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Publicseek Background Checks Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 3.8 / 5 (Very good)
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Publicseek is an online service that utilizes public records to provide background checks. Formerly SeekVerify, the New York-based company searches over 10 billion records to provide detailed information on an individual's criminal history, social media profiles, financial records, and more. Publicseek is not a consumer reporting agency and their reports cannot be used to make hiring decisions per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
 
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How is Publicseek rated?

Breakdown

4.5/5
Types of Background Checks
4.5/5
Report Quality
3.8/5
Reputation
4.5/5
Pricing
0.0/5
Customer Support

Overall Rating: 3.8 / 5 (Very good)

Whether it’s checking the criminal record of the new neighbor or trying to find that long-lost high school friend, Publicseek's background reports can help clients get all the public information they need in one convenient place. With just a few clicks, users can instantly search an individual by name, phone number, address, or email. Publicseek states it uses over 10 billion records to compile their data and can dig up anything from sex offenses and criminal records to secret social media profiles and online dating activities. Publicseek also has a companion app that regularly updates a user's reports and can alert them when something new shows up on one of their previous searches. Publicseek's prices and services are comparable to other companies we've reviewed, but it's important to note that the company makes it clear that they are not a consumer reporting agency and the information provided on their site can't be used for hiring decisions, tenant or employee screenings or for any other professional reasons.

Publicseek Background Check Details

Report Quality - 4.5 / 5

Publicseek's services are typical of what to expect when using an online background check service that uses public records. The company's services and features are similar to others we've reviewed, which stacks up to other leaders in the industry. Publicseek offers a solid screening process, collecting information from over 10 billion public records, to offer clients data on criminal records, financial history, and online profiles. One area where Publicseek really shines is that the site updates their information every 24 hours, whereas some companies using public records tend to have outdated information. This is also reflected in their companion app, which can alert users when there's new information attached to one of their searches. Publicseek can be an excellent resource for some basic, research into an individual's past, keeping an eye on your own online footprint or even looking up an old friend. However, the site is not a consumer reporting agency so the information on the site can't be used to make any sort of hiring decisions, tenant and credit screenings, or other professional decisions. In other words, it's OK to check out a new love interest, but screening the new babysitter would violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Publicseek clearly highlights this all over their site, and outlines what you can and can't do with their searches in their FAQ section.
Legal Records
Federal/State Criminal
Sex Offender Registry
Other Records
Social Media
Past Addresses
Education & Employment

Publicseek Company Reputation

Reputation - 3.8 / 5

Publicseek has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, although it is not accredited by the insitution. Publicseek's offerings or services haven't significantly changed since its original iteration as SeekVerify – not even the “$1 Special Offer.” Before the company’s rebranding, most negative reviews were focused on the $1 promotional offer as there seemed to be some misunderstandings among users about how long the trial period lasted before they were billed the regular rate. However, this information is clearly stated in the payment section.

Key Reputational Facts

Year Founded
2016
BBB Rating
A
Verified Contact Info
Yes
Date Collected
2023-10-13

Certifications & Actions

Classified by FCRA as Consumer Reporting Agency
No

Publicseek Pricing

Pricing - 4.5 / 5

Users are able to view a “preview” of the report but are prompted to either join for one month at $26.87 with unlimited access to reports, or two months, for $22.98 per month or more specifically, $46.96 the day of purchase, with unlimited searches. There is a full access trial membership offered for just $1. This can be confusing to some users, as the $1 trial is just for a single day, and for full access to your personal report. If you do not cancel your other within the day trial period, your account is automatically renewed at $39.95 every 30 days thereafter until canceled. To cancel, users will have to call the company’s customer support to email them. Similarly, the other services automatically renew every 30 to 60 days, depending on the plan, until canceled via phone or email. IDSafeGuard offers a “$1 fee for trial access” but this is also only for a day and will renew at $18.95 after the first day, and every 30 days after, until canceled. It does now appear Publicseek allows the individual report purchases.
Free Report
No
Monthly Subscription
Yes
Plan 1 Name
One Mouth
Plan 1 Monthly Price
$26.87
Plan 2 Name
Two Months
Plan 2 Price
$46.96
Annual Subscription
No

Company Profile

Full Name
Publicseek Background Checks
Company Website
https://publicseek.com/
Headquarters
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401, #7668, Hauppauge, NY, 11788

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Customer Comments & Reviews

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R
RT
5/18/2020
Be careful with this company. They don’t have the information you’re looking for. Even if you selected TRIAL. They will tell you that “ Upon joining, you left the instant upgrade box ticked meaning you chose to skip the trial period and be charged for the full membership instantly. We're unable to offer you a refund at this time, though you have still full access to our site until the end of your paid plan”. They don’t deserve a star.

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