Are you looking for a trustworthy and affordable background check service? In this comprehensive PeopleWhiz review, we’ll dive deep into this public records search engine to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. Discover key features, pricing, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against top competitors.
What is PeopleWhiz?
PeopleWhiz is an online background check service that scours over 67 billion public records to provide detailed reports on individuals in the United States. Launched in 2017, this Huntington Beach-based company offers an easy-to-use platform for accessing criminal records, court judgments, contact information, and more.
Key Features
- Simple and advanced search options
- Vast database with billions of records
- 24/7 customer support
- Affordable pricing plans
- Mobile-friendly interface
How Does PeopleWhiz Work?
To use PeopleWhiz, simply enter the name, city, and state of the person you want to search. For more precise results, you can add their middle name and approximate age. The platform will then scan its extensive database, pulling from sources like:
- Federal, state, and county records
- Social media profiles
- Court judgments and bankruptcies
- Mugshots and arrest records
- Property ownership and asset data
Within minutes, you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing the individual’s background information. Keep in mind that while PeopleWhiz strives for accuracy, some records may be outdated or contain errors due to the nature of public databases.
PeopleWhiz Pricing
One downside of PeopleWhiz is the lack of transparency around pricing on their website. Here’s what we found:
- Basic searches are free, but provide limited information
- Monthly membership costs $27.99 for unlimited searches
- In-depth background reports are $19.99 each
- Occasional promotions, like a $1 trial month
If you’re unsatisfied with your report, PeopleWhiz does offer a refund policy since they can’t guarantee 100% accuracy of third-party data.
If you decide to cancel your PeopleWhiz subscription, follow the steps outlined in this cancellation guide.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive database covering billions of records
- Responsive 24/7 customer support
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Refunds available for inaccurate reports
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency on website
- No mobile app available
- Not FCRA-compliant for tenant/employee screening
- Some reports may contain outdated information
PeopleWhiz Reviews and Ratings
On the Better Business Bureau website, PeopleWhiz holds an A+ rating and has been accredited since 2019. In the past 3 years, 219 complaints were filed, with 124 resolved in the last 12 months. Most complaints revolve around inaccurate report data or difficulty canceling subscriptions.
PeopleWhiz earns a 3.8-star rating on Sitejabber, with mixed reviews. Satisfied customers praise the platform’s speed and accuracy, while critics cite issues with misleading information. Overall, PeopleWhiz seems best suited for informal background checks rather than official tenant or employee screening.
PeopleWhiz vs. the Competition
How does PeopleWhiz stack up against other popular background check services? Let’s compare:
| Service | FCRA Compliant | Database Size |
|---|---|---|
| PeopleWhiz | No | 67 billion |
| BeenVerified | No | 10 billion |
| InstantCheckmate | No | 10 billion |
| TruthFinder | No | 20 billion |
While competitors like BeenVerified and InstantCheckmate offer comparable services, PeopleWhiz stands out for its affordability and extensive database. However, none of these platforms are FCRA-compliant for official screening purposes.
Is PeopleWhiz Legit?
PeopleWhiz is a legitimate background check service that provides access to billions of public records. The company is transparent about its limitations, noting that it isn’t a Consumer Reporting Agency and cannot be used for tenant, employment, or credit screening.
When using PeopleWhiz or any similar service, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to relevant laws and ethical guidelines. Misusing background information can have serious legal consequences.
Who is PeopleWhiz Best For?
PeopleWhiz is an excellent choice for individuals who need informal background checks for personal reasons, such as:
- Researching potential roommates or online dates
- Locating long-lost friends or family members
- Verifying an online seller’s identity
- Accessing public court records and criminal history
- Performing a self-background check
However, PeopleWhiz should not be used for official purposes like tenant screening, hiring decisions, or credit approval, as it isn’t FCRA-compliant.
PeopleWhiz Customer Support
One standout feature of PeopleWhiz is its dedicated customer support team. Representatives are available 24/7 via a toll-free number, with minimal wait times and no automated systems. You can also reach the support team by email on weekdays, with responses typically provided within 24 hours.
Key Takeaways
- PeopleWhiz offers affordable, user-friendly background checks using billions of public records
- Reports can provide detailed information but may contain inaccuracies or outdated data
- This service is best for personal use, not FCRA-compliant hiring or credit decisions
- PeopleWhiz provides excellent 24/7 customer support and refunds for unsatisfactory reports
- While legitimate, PeopleWhiz has some limitations compared to pricier, official screening services
PeopleWhiz Review FAQ
- Is PeopleWhiz free? Basic searches are free, but in-depth reports and full access require a paid plan.
- How accurate is PeopleWhiz? While PeopleWhiz strives for accuracy, reports may contain outdated or erroneous information due to the nature of third-party public records.
- Can I use PeopleWhiz for employee background checks? No, PeopleWhiz is not FCRA-compliant and should not be used for hiring decisions or other official screening purposes.
- What information does PeopleWhiz provide? Reports may include criminal records, contact info, property ownership, social media profiles, court judgments, and more.
- How do I cancel my PeopleWhiz membership? Contact PeopleWhiz’s 24/7 customer support team by phone or email to cancel your subscription and request a refund if needed.
Additionally, if you want to opt out of having your personal information included in PeopleWhiz’s database, follow the process described in our PeopleWhiz opt-out guide.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, our PeopleWhiz review finds that this affordable background check service is a solid choice for personal research needs. With a vast database, user-friendly interface, and responsive customer support, PeopleWhiz offers value for those seeking informal background information.
However, it’s crucial to understand the platform’s limitations and legal restrictions. PeopleWhiz reports may contain inaccuracies and should never be used for FCRA-regulated purposes like tenant screening or hiring.
By weighing the pros, cons, and alternatives outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision on whether PeopleWhiz is the right background check solution for your needs. Remember to always use such services responsibly and adhere to relevant laws and ethical standards.
