing website that poses harm to many people by exposing their private information and address.
Business response
12/14/2023
Because LocateFamily.com is unable to ascertain the identity of an individual making a request to remove information, LocateFamily.com will only remove information if the individual making the request can prove that the information in question refers to himself/herself. To do this LocateFamily.com requires that the individual provide a photograph or scanned image of a valid piece of REASONABLE identification showing the same name (and address information) as that which is to be removed. REASONABLE identification is not formal government issued ID, but is instead something like a business card, statement, invoice or mailing label showing the name and address. This ID should be e-mailed to LocateFamily.com via [email protected]. Once it is received, LocateFamily.com will indicate in its records that the ID has been received for a given e-mail address and will promptly remove the information. This means that any future requests (should the information inadvertently be re-displayed) using the same e-mail address for the same information will be processed without delay. DO NOT SEND GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID. The type of identification we require would be ANY LEGITIMATE DOCUMENT THAT CAN REASONABLY PROVE YOUR IDENTITY. This could include a copy of a bill, mailing label, business card, etc. Please understand that these measures have been introduced to prevent abuse, as we have no other way of confirming an individual's true identity. These measures have been vetted by our attorneys as a reasonable and lawful means of establishing identity.
Initial Complaint
12/06/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Unresolved
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
I am writing to file a formal complaint against LocateFamily.com regarding their handling of personal information, which has raised serious concerns about privacy violations and non-compliance with removal requests. I have submitted multiple requests to LocateFamily.com requesting the removal of my personal information from their platform, as I never provided consent for its inclusion. Unfortunately, these requests have been met with disregard, and my information continues to be displayed on their website without authorization. Furthermore, in their recent communication with me, LocateFamily.com insisted on obtaining additional personal information for the removal process, creating an undue and unnecessary invasion of my privacy. I am unwilling to comply with this request, as it goes against my rights and raises further concerns about the security of my sensitive information. This issue is not a result of buyer's remorse, a pricing dispute, or a request solely seeking an apology. It is a matter of privacy infringement and non-compliance with reasonable removal requests. I believe this conduct by LocateFamily.com may be in violation of privacy laws, and I am seeking the intervention of the Better Business Bureau to address this issue promptly and effectively. I request that the BBB investigate this complaint, ensuring LocateFamily.com adheres to the necessary standards and promptly removes my personal information from their platform. Details: Company Name: LocateFamily.com Nature of Complaint: Unauthorized disclosure of personal information, refusal to comply with removal requests. Desired Resolution: Prompt removal of my personal information from LocateFamily.com without the need for additional private information. I have attached relevant documentation, including communications with LocateFamily.com, for your review. I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that the BBB will assist in resolving this privacy concern.
Business response
12/07/2023
We have no record of any information removal request using the email address "**********@gmail.com".
We suggest that this individual submits a removal request using our removal tools.
Customer response
12/19/2023
The business reached out asking me to resubmit my request although I submitted a request for removal last week Thursday. The response I received confirms that I resubmitted a request but they stated I did not provide "enough" information to process the removal request. I've attached their response and photos of me resubmitting yet another request. I'm only able to upload 5 images but below is the message I included with my request:

"In your recent communication, you mentioned the need for the "exact and full link (URL)" to process my removal request. I want to clarify that each removal request submitted is attached to a specific entry, and the removal process is initiated by clicking the trash icon next to the precise entry in question.

URL for the Entry I Want Removed******************************************************************************4
Linked Page for Reference:************************************************l
By providing the URL above, I am reiterating my request to remove the specific entry associated with my personal information from your platform. I trust this clarification will enable you to process the removal accurately.

Requested Actions:
Remove my personal information from the specified entry on **************************************************
Confirm the removal of my information and assure that it will not be uploaded to your platform in the future without my explicit permission."

Best,

***** *******
Initial Complaint
11/27/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
This website is posting my personal information, name, number and address without my consent. I did not sign up or opt for this to be posted and now people have access to some extremely personal information. This feels like scam and is ridiculous. I need my information taken off and removed from there system immediately.
Business response
11/28/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavor to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. On Mon Nov 27 2023 we received a request from "****** ******" (**********************) to remove information pertaining to "****** ******". On Mon Nov 27 2023 we sent a message to "****** ******" (**********************) confirming that the information would be removed. After information is removed, no personally identifiable information remains displayed, but a name may remain displayed since a name may refer to more than one person. Thank you, LocateFamily.com
Initial Complaint
11/12/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Unresolved
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
this company will not remove my personal information. I have tried all their "hoops" . It appears they got my information from either a data hack or the dark web. they will not respond, nor remove.
Business response
11/13/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavour to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. On Mon Nov 13 2023 we received a request from "*********** *****" ********************) to remove information pertaining to "*********** *****". The request was authorized and placed in the removal queue. As a result the information in question is usually removed within 72 hours. We thank you for your patience. LocateFamily.com
Customer response
11/13/2023
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. I waited 72 hours and the information was still on their site. First attempt to remove was on the 10th. there was no "e-mail" confirmation sent to me. Second attempt was on the 11th, still no e-mail confirmation sent. I called and left a message on their "answering number" and no callback nor response via either e-mail accounts submitted. Third attempt was on the 12th. Again no e-mail confirmation for removal. As of today ( 72 hours later) , it is still there. See attached. Regards, *********** *****
Business response
11/14/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavour to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. On Mon Nov 13 2023 we received a request from "*********** *****" (*******************) to remove information pertaining to "*********** *****". The request was authorized and placed in the removal queue. As a result the information in question is usually removed within 72 hours. We thank you for your patience. LocateFamily.com
Customer response
11/14/2023
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.   It is still showing up in full in their search. Once clicked it is not on the previously posted page, but they are still showing ALL information still in their index. They need to remove ALL of my personal information from their database.  This is not a laughing matter, and I never gave them permission for my private, UNLISTED number, nor any of my personal information. Please FIX the index showing my information remaining . See attachment. I also confirmed that in Europe , using vpn and client in Denmark, that it is also still showing their index is showing my information as noted above. I can also check in Asia, and would more than likely show the same result. Regards, *********** *****
Customer response
11/17/2023
I do not appreciate them lying about when they were first "contacted", as the correct date on their website was not only on the 11th, and on the 12th of November 2023. That aside, to their "72 hours" as of the date the BBB , is more likely, today , checking their search , my Phone number, address, and name are still there. See the attached files for evidence shown when you search. I have wasted a lot of time on this matter for something that should have been taken care of upon my initial contact. BTW, they never once , sent any email confirmation ( as their web site states they will) of the 4 times I submitted for removal.
Business response
11/17/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavor to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. On Mon Nov 13 2023 we received a request from "*********** *****" ********************* to remove information pertaining to "*********** *****".  On Mon Nov 13 2023 we sent a message to "*********** *****" ********************) confirming that the information would be removed. After information is removed, no personally identifiable information remains displayed, but a name may remain displayed since a name may refer to more than one person. Thank you, LocateFamily.com
Customer response
11/17/2023
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint."After information is removed, no personally identifiable information remains displayed, but a name may remain displayed since a name may refer to more than one person. Thank you, LocateFamily.com"  this is a lie. It is blatantly still showing my information. I am asking them , once again to remove my information. The results they are showing have absolutely nothing to do with any "family" member, whatsoever..   This information is Private and has never, ever been made publicly. I am offended that they are selling my private information, and it is obvious that they are sending canned responses.  Is there some legal avenue that can be taken against this company?  All other companies have complied to Washington State laws regarding this matter, yet this company does not , e-mail as they say when you ask to remove it, call you as they say,, when you call their number and leave a message to remove it, remove the information , after they claim "72 hours" at whatever date they pick, and use the excuse that it could be tied to another family member, which is clearly a BLATANT LIE! Please help, BBB , with this matter. I am not the only one that is having this issue with this "so called company" that preys on people , uses peoples PRIVATE information for monetary gain, that found this information, obviously via a data breech, ( as I have 100% kept my information out of the public sector).REMOVE ALL OF MY DATA "LOCATEFAMILY" .... NOW Regards, *********** *****
Initial Complaint
10/17/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
I have previously communicated with LOCATEFAMILY and gone through their procedures to remove my personal information from their website. However TWO records still remain hosted and all attempts to communicate with them about having these removed have failed over the course of more than 45 days. I have only received automated messages that do not correspond to my request. I am requesting that LOCATEFAMILY remove these 2 remaining records to complete my CCPA Opt-Out and CCPA Delete request. Every second that this information remains online causes a threat of bodily harm, mental harm, loss of livelihood, and death to me and my family. I have provided the exact information of the 2 records attached as a supporting document which can be shared with LOCATEFAMILY in order for them to complete the removal.
Business response
10/18/2023
Because LocateFamily.com is unable to ascertain the identity of an individual making a request to remove information, LocateFamily.com will only remove information if the individual making the request can prove that the information in question refers to himself/herself. To do this LocateFamily.com requires that the individual provide a photograph or scanned image of a valid piece of REASONABLE identification showing the same name (and address information) as that which is to be removed. REASONABLE identification is not formal government issued ID, but is instead something like a business card, statement, invoice or mailing label showing the name and address. This ID should be e-mailed to LocateFamily.com via *********************. Once it is received, LocateFamily.com will indicate in its records that the ID has been received for a given e-mail address and will promptly remove the information. This means that any future requests (should the information inadvertently be re-displayed) using the same e-mail address for the same information will be processed without delay. DO NOT SEND GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID. The type of identification we require would be ANY LEGITIMATE DOCUMENT THAT CAN REASONABLY PROVE YOUR IDENTITY. This could include a copy of a bill, mailing label, business card, etc. Please understand that these measures have been introduced to prevent abuse, as we have no other way of confirming an individual's true identity. These measures have been vetted by our attorneys as a reasonable and lawful means of establishing identity.
Customer response
10/18/2023
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 1. I have attached a copy of an ID document as requested by LOCATEFAMILY. This may be shared with LOCATEFAMILY in order for them to complete CCPA Removal. 2. If LOCATEFAMILY removes both of the records and agrees to remove any additional copies of the record that are identified, then I will accept that as a successful resolution. Regards, **** ***** *****
Business response
10/18/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavour to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. The request was authorized and placed in the removal queue. As a result the information in question is usually removed within 72 hours. We thank you for your patience. LocateFamily.com
Customer response
10/19/2023
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. = I would like to submit an additional piece of information to Complaint ID #******** to be shared with the business: "I have located one additional record of family that is being published on LOCATEFAMILY.COM - please also process the following record for CCPA Opt-Out + CCPA Delete: ************************************************* ***** ** ** ****** ***** ***** ********* **** ****** ********** ********** *** ****** ****** ***** ********** * Regards, **** ***** *****
Business response
10/19/2023
LocateFamily.com is a FREE service which is intended to bring people together in a positive manner. It is not intended to inconvenience anyone. With this in mind, LocateFamily.com will endeavour to respect your desire to have information removed and will remove a listing if a valid request is made. On Thu Oct 19 2023 we received a request from "****** *****" *******************************************) to remove information pertaining to "****** *****". The request was authorized and placed in the removal queue. As a result the information in question is usually removed within 72 hours. We thank you for your patience. LocateFamily.com

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