BeenVerified is one of the best-known people-search and background-check platforms in the United States. It aggregates public records, social media data, contact information, and other publicly available sources into reports that users can access through a subscription. The service is popular for reconnecting with old contacts, verifying unknown callers, researching online dates, and checking property or vehicle history. It competes with TruthFinder, Spokeo, Intelius, Instant Checkmate, and PeopleLooker in the crowded people-search market.
This review explains what BeenVerified offers, how much it costs, how it works, where it performs well, where it falls short, and how it compares to alternatives. The goal is to give you enough detail to decide whether it fits your needs without wasting money on the wrong plan.
What This Review Covers
This review covers everything you need to know before signing up: the 12 search products, current pricing, how accurate the reports are, what real users say, how to cancel, refund options, mobile apps, and how BeenVerified compares to TruthFinder, Spokeo, Intelius, Instant Checkmate, and FCRA-compliant services.
What Is BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is a public records search service founded in 2007. It collects data from public records, commercial sources, social networks, and other databases to build reports on people, phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, vehicles, and more. The company is based in New York and is not a consumer reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
This distinction matters. Because BeenVerified is not FCRA-compliant, its reports cannot legally be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance underwriting, educational admissions, or professional licensing. The service is intended for personal research, such as finding a lost contact, checking who called you, or learning more about a property.
The 12 Search Products BeenVerified Offers
BeenVerified markets itself as “12 products in one.” Here is what each product actually does.
| Product | What It Searches For | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| People Search | Name, age, aliases, possible relatives | Reconnecting with someone or confirming identity |
| Reverse Phone | Caller ID, owner name, location, carrier | Identifying spam or unknown callers |
| Email Lookup | Owner of an email address, related accounts | Verifying an online contact or seller |
| Address Lookup | Property history, residents, ownership | Researching a home, rental, or neighborhood |
| Username Search | Online accounts tied to a username | Checking social or dating profiles |
| Unclaimed Money | State-held funds tied to a name | Finding forgotten property or refunds |
| Vehicle Lookup | VIN or license plate history | Checking a used car before purchase |
| Obituaries Search | Death records and memorials | Genealogy or estate research |
| Ancestry Research | Family history and public records | Building a family tree |
| Family Tree | Connected relatives across records | Mapping extended family |
| Fraud Scan | Data breach exposure and suspicious records | Checking if your information appears in risky places |
| Court Records Search | Criminal, civil, and traffic records | Understanding someone’s legal history |
Not every search returns complete information. Availability depends on what records exist, whether the data is public, and whether BeenVerified has a current copy.
BeenVerified Pricing in 2026
BeenVerified uses a subscription model. As of June 2026, the official pricing on beenverified.com/pricing is:
| Plan | Price | Billing Cycle | Effective Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Membership | $36.89/month | Monthly | $36.89 |
| 3-Month Membership | $71.94 total | Every 3 months | $23.98/month |
Both plans include the same features. There is no long-term contract, and the subscription auto-renews until canceled. BeenVerified also advertises a satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy, you can request a refund within the guarantee window, usually around seven days from purchase.
Additional Costs to Watch
- Report add-ons. Some detailed reports may prompt you to buy extra data beyond the base subscription.
- Trial conversions. Promotional trials can convert to paid subscriptions automatically if not canceled before the trial ends.
- Phone lookup fees. Premium phone data sometimes costs extra, depending on the report depth.
- Download fees. Bulk report downloads or PDF exports may be limited or charged separately on some plans.
Always read the checkout page carefully. Competitors have reported confusion between “Casual” and “Plus” trial tiers, and BeenVerified’s final price can differ from promotional landing pages.
How BeenVerified Works
Using BeenVerified follows a simple three-step process.
- Enter your search term. You can search by name, phone number, email address, physical address, username, or vehicle identifier.
- Wait for data aggregation. BeenVerified scans its databases and assembles a report. This can take a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the search type.
- Review the report. Most reports include contact details, location history, possible relatives, social profiles, and public records. Full reports require an active subscription.
The interface is web-based, and there are also iOS and Android apps. The apps are useful for reverse phone lookups and caller ID, but the full report experience is usually better on desktop.
BeenVerified Features in Detail
People Search
People Search is BeenVerified’s core feature. Enter a first and last name, and optionally a state, to see possible matches. Reports may include current and past addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, age, relatives, and associates. Criminal and court records may appear if they are public and available.
Reverse Phone Lookup
Reverse Phone Lookup is one of the most practical tools. It helps identify unknown callers, telemarketers, and potential scams. Reports can include the caller’s name, carrier, location, and spam risk. This feature is especially useful on mobile.
Email and Username Lookup
Email Lookup tries to identify the owner of an email address and any connected online accounts. Username Search scans for profiles across social media, dating sites, forums, and other platforms. These are helpful for vetting online sellers, dates, or freelancers.
Address and Property Search
Address Lookup shows current and past residents, property ownership history, and neighborhood context. It is useful for researching a potential rental, a home purchase, or a previous address of a contact.
Vehicle Lookup
Vehicle Lookup accepts a VIN or license plate number and returns available history, including ownership records, accident history, and title status. It is a useful first step when buying a used car, but it is not a replacement for a full vehicle history report from a service such as Carfax.
Unclaimed Money Search
This feature scans state databases for unclaimed funds associated with your name. It can surface forgotten refunds, uncashed checks, or old bank balances. If it finds a match, you still need to submit a claim directly through the state.
Court and Criminal Records
Court Records Search looks for criminal, civil, and traffic records tied to a person. Results vary widely by state and county because public record access is not uniform across the United States. Some counties update quickly; others are slow or incomplete. This is one of the most common sources of user complaints about accuracy.
BeenVerified Reviews and Ratings
User feedback on BeenVerified is mixed. Here is a summary of what major review platforms show.
| Platform | Rating | Review Count or Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | Around 3.5/5 | Mixed; praise for contact data, complaints about billing and accuracy |
| Sitejabber | Around 2.4/5 | Common complaints about cancellation and outdated records |
| ConsumerAffairs | Around 4.8/5 | Higher ratings, often citing helpful customer support |
| Better Business Bureau | C rating | Pattern of complaints around billing and cancellation |
What Users Like
- Accurate contact information, especially current phone numbers and email addresses.
- Easy-to-use interface and fast initial search.
- Helpful customer support when reachable.
- Useful mobile apps for caller ID.
- Wide range of search types in one subscription.
What Users Criticize
- Outdated or incomplete criminal and court records.
- Billing confusion after free trials convert to paid plans.
- Difficulty canceling subscriptions.
- Reports that promise more than they deliver.
- Ongoing charges after users believe they have canceled.
- Occasional slow report generation.
The mixed ratings reflect a common pattern in people-search services: contact data tends to be decent, but deeper records such as criminal history and financial data are harder to keep current.
How Accurate Is BeenVerified?
Accuracy depends on the type of data and the jurisdiction.
Contact Information
Phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses are usually the most accurate parts of a report. BeenVerified refreshes these sources more frequently, and they are easier to verify because they are tied to public directories, property records, and commercial databases. If you are trying to reach someone, the contact section is the most reliable place to start.
Criminal and Court Records
Criminal records are the weakest area for most people-search services. Reporting practices differ by state and county. Some courts provide online records quickly. Others require in-person requests or charge fees. BeenVerified may miss records, show outdated charges, or list cases that were later dismissed or expunged. Always verify criminal records directly with the court or an official source before acting on them.
Property and Vehicle Records
Property ownership data is generally reliable because it comes from county assessor and recorder offices. Vehicle history depends on state DMV data and commercial vehicle history databases. It is useful for a quick check but not a substitute for an official title search or vehicle history report.
Social Media and Online Profiles
Username search and email lookup can surface social media profiles, but they are not exhaustive. Privacy settings, deactivated accounts, and common names can reduce accuracy. A match is a lead, not proof of identity.
Is BeenVerified Legit and Safe?
BeenVerified is a legitimate company that has operated since 2007. It is not a scam. However, “legit” does not mean “perfect for every purpose.” The service is safe to use for personal research, but you should understand its limitations.
Important Legal Limitations
BeenVerified is not FCRA-compliant. You cannot legally use it for:
- Employment screening.
- Tenant screening.
- Credit or loan decisions.
- Insurance underwriting.
- Educational admissions.
- Professional licensing.
- Any eligibility determination covered by the FCRA.
Using it for these purposes can expose you to legal liability. For official background checks, use a consumer reporting agency that complies with the FCRA. For personal email safety and deliverability tips, see our guide on stopping emails from going to spam in Gmail.
Privacy for Searchers
BeenVerified does not notify the person you are searching. Your searches are confidential. However, the company does collect and may share or sell aggregated user data, which is standard for many data-broker services. If you are concerned about your own information being exposed online, keep your email accounts secure and monitor your domain reputation with tools such as the Mystrika blacklist check.
BeenVerified Mobile Apps
BeenVerified offers iOS and Android apps. The apps focus on reverse phone lookup, caller ID, and quick people searches. They are convenient for identifying unknown numbers and running quick checks on the go.
The mobile experience is more limited than the desktop site. Full reports, family tree tools, and court record searches are easier to review on a larger screen. App store ratings vary, with common praise for caller ID and common complaints about subscription prompts.
BeenVerified vs Traditional Background Checks
People often confuse BeenVerified with official background check services. The differences are important.
| Factor | BeenVerified | FCRA-Compliant Background Check |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Personal research only | Employment, tenant, credit, licensing |
| Data sources | Public records, commercial data, social media | Verified court, credit, and employment records |
| Legal protections | None for hiring or eligibility decisions | Requires consent and dispute rights under FCRA |
| Accuracy | Variable; not guaranteed | Higher standard; consumers can dispute errors |
| Cost | Monthly subscription | Per-check or volume pricing |
| Examples | BeenVerified, TruthFinder, Spokeo | GoodHire, Checkr, Sterling, HireRight |
If you are an employer or landlord, using BeenVerified exposes you to lawsuits and regulatory penalties. Use an FCRA-compliant provider and follow required disclosure and consent steps.
How to Get the Most Value from BeenVerified
A subscription only makes sense if you use it deliberately. Here are practical tips.
- Start with a specific question. Do not browse randomly. Know whether you need a phone number, an address, a relative, or a court record.
- Verify important findings. Contact information can be stale. Confirm any serious claim through a second source.
- Use the mobile app for caller ID. The reverse phone feature is the most convenient on mobile.
- Set calendar reminders. Mark your renewal date and trial end date so you can cancel if you no longer need the service.
- Download reports promptly. If you plan to cancel, save PDFs of reports you paid for before the subscription ends.
- Read the fine print. Understand what is included in your plan and what might trigger extra charges.
How to Cancel BeenVerified
Cancellation is one of the most reported pain points. Here is how to cancel through every official channel.
Online Cancellation
- Log in to your BeenVerified account.
- Go to your account settings or membership page.
- Look for “Cancel My Account” or “Manage Subscription.”
- Follow the prompts and confirm the cancellation.
- Save the confirmation email or screenshot.
Email Cancellation
Send a cancellation request to [email protected]. Include your full name, account email, and the last four digits of the payment method if available. Ask for written confirmation.
Phone Cancellation
Call BeenVerified customer support at 1-844-823-2869. Have your account details ready. Request cancellation and a confirmation number or email.
Chat or Contact Form
Use the online chat or contact form on the BeenVerified website to request cancellation. Again, ask for written confirmation.
Refund Tips
- Request a refund within the satisfaction guarantee window, usually about seven days.
- If you were charged after canceling, contact your bank or credit card issuer with your cancellation confirmation.
- Keep all confirmation emails and screenshots.
Top BeenVerified Alternatives
Several competing services offer similar public records search. Here is how they compare.
| Service | Best For | Starting Price | Standout Feature | Common Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeenVerified | General people search and reverse phone | $23.98-$36.89/month | 12 search products in one subscription | Mixed accuracy on criminal/court records |
| TruthFinder | Deep background and criminal records | Similar monthly range | Dark web monitoring included | Higher price, aggressive upsells |
| Spokeo | Social media and contact info | Lower entry price | Strong social profile aggregation | Thin criminal record coverage |
| Intelius | Address history and property data | Similar to BeenVerified | Long history in people search | Subscription confusion reported |
| Instant Checkmate | Criminal and arrest records | Similar monthly range | Fast report generation | Reports can be incomplete |
| PeopleLooker | Budget-conscious users | Lower cost | Simple interface | Less comprehensive than competitors |
| GoodHire | FCRA-compliant employment checks | Per-check pricing | Legal for hiring decisions | Not for personal casual searches |
If you need FCRA-compliant reports for hiring or tenant screening, use GoodHire, Checkr, or another licensed consumer reporting agency. For personal research, BeenVerified, TruthFinder, or Spokeo are the main alternatives.
Who Should Use BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is a reasonable choice for personal research when you need a broad set of search tools in one subscription. Good fits include:
- Reconnecting with old friends or family members.
- Identifying unknown callers.
- Vetting an online date or seller before meeting.
- Researching a property or vehicle.
- Checking whether your information appears in public records.
It is a poor fit for:
- Employment or tenant screening.
- Official legal or financial decisions.
- Users who expect guaranteed accuracy on criminal records.
- Anyone who wants a one-time report without a subscription.
Key Takeaways
- BeenVerified is a legitimate people-search platform with 12 search products, including people search, reverse phone, email lookup, address lookup, username search, unclaimed money, vehicle lookup, and court records.
- Official pricing as of June 2026 is $36.89/month or $23.98/month when billed quarterly at $71.94.
- The service is not FCRA-compliant and cannot be used for employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions.
- User reviews are mixed: contact data is generally reliable, but criminal and court records can be outdated or incomplete.
- Cancellation can be done online, by email, by phone, or through chat. Always request written confirmation and watch for auto-renewal charges.
- Alternatives such as TruthFinder, Spokeo, Intelius, and Instant Checkmate offer similar features with different strengths.
- For official background checks, use an FCRA-compliant service such as GoodHire instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BeenVerified used for?
BeenVerified is used for personal research such as finding contact information, identifying unknown callers, researching online contacts, checking property or vehicle history, and locating unclaimed money. It is not intended for employment or tenant screening.
How much does BeenVerified cost?
As of June 2026, BeenVerified costs $36.89 per month for a monthly membership or $71.94 billed every three months, which equals $23.98 per month. Both plans include the same features.
Is BeenVerified a one-time purchase?
No. BeenVerified is a subscription service that auto-renews until canceled. Some reports or add-ons may require additional payment, but the base plans are recurring.
Does BeenVerified notify the person I search?
No. BeenVerified does not notify the person you search. Your searches are confidential. However, the company may use or share aggregated user data according to its privacy policy.
Is BeenVerified safe to use?
BeenVerified is safe to use for personal research. It is a legitimate company. The main risk is using it for purposes that require FCRA compliance, such as hiring or tenant screening, which is prohibited and may create legal liability.
How accurate is BeenVerified?
Accuracy varies by search type. Contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses tends to be more reliable. Criminal records, court records, and financial data can be outdated or incomplete because public record access varies by jurisdiction.
Can I get a refund from BeenVerified?
BeenVerified offers a satisfaction guarantee. Refund requests are typically considered within about seven days of purchase. Contact support through email, phone, or chat and keep all confirmation records.
What are the best BeenVerified alternatives?
For personal research, TruthFinder, Spokeo, Intelius, Instant Checkmate, and PeopleLooker are common alternatives. For FCRA-compliant background checks for employment or housing, use GoodHire, Checkr, or another licensed consumer reporting agency.