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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 most dependable options. It isn’t flawless (a few old numbers slipped through), but 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 A few outdated mobile numbers held it back from a higher score, but overall the data quality was consistent and trustworthy.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. Since 2007, over a million users have relied on BeenVerified for verifying online dates, identifying mystery callers, and researching new neighbors.
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 searches through 19.9 million telecom records, analyzes 3.39 million spam reports, and scans social media platforms to build a comprehensive picture. The platform covers about 200 million Americans, making it one of the most thorough consumer background check services available.
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 – perfect for checking someone you matched with on Bumble, 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.
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 full reports completing in about a minute.
The reverse phone lookup demonstrates how comprehensive the service is. When you search a phone number, BeenVerified identifies the owner, then pulls their criminal records, property ownership, social media profiles, and court documents. The 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 reveal someone’s background, addresses, and even other names they’ve used.
The platform uses sophisticated matching algorithms to connect information across different sources. During my testing, about 80% of information proved accurate, with property records being most reliable and mobile 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.
After extensive testing, these features 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. This feature proves invaluable for online dating safety – one search revealed that someone claiming to be single actually had a recent domestic incident on record. While coverage varies by location, urban areas typically have 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 and helped my parents avoid several fraud attempts. The Android app takes this further with automatic caller ID that screens every incoming call. This single feature justifies the subscription for anyone with elderly relatives dealing with persistent scam calls.
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 proved especially useful for verifying online dating matches before meeting in person.
Property searches provide ownership details, sale history, and neighborhood data. This feature excels at helping you learn about new neighbors or verify information from online sellers. During testing, property records were consistently accurate, showing current owners, purchase prices, and tax assessments. It’s also perfect 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. It found legitimate deposits from old utility accounts and forgotten bank accounts during testing. While amounts were typically modest ($20-200), it’s essentially free money you didn’t know existed. With billions in unclaimed property held by states, this feature alone can offset your subscription cost.
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 asks for additional details like age or location to narrow results. Smart design choices like this make the platform accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
The mobile apps enhance the experience significantly. Android’s automatic caller ID has become essential for my parents – every unknown call gets 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 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. 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 excellent value. You can run dozens of searches 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 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 game-changing – 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 but still valuable 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 60% of contacts – current addresses, employers, and social profiles. Not all data was current, but having extra context about your contacts proves useful.
Both platforms support full searches, offline report viewing, and dark web monitoring alerts. The apps performed reliably during testing without crashes or major bugs. There’s even Apple Watch support for voice-activated lookups, though the practical use is limited. Overall, the mobile apps add significant value, especially for Android users who get the automatic caller protection.
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 became immediately 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. This feature alone has prevented them from engaging with fraudsters multiple times. The Android app now automatically screens their calls, providing peace of mind for our entire family.
I was skeptical about the unclaimed money feature but decided to try it. To my surprise, it found $67 from an old utility deposit and discovered similar small amounts for two relatives. While not life-changing sums, it demonstrated that BeenVerified accesses legitimate government databases.
Not everything worked perfectly. Several searches returned outdated mobile numbers and old addresses. Customer support proved frustrating when I needed help with technical issues – long waits for scripted responses that didn’t solve the problem. The service also isn’t designed for professional uses like formal employment screening, which some users might expect. Despite these limitations, BeenVerified delivered solid value for personal safety verification.
BeenVerified serves several groups particularly well, while others should consider different options.
If you’re actively dating online, BeenVerified is almost essential. It excels 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. My parents now confidently ignore scam calls they might have previously answered.
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.
Overall sentiment leans positive for those using BeenVerified for its intended purposes – online dating verification, caller ID, and neighbor research. Users appreciate the comprehensive reports and unlimited searches, though many wish for a pay-per-report option for occasional use.
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.
BeenVerified delivers real value for personal background checks. It excels at online dating verification, protecting against phone scams, and helping you learn about neighbors and roommates. The comprehensive reports, unlimited searches, and especially the Android caller ID feature make it worthwhile for regular users.
The platform shines brightest for online dating safety. It’s excellent at revealing whether someone is who they claim to be, uncovering hidden profiles, and identifying red flags before you meet. The reverse phone lookup with PhoneScan AI proves invaluable for protecting elderly family members from scams. At $23.98 monthly on the quarterly plan, these features provide genuine peace of mind.
Some limitations exist. 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.
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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