Is TruthFinder a Scam? What You Need to Know Before Paying

The Short Answer: Is TruthFinder Actually a Scam?

TruthFinder is a legitimate business—it's not an outright scam. The company is BBB-accredited with an A rating and operates as a legal people-search service that aggregates public records. However, the reason so many people search "TruthFinder scam" comes down to some genuinely problematic business practices that have frustrated thousands of customers.

In fact, the Federal Trade Commission required TruthFinder (along with sister company Instant Checkmate) to pay $5.8 million to settle charges that they deceived consumers about the accuracy of their background reports. The FTC alleged that TruthFinder sent marketing emails claiming individuals had criminal or arrest records when, in many cases, the "record" was merely a traffic ticket.

So while TruthFinder isn't stealing your money outright, there are legitimate reasons for concern. Let's break down exactly what you're dealing with.

The Real Problems With TruthFinder

1. Misleading "Free" Advertising

One of the most common complaints is the bait-and-switch experience. TruthFinder's marketing often implies you can access information for free. You'll spend 10-15 minutes entering data and watching loading screens, only to hit a paywall right before you can see any actual results. TruthFinder has clarified that it is a paid subscription service and reports are not available for free—but their marketing doesn't always make this clear upfront.

2. Subscription Pricing That Traps You

TruthFinder doesn't offer single-report purchases. Instead, you must commit to a subscription that costs between $4.99 and $29.73 per month depending on the plan. The People Search subscription runs about $28.33 monthly, and memberships automatically renew until you actively cancel. Many customers report being charged after they thought they'd canceled, which has generated complaints with state attorneys general.

3. Questionable Data Accuracy

Perhaps the most serious issue: the information in TruthFinder reports is often outdated or flat-out wrong. Users report finding incorrect photos, outdated addresses listed as current, and even criminal records attributed to the wrong person due to common name matches. One Trustpilot reviewer stated that "the only things they got right were my name & birthday" while everything else, including the photo, was incorrect.

TruthFinder relies on third-party data sources and can only display the information they're provided—which may be incomplete or inaccurate. This matters because inaccurate background information can damage relationships, cost someone a job, or create safety concerns.

4. Not FCRA-Compliant

Here's something critical that TruthFinder buries in disclaimers: their reports cannot legally be used for employment screening, tenant evaluation, credit decisions, or insurance eligibility. Using TruthFinder reports for these purposes violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act and can result in legal consequences for you.

If you're a business professional conducting any kind of official vetting, TruthFinder is the wrong tool. Only FCRA-compliant background check services can be used for these purposes.

Common TruthFinder Complaints

Based on reviews across the BBB, Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs, here are the patterns we see repeatedly:

• Difficulty canceling: Some users report that TruthFinder won't let them remove stored credit card information, and charges continue after cancellation requests
• Scare tactics: The interface uses warnings about "potential shocking criminal information" and "graphic items" that rarely deliver anything significant—it's designed to make you feel like you need to see the report
• Information you could find yourself: Many customers say the information in their paid reports was already publicly accessible through free sources or basic Google searches
• Incentivized reviews: The FTC noted that TruthFinder offered customers free premium reports in exchange for posting reviews, without requiring disclosure that the reviews were compensated

When TruthFinder Actually Works

To be fair, TruthFinder does have satisfied customers. The service can be useful for specific situations:

• Reconnecting with old friends or lost relatives when you have limited information to start with
• Getting a general sense of someone's public record history (with the caveat that you must verify independently)
• Identifying unknown phone callers through reverse lookup

If you go in with realistic expectations—understanding that data may be incomplete and you'll need to verify anything important through official channels—TruthFinder can provide a starting point for personal research.

Better Alternatives for Background Checks

For Personal Use: Try Free Options First

Before paying for any background check service, exhaust free resources:

• County court records: Most counties have online case search portals where you can look up civil and criminal cases for free
• State department of corrections: Many states let you search inmate and offender databases at no cost
• LinkedIn and social media: For basic professional verification, social platforms often provide more current information than data aggregators
• Google: Seriously—a focused search with someone's name and city often surfaces news articles, professional profiles, and public records

For Business Purposes: Use Professional Tools

If you're a sales professional, recruiter, or marketer who needs to verify contacts or gather intelligence on prospects, consumer-grade background check tools like TruthFinder aren't the right fit. You need tools built for B2B workflows.

Our free Background Checker is designed specifically for professionals who need quick verification with trust scores—without the subscription traps or misleading marketing. You get straightforward results without the drama of loading screens and scare tactics.

Similarly, if you're trying to find contact information for business development, tools like our Email Finder or Mobile Number Finder give you direct access to the data you actually need without forcing you into a monthly subscription for unlimited searches you won't use.

For Employment or Tenant Screening

If you need background checks for hiring decisions or tenant screening, skip TruthFinder entirely. You legally must use an FCRA-compliant service like Checkr, GoodHire, or Sterling. These services are regulated, verify accuracy, and give subjects the right to dispute incorrect information—protections that TruthFinder explicitly does not provide.

How to Cancel TruthFinder (If You're Already Subscribed)

If you signed up and want out, here's what actually works:

1. Online cancellation: Log into your account dashboard and look for cancellation options. TruthFinder claims you can cancel online at any time.
2. Phone cancellation: Call (855) 921-3711 during business hours (7am-4pm Pacific, Monday-Friday). Have your account information ready.
3. Document everything: Take screenshots of your cancellation confirmation. Some users report charges continuing after they believed they'd canceled.
4. Monitor your statements: Check your credit card statement for the next 2-3 billing cycles to ensure charges have actually stopped.
5. Dispute with your bank: If charges continue after documented cancellation, file a dispute with your credit card company.

The Bottom Line

Is TruthFinder a scam? No, but it's also not what many customers expect. The combination of misleading marketing, mandatory subscriptions, data accuracy issues, and the FTC settlement for deceptive practices creates legitimate cause for concern.

For most people, the value proposition simply doesn't hold up. You're paying $28+ per month for access to public information that's often outdated, sometimes wrong, and available through free alternatives if you're willing to do a bit of legwork.

If you're a business professional who needs background verification tools, skip the consumer-grade services altogether. Tools like our Background Checker are built for professional use cases—no subscription games, no scare tactics, just the information you need to make informed decisions.

The best approach to background checks is treating any single source as a starting point, not a final answer. Verify important information through official channels, understand the legal limitations of different services, and be skeptical of any platform that uses fear-based marketing to get you to pay up.