Reviews on Intelius: What Real Users Say About This Background Check Service

What Is Intelius and Why Are People Searching for Reviews?

Intelius is one of the longest-running online background check services, founded in 2003. The platform aggregates data from public records, government databases, court filings, and commercial data providers to deliver background reports on individuals. With millions of searches conducted through the platform, it's become a go-to resource for people trying to reconnect with lost relatives, verify new acquaintances, or simply learn more about someone in their life.

But before you commit to any background check service, it's crucial to understand what real users are experiencing. In this comprehensive review, we'll break down the honest pros and cons of Intelius, analyze actual customer complaints, examine pricing, and help you decide whether it's the right choice for your needs.

Intelius Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay

One of the most common complaints about Intelius is that pricing information isn't readily available on their website. You often need to initiate a search before seeing subscription options. Here's the current pricing structure:

• People Search Bi-Monthly Plan: $21.13/month (billed $42.26 every 60 days)
• People Search Monthly Plan: $24.86-$25.11/month
• Address Lookup Plan: $29.78/month
• Reverse Phone Lookup: $34.95/month
• Single Background Check: $39.95 one-time
• Identity Protection Add-on: $19.95/month

Important note: There's an additional $3.99 fee to download reports as PDFs. All plans auto-renew unless you actively cancel, which has been a major source of customer frustration.

The Good: What Intelius Does Well

Comprehensive Database

Intelius searches over 20 billion public records, making it one of the more extensive people search databases available. Reports can include personal information, phone numbers, address history, criminal records, bankruptcies, and educational background.

Multiple Search Methods

The platform offers flexibility in how you search for someone. You can look up individuals by name, phone number, email address, or physical address. This is particularly helpful when you only have partial information about the person you're researching.

User-Friendly Interface

Most reviewers agree that Intelius has a clean, easy-to-navigate website. The search process is straightforward, and reports are well-organized and easy to read once generated.

BBB Accreditation

Intelius has been BBB accredited since 2021 and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This provides some level of consumer protection and accountability.

The Bad: Common Complaints About Intelius

Data Accuracy Issues

This is perhaps the most significant concern raised in Intelius reviews. Multiple users report finding inaccurate information in their reports—wrong addresses, incorrect employment history, and even misattributed criminal records. Some users testing reports on themselves found that basic information like residence and job history was completely wrong.

Intelius acknowledges that their data "may contain errors or omissions" since they compile information from public sources that may be "reported or entered inaccurately, processed incorrectly, or otherwise incomplete."

Billing and Cancellation Nightmares

Consumer review sites are filled with complaints about:

• Being charged multiple times for a single report
• Difficulty canceling subscriptions
• Auto-renewal charges appearing without clear warning
• Trial memberships converting to full-price subscriptions unexpectedly

One reviewer noted they were "charged $35 and couldn't figure out how to cancel." Another reported being "double billed" and only receiving a partial refund after contacting customer service.

Not FCRA Compliant

This is critical: You cannot legally use Intelius for employment screening, tenant verification, or credit decisions. The platform is not classified as a Consumer Reporting Agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you're a recruiter, landlord, or employer, using Intelius for these purposes could expose you to legal liability.

Hidden Pricing

The lack of upfront pricing transparency frustrates many potential users. You often have to go through the entire search process before discovering what you'll actually pay.

What Intelius Reports Actually Include

Depending on your subscription level, Intelius reports may contain:

• Full name and aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Current and past addresses
• Phone numbers (landline and mobile)
• Email addresses
• Family members and associates
• Marriage and divorce records
• Criminal records (state-level included; federal/nationwide costs extra)
• Bankruptcies and liens
• Property ownership
• Educational background
• Social media profiles
• Sex offender registry information

The depth of information varies significantly based on what's available in public records for that specific person.

Intelius Alternatives Worth Considering

If the complaints about Intelius give you pause, there are several alternatives in the market. However, most paid services share similar issues—subscription-based pricing, variable accuracy, and the same FCRA limitations.

For professionals who need to verify information about prospects, clients, or business contacts, consider using a free background checker tool that provides quick trust scores without requiring monthly subscriptions. This can be particularly valuable for sales professionals verifying that a lead is legitimate before investing time in outreach.

If you're primarily trying to find contact information rather than run a full background check, specialized tools often deliver better results. An email finder tool can locate professional email addresses from a name and company, while a mobile number finder can help you reach contacts directly.

When Intelius Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)

Intelius May Be Right For You If:

• You need to conduct multiple searches over an extended period
• You're trying to reconnect with long-lost family members or old friends
• You want to learn more about a new neighbor or romantic interest
• You understand and accept the limitations on data accuracy
• You're comfortable managing subscription services and remembering to cancel

Intelius Is NOT Right For You If:

• You need FCRA-compliant reports for hiring, tenant screening, or credit decisions
• You only need a single report (the per-report pricing isn't cost-effective)
• You're uncomfortable with auto-renewing subscriptions
• You require 100% accurate, verified information
• You're looking for a free solution

Tips for Using Any Background Check Service

Whether you choose Intelius or another service, these best practices will help you get better results:

1. Verify critical information independently. Never make important decisions based solely on a consumer background check. Cross-reference key details through official sources.
2. Set calendar reminders. If you sign up for a trial or subscription, immediately set a reminder to cancel before the renewal date if you don't want to continue.
3. Use specific search criteria. The more identifying information you provide (middle name, city, approximate age), the more accurate your results will be.
4. Check your own report first. Before trusting any service, run a report on yourself. If basic facts about your own life are wrong, that tells you something about overall accuracy.
5. Document everything. Screenshot your account settings, cancellation confirmations, and any charges in case you need to dispute billing later.

The Bottom Line on Intelius

Intelius is a legitimate background check service with over two decades in the industry and BBB accreditation. It offers comprehensive search capabilities and a user-friendly interface. However, the subscription model, data accuracy concerns, and billing complaints mean it's not the right fit for everyone.

For occasional background check needs, the subscription model creates unnecessary ongoing costs. For professional use like employment screening, it's legally prohibited. And for anyone who values transparent pricing and easy cancellation, the user experience may be frustrating.

If you're in sales, recruiting, or marketing and need to quickly verify that someone is who they say they are, consider starting with free tools designed specifically for B2B professionals. A quick background check with trust scoring can help you prioritize legitimate leads without the commitment of a monthly subscription.

Whatever you choose, go in with realistic expectations. No background check service delivers perfect accuracy, and the value depends entirely on how you plan to use the information.