Are you looking for a reliable and efficient way to conduct background checks online? In this SearchQuarry review, we’ll take a deep dive into one of the longest-running services in the industry to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
As a recognized expert in the field of online background checks with over a decade of experience, I’ll share my honest insights on SearchQuarry’s features, pros and cons, pricing, accuracy and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
What Is SearchQuarry?
SearchQuarry is an online background check service that has been operating for many years. The company aggregates data from a vast array of public and private sources to provide users with detailed reports on individuals. This includes criminal records, civil judgments, liens, bankruptcies, driving records and more.
One of SearchQuarry’s key differentiators is the breadth of its database. By pulling from federal, state and county records, along with “hidden” online sources, it aims to provide the most comprehensive picture possible. Whether you need to vet a potential employee, investigate someone’s history or find a long-lost friend, SearchQuarry positions itself as a one-stop solution.
How Does SearchQuarry Work?
Using SearchQuarry is a fairly straightforward process:
- Enter the name and location of the person you want to search
- The system scours millions of records to find potential matches
- You’ll see an overview with basic details like age and previous addresses
- Upgrade to a paid report for full background details
The initial search is free and provides a glimpse of the available information. To access the complete background report, you’ll need to sign up for a 5-day trial or monthly membership.
Compared to other background check sites I’ve used, the SearchQuarry interface is clean and user-friendly. Even those new to online searches should have no trouble navigating it. And with results returned in a matter of seconds, it’s an efficient tool for quick research.
SearchQuarry Membership Options & Pricing
SearchQuarry keeps pricing simple with two membership options:
| Membership | Price |
|---|---|
| 5-Day Trial | $2.95 |
| Monthly | $24.95 |
The 5-day trial allows you to test out the service for less than $5. You’ll get full access to the search features and can view sample reports. After the trial period, your membership will automatically convert to the monthly plan at $24.95/month unless you cancel.
While not the cheapest background check service available, SearchQuarry’s pricing is competitive for the depth of information provided. The month-to-month structure also provides flexibility – you can use it for a one-off search without a long-term commitment.
What Types of Searches Does SearchQuarry Offer?
SearchQuarry provides several different search options depending on your needs:
- People Search – The most basic search that returns names, ages, current and previous addresses, and phone numbers associated with the subject.
- Background Check – A comprehensive report that may include criminal records, sex offender status, financial history, relatives, associates and more.
- Reverse Phone – Identify the owner of a phone number, along with linked addresses and background information.
- Reverse Email – Find out details on the person behind an email address, such as name, location and social profiles.
- License Plate Search – Available with a subscription, this allows you to look up vehicle and owner details by license plate number.
I found the range of searches to be quite robust. Whether you have just a name, phone number or email to go on, SearchQuarry provides multiple angles to investigate.
How Accurate Are SearchQuarry’s Background Checks?
Accuracy is arguably the most critical factor when choosing a background check service. In my experience with SearchQuarry, the results have proven to be consistently reliable.
There are a few reasons for this:
- SearchQuarry has direct access to several databases, both public and proprietary, providing data straight from the source. This helps minimize inconsistencies that can arise from secondhand information.
- The company employs a system to eliminate duplicate entries, defunct records and other erroneous data. The reports I’ve generated contained current, valid information.
- By searching at the federal, state and county levels, along with online sources, SearchQuarry casts a wider net than many other services. Greater coverage generally equates to more accurate and complete results.
Of course, no background check service is infallible. Mistakes can happen and records can fall through the cracks, especially when dealing with millions of data points. However, I’m confident in SearchQuarry’s commitment to providing quality information to the best of their abilities.
Is SearchQuarry Legal to Use?
The short answer is: it depends on how you plan to use the information. SearchQuarry, like many other online background check services, is not FCRA compliant. This means the reports cannot legally be used for decisions related to employment, housing, credit, insurance eligibility, etc.
So what can you use SearchQuarry for? Here are a few examples:
- Looking up old classmates, friends or relatives
- Checking someone’s background before a first date
- Researching a potential business partner
- Locating your biological parents
Basically, it’s meant for personal review and research purposes only. As long as you don’t use the information for any of the restricted purposes, you’re in the clear. SearchQuarry makes this distinction very clear throughout their site.
It’s also worth noting that individuals can opt out of having their personal information included in SearchQuarry’s database. The company provides instructions for requesting removal on their opt-out page.
Standout Features of SearchQuarry
In addition to core background check functionality, here are a few unique features that stood out to me:
- Identity Protection – Subscribers can opt-in to have their information scanned against records on the dark web. This provides an early alert of potential identity theft.
- Law Enforcement Search – Members also get free access to a database of police and sheriff contact information nationwide. This could come in handy if you need to get in touch with local authorities.
- Responsive Customer Service – Unlike many online services, SearchQuarry offers multiple ways to get support. There’s an email address, phone number, and social media channels with prompt response times.
- Ease of Use – I found the SearchQuarry interface and search process to be straightforward. You get the search tools upfront without a lot of clutter or upsells. Reports are clearly laid out and simple to understand.
While small touches, these features show that SearchQuarry aims to provide value beyond just data aggregation. The commitment to user privacy, security and experience is apparent.
Potential Drawbacks of SearchQuarry
Despite the many positives, there are a couple of potential downsides to be aware of:
- Membership Required for Full Access – To view complete background reports, you’ll need to sign up for a monthly plan or at least the trial. The initial search results really just scratch the surface, so expect to pay for the best information.
- Records Not Guaranteed – Due to the nature of SearchQuarry’s data sources, there’s always a chance that records could be incomplete or missing key details. The company doesn’t claim to be an exhaustive resource.
- Recurring Subscription – The trial membership rolls over into a monthly charge after 5 days. Be sure to cancel if you don’t want to keep the subscription going.
None of these are dealbreakers in my opinion, but it’s important to have realistic expectations going in. As with any information service, SearchQuarry is a tool to enhance your research, not to be taken as gospel.
SearchQuarry Alternatives
While SearchQuarry is a top contender in the online background check space, it’s not the only option out there. Here are a few alternatives worth considering:
- BeenVerified – One of the most well-known background check services, BeenVerified offers a similar array of search tools and detailed reports. Pricing starts at $26.89/month after a $1 trial.
- Instant Checkmate – With an easy-to-use interface and comprehensive results, Instant Checkmate is another popular choice. Memberships start at $34.78/month.
- Intelius – Around since 2003, Intelius is a established player in the industry. Their people search and background check features are comparable to SearchQuarry. Plans start at $24.86/month.
- TruthFinder – TruthFinder prides itself on deep web searches that may uncover information other sites miss. You can try it for $4.99 for the first 7 days, then $27.78/month.
Ultimately, the “best” background check service will depend on your specific needs, budget and preferences. It may be worth trying a couple to see which one delivers the most relevant results for your searches.
SearchQuarry Review Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Having thoroughly tested SearchQuarry and explored every feature, my take is that it’s a solid background check option for most personal vetting and review needs. The search functionality is robust, results are reliably accurate, and membership is flexible.
For employers, landlords, or anyone else needing FCRA-approved data, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But for the average person seeking reliable intel on someone’s background, SearchQuarry is a strong contender. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the membership costs and cancel if you only need it short-term.
I hope this SearchQuarry review has given you a comprehensive overview of what the service offers and whether it makes sense for your situation. When wielded properly and ethically, having convenient access to public records is a powerful ability we didn’t have even a decade ago. SearchQuarry puts that power in your hands.
SearchQuarry Review FAQ
Still have questions about SearchQuarry? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long does it take to get SearchQuarry results?
Most searches return initial preview results within 10-20 seconds. The full background reports may take a couple minutes to compile.
What payment options does SearchQuarry accept?
You can pay for SearchQuarry membership with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. The company doesn’t accept personal checks or money orders.
Will the person I’m searching for be notified?
No, all SearchQuarry queries are completely confidential. The person won’t be aware that you searched for them.
Is there a limit on searches?
Paid memberships include unlimited searches and reports. On the trial plan, you’ll be limited to a certain number of searches per day.
Can I export the reports?
Yes, you can print and download the background reports for your records. They’re delivered in an easy-to-read PDF format.
Key Takeaways
- SearchQuarry is a reputable background check service that pulls data from a variety of public and private sources.
- It offers several types of searches, including people lookup, full background check, reverse phone/email, and license plate lookups.
- Results are compiled from federal, state, county and online records for maximum accuracy and coverage.
- Pricing options include a $2.95 5-day trial and $24.95/month membership with unlimited searches and reports.
- The service is not FCRA compliant and can only be used for personal review, not for employment or tenancy screening.
- Overall, SearchQuarry is an excellent tool for researching someone’s background history as long as you use it within legal and ethical boundaries.
