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If you want an easy way to double-check online dates, spot scam callers, or learn more about the people around you, BeenVerified is one of the more dependable options. It isn’t flawless though – it has its ‘hit and miss’ moments, I found it’s prone to surfacing out of date numbers. But in my testing I also found it consistently surfaced useful criminal records, financial clues, and social media details. Combine that with strong security and straightforward pricing, and BeenVerified earns a spot as one of the best background check tools for personal use. Just don’t expect it to serve HR or legal needs.
Features (3.8/5): BeenVerified performed reliably in most searches. It surfaced criminal records in roughly 80% of cases, flagged scam callers accurately, and identified legitimate businesses. The reverse phone lookup proved especially useful. The unclaimed money search uncovered real forgotten deposits, while social media aggregation pulled together profiles across platforms, making identity verification much easier. A few outdated mobile numbers held it back from a higher score, but overall the data quality was consistent and trustworthy.
Security (4.1/5): With operations dating back to 2007, BBB accreditation, and no major breaches on record, BeenVerified earns above-average marks for security. The platform uses HTTPS encryption and established payment processors. Its opt-out process is straightforward for those who want their information removed. Importantly, the service is transparent about its intended use: personal checks, not professional screening.
Value (3.5/5): The quarterly plan at $23.98/month delivers strong value for anyone who runs regular searches. Unlimited reports let you vet every online date, unknown caller, or neighbor without added costs. The $1 trial is handy for quick testing, but note the auto-renewal at $36.89 – set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
BeenVerified is a background check service that searches billions of public records to help you learn about people in your life. The platform combines criminal records, court documents, property information, and social media profiles into easy-to-read reports.
The service works as both a people search engine and reverse phone lookup tool. You can search using someone’s name, phone number, email, or address. BeenVerified then combs through 19.9 million telecom records, analyzes 3.39 million spam reports, and scans social media platforms to build a comprehensive picture. The platform claims to cover about 200 million Americans.
BeenVerified uses a subscription model starting at $23.98 monthly, giving you unlimited searches up to 100 reports per month. It’s designed for personal use – best suited to things like checking someone you matched with on Tinder is genuine, verifying a Craigslist seller, or learning about the new family that moved in next door. The service focuses on helping individuals make safer personal decisions with better information.
The one significant caveat is it isn’t geared towards businesses. If you’re in a role like HR and need a tool to perform watertight background checks, you should take a look at our guide to the best background tools for businesses.
BeenVerified works by searching multiple databases simultaneously when you enter someone’s information. The background check service accepts four search types: name searches, reverse phone lookups, email searches, and address searches. Once you enter information, BeenVerified queries billions of public records and typically returns results within 10-30 seconds for basic data, with reports usually completing in about a minute.
When working in the way it’s supposed to, when you search a phone number, BeenVerified identifies the owner, then pulls their criminal records, property ownership, social media profiles, and court documents. And BeenVerified’s PhoneScan AI technology checks the number against millions of spam reports to warn you about potential scams. This means a simple phone number search can potentially reveal someone’s background, addresses, and even other names they’ve used.
The platform uses matching algorithms to connect information across different sources. During my testing, about 80% of information proved accurate, with property records being most reliable and cell phone numbers least reliable. Results appear in organized sections – criminal history, contact details, social profiles, and property records – making it easy to find what you’re looking for without getting overwhelmed by data.
As mentioned, consistency is an issue with BeenVerified. Sometimes reports returned incomplete, and on more than one occasion it sent me out of date phone numbers.
After extensive testing, these are the features that proved most valuable for real-world use.
BeenVerified searches county, state, and federal databases to compile criminal history reports. During testing, it successfully found recent convictions, traffic violations, and court cases for most people searched. Reports clearly show the difference between serious crimes and minor infractions, with dates and case numbers included. While coverage varies by location, urban areas typically have more comprehensive data.
The reverse phone lookup goes beyond basic caller ID. PhoneScan AI analyzes millions of user reports to provide specific warnings like “Medicare scam targeting seniors” or “Legitimate callback from medical office.” It correctly identified every scam call I tested (annoyingly, I get quite a lot). The BeenVerified Android app takes this further with automatic caller ID that screens every incoming call.
BeenVerified searches over 60 social networks and dating sites, often revealing profiles people don’t mention. During testing, it uncovered hidden dating profiles, professional networks, and old social media accounts that helped verify identities. The email lookup feature helps spot potential catfish by showing all profiles linked to an email address. This would prove especially useful for verifying online dating matches before meeting them in person.
Property searches provide ownership details, sale history, and neighborhood data. This feature is aimed at helping you learn about new neighbors or verifying information from online sellers. During testing, property records were mostly accurate, showing current owners, purchase prices, and tax assessments. It’s also good for researching potential roommates – you can see if they’ve been involved in eviction proceedings or have property-related court cases.
This underrated feature searches government databases for forgotten money. Using it with a number of my friends, in two cases it found legitimate deposits from old utility accounts and forgotten bank accounts during testing. While the amounts were modest ($20-200), it was essentially free money they didn’t know existed (sadly, there’s no unclaimed cash out there for me). With billions in unclaimed property held by states, this feature alone can offset your subscription cost.
Buying a used car is a minefield, and BeenVerified can help here. You can enter a vehicle’s VIN number to reveal details like ownership history. It’s not as in-depth as some specific car check services though, so I wouldn’t spend money on BeenVerified is this is all you want it for.
BeenVerified keeps things simple. Sign-up takes two minutes – just email, password, and payment method. No software downloads needed; everything works in your browser. The interface is clean and intuitive, with one search box that accepts any type of information.
Searches return quickly. Basic results appear in under 30 seconds, with complete reports ready within a minute or two. When searching common names, the system sometimes asks for additional details like age or location to narrow results – the more info you can feed it the higher than chance of accurate results.
The BeenVerified mobile apps enhance the experience. Android’s automatic caller ID gives every unknown call instant verification. The iOS app can’t do automatic screening due to Apple’s restrictions, but still offers manual lookups and contact enhancement. Both apps support offline report viewing and send alerts if your information appears in data breaches.
Navigation stays simple throughout. Your search history is saved so you can revisit reports without using your monthly quota. Reports organize information in tabs – criminal records, contacts, social media – preventing information overload. The only frustration I encountered was occasional PDF export failures on mobile, requiring desktop access for downloads.
BeenVerified offers multiple support channels. I found engaging with the live chat function got a bit frustrating – templated answers that didn’t really resolve the issue. But you can also phone them on +1 888-579-5910, or email them at support@beenverified.com
BeenVerified offers three pricing options, with the quarterly plan providing the best value for regular users.
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Trial | $1 | Full access for 7 days, then converts to monthly |
| Monthly Plan | $36.89/month | 100 reports per month, unlimited searches |
| 3-Month Plan | $23.98/month ($71.94 total) | Best value – save 35% over monthly |
The $1 trial gives you full access to test everything, but it automatically converts to the $36.89 monthly plan after seven days. Many users get caught by this, so set a reminder if you’re just exploring. Hidden or unexpected fees is one of the biggest gripes users have, according to BeenVerified’s TrustPilot reviews. In fact, some users have called BeenVerified a scam as a result. Having used the tool over a period of weeks, calling it a scam is unfair, but they are certainly less than upfront about payments. The quarterly plan at $23.98 monthly makes more sense for most users – you save 35% and still get unlimited searches.
For active users – those dating online, dealing with unknown calls, or regularly buying from strangers – the unlimited model provides solid value. You can run dozens of searches – up to 100 per month – without worrying about per-report fees. However, if you only need occasional lookups, the subscription model might not suit you since there’s no pay-per-report option. Consider whether you’ll use it enough to justify the ongoing cost.
BeenVerified has operated safely since 2007 without any major security incidents. The platform uses HTTPS encryption for all data transmission and processes payments through established providers like PayPal. With BBB accreditation and millions of users, it’s a legitimate service with a solid track record.
Your privacy is reasonably protected. BeenVerified stores your search history for convenience but allows deletion anytime. They state they don’t sell your search data to marketers, though they do collect usage analytics. If you’re concerned about your own information appearing in searches, the opt-out process works – it takes about a week but successfully removes your data.
The service is transparent about its intended use – personal background checks rather than professional screening. This clarity helps users stay within appropriate boundaries and avoid potential issues. For checking dates, verifying callers, or researching neighbors, you’re using the service as intended.
The mobile apps transform BeenVerified from a useful website into an everyday safety tool. The Android app’s automatic caller ID is genuinely great – every incoming call gets instant background screening with scam warnings. It’s correctly identified every fraudulent call to my parents’ phones and saved them from several scam attempts.
iOS users get a different experience. While Apple doesn’t allow automatic caller ID, the app offers manual lookups and contact enhancement. It scanned my address book and added missing information for about 30% of contacts – current addresses, employers, and social profiles. Not all data was current, but having extra context about your contacts proves useful. iPhone’s are pretty good at notifying when it thinks a call is a scam anyway, so it’s not a major omission of the ap.
Both platforms support full searches, offline report viewing, and dark web monitoring alerts. There’s also Apple Watch support for voice-activated lookups, though the practical use is pretty limited.
My three weeks with BeenVerified proved enlightening. I started by testing it on situations where verification matters – online dating profiles, unknown callers and marketplace sellers. The platform delivered valuable information in most cases, successfully identifying several concerning situations that warranted caution.
The reverse phone lookup proved useful when my parents started receiving Medicare-related calls. Every number I checked came back as a confirmed scam with specific details about the tactics used. I was impressed.
I was skeptical about the unclaimed money feature but to my surprise, it found $67 from an old utility deposit and a similar small amount for my friends. Not life-changing sums, but it proves that BeenVerified accesses legitimate government databases.
Not everything worked perfectly. Several searches returned outdated mobile numbers and old addresses. And very often you don’t get a full report, just some of the details. It all depends on what’s viewable on databases.
The service also isn’t designed for professional uses like formal employment screening, which some users might expect. But overall, BeenVerified delivered solid value for personal safety verification.
BeenVerified serves several groups particularly well, such as those engaged in dating apps. But anyone who needs a 100% reliable background check tool, like a business hiring new staff, you’re better off with a service like Checkr or GoodHire. Let’s go into a bit more detail on this.
If you’re actively dating online, BeenVerified is almost essential. It performs best at verifying matches before you meet, revealing criminal histories, confirming relationship status, and uncovering fake profiles. The service helps you avoid romance scams and make informed decisions about who you’re meeting. During testing, it successfully identified several deceptive profiles and helped friends avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Anyone with elderly family members benefits from BeenVerified’s caller identification features. The reverse phone lookup doesn’t just identify callers – it specifically warns about scam tactics. Combined with the Android app’s automatic screening, this creates effective protection against phone fraud.
BeenVerified helps you learn about new neighbors and verify potential roommates. Property records show ownership history while background checks reveal any concerning criminal history. This proves especially valuable when considering roommates – you can check for evictions, criminal records, and verify their employment claims before signing a lease together.
You might want a different service if you need professional HR screening (try GoodHire for that), only need occasional searches without a subscription, or just want basic phone lookups (where Spokeo is cheaper). Also, if you frequently forget about subscriptions, that auto-renewal could become expensive.
Online discussions reveal consistent themes about BeenVerified’s strengths and weaknesses. Users frequently share success stories about avoiding romance scams and protecting elderly relatives from fraud. The unclaimed money feature generates excitement when people discover forgotten deposits.
Common complaints focus on the billing structure, particularly the $1 trial that auto-renews at $36.89. Cancellation experiences vary – some report easy online cancellation while others describe lengthy phone calls with retention attempts. Information accuracy gets mixed reviews, with users noting that data quality depends heavily on the person being searched.
While user sentiment is generally positive on Reddit, with lots of success stories, BeenVerified scores 2.7 on TrustPilot, with the main complaints concerning payments. If you’re aware of the payment structure, I think you’ll find BeenVerified money well spent on the whole, depending what you’re looking for. And I can confidently say BeenVerified is not a scam, it’s legit.
BeenVerified competes with several other background check services, each with different strengths.
| Service | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BeenVerified (for reference) | $36.89/month | Dating verification, caller ID, general searches |
| TruthFinder | $28.33/month | Deeper criminal records, dark web monitoring |
| Spokeo | $14.95/month | Basic contact info and phone lookups |
| GoodHire | $29.99/report | Professional employment screening |
In comparison, TruthFinder offers more detailed criminal records – worth considering if criminal history is your primary concern. Spokeo provides basic information at lower cost but lacks comprehensive background reports. GoodHire serves a different market – it’s designed for official employment screening with per-report pricing.
BeenVerified strikes a good balance between features and price for personal use. It’s more comprehensive than Spokeo but more affordable than TruthFinder, making it a solid middle-ground choice for most users.
BeenVerified made modest updates in early 2025, primarily expanding database coverage and refining the PhoneScan AI system. The mobile apps received bug fixes that improved stability. While these are welcome improvements, they’re incremental rather than revolutionary.
The service maintained its pricing while competitors raised rates, which is appreciated. However, BeenVerified hasn’t addressed some user requests like adding a pay-per-report option or simplifying the cancellation process. The platform remains largely unchanged from late 2024, focusing on reliability over innovation.
So far in 2026, there’s nothing new to report.
BeenVerified delivers real value for personal background checks. It performs well at online dating verification, and protects against phone scams. I would also recommend it for those who want learn about neighbors or potential roommates. The comprehensive reports, unlimited searches, and especially the Android caller ID feature make it worthwhile for regular users.
Some limitations exist, though. Mobile numbers are often outdated, and the $1 trial that converts to $36.89 requires attention to avoid surprise charges. The service focuses on personal use rather than professional screening, which is perfect for individuals but not suitable for business needs. And there’s no guarantees on how much information you’ll get in each report, it can be hit-and-miss at times.
Get BeenVerified if: you’re actively online dating, dealing with unknown calls, protecting elderly relatives from scams, researching neighbors or roommates, or regularly buying from online marketplaces. The unlimited searches and comprehensive reports make it worthwhile.
Look elsewhere if: you need professional employment screening, only want occasional searches, just need basic phone lookups, or tend to forget about subscriptions.
BeenVerified serves its purpose well – helping people make safer personal decisions through better information. While not perfect, it provides valuable tools for navigating modern life’s verification challenges at a reasonable price.
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