US Search people finder review

US Search is one of the veterans in the people search industry, providing effective background check tools since 1993. Based in Culver City, California, this private company allows users to search for individuals using just a name, phone number, or address.

• Want to try US Search? Check out the website here

However, it's important to note that US Search reports may contain inaccurate information, so they should not be used for official purposes like employment or credit checks, as they are not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Despite this limitation, the platform can still be a valuable resource for reconnecting with old friends or researching the background of a new acquaintance.

In our review of US Search, we will help you determine whether this people finder is worth your investment.

US Search: plans and pricing

US Search has unclear pricing, as they do not provide an upfront cost or an option to request a custom quote. The absence of a pricing page makes it difficult to determine how much the company charges. After conducting a test search, we discovered only one available plan that offers unlimited reports for $19.86 per month. This plan automatically renews, and canceling requires a phone call. There is no option to purchase just a single report; payment must be made with a major credit card.

There is no free trial available; however, they offer a special trial for $1.99 for five days, including unlimited lookups.

US Search: features

US Search is a popular tool for retrieving information from public records, though its quality may not match that of some higher-end services. The platform utilizes publicly accessible databases to compile various records into a single report, making it convenient for users seeking information about individuals.

One of the key features of US Search is its flexible search capabilities. You can look for individuals by name, phone number, address, or email address. This breadth of search options is particularly useful when trying to track down someone in a crowded database of potential matches. The service allows you to compile a substantial list of results, helping guide you to the specific person you’re looking for. Unlike many similar services, US Search does not impose a paywall to initiate a search; however, accessing the detailed results does require a fee.

When you conduct a search, you'll be presented with a list of individuals that match your query. You can select the correct person based on the available information, and you only pay for the full report of an individual you’re interested in. These reports are quite comprehensive and typically include basic details such as names of family members, previous addresses, property ownership, and any criminal records. Additionally, they provide known phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles, which are invaluable for reconnecting with old friends or long-lost relatives.

Despite its advantages, US Search has some notable drawbacks, primarily concerning accuracy and completeness. Many users have reported that the information returned in the reports can be inconsistent, with inaccuracies related to family member names and historical addresses often present alongside correct data. This is particularly concerning as US Search does not comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, meaning the reports generated cannot be used for activities such as employment or rental screening, where accuracy is critical.

Moreover, while the service promises extensive social media and property data, users frequently find these elements missing from the reports they receive. Unfortunately, there is no preview available to see exactly which data fields will be included in a report prior to purchasing access, leading to potential frustrations for users hoping for specific information.

On a more positive note, the searches are generally completed quickly, taking only a minute or two, which is certainly a plus compared to other services that can be cumbersome and slow. Additionally, US Search offers a relatively streamlined user experience without an overwhelming number of popups that often plague other websites.

Finally, US Search provides an “Information Opt-out” option, allowing individuals to remove their personal details from its database—a feature that highlights the service's awareness of privacy concerns in today’s digital age. Overall, while US Search can be a useful tool for gathering basic information, users should approach it with a critical eye, especially regarding the accuracy and completeness of the data provided.

US Search: interface and in use

The US Search interface is straightforward, although it lacks some streamlining. Upon entering the site, you are presented with options to search for individuals by name, phone number, or address. There are several tabs available for People Search, Criminal Records, Background Check, and more. However, these tabs do not actually change the search parameters or the content of the reports you receive.

US Search requests a full name and an email address during the search process. Before payment, you will only see the name of the person searched (which you presumably already know), their city, and age.

The reports are displayed on a single webpage, making navigation cumbersome, as it often requires extensive scrolling. While this isn’t a significant issue, it would be preferable if the reports were provided as PDFs with a table of contents or if the US Search website included tabs for more straightforward information navigation. Additionally, US Search does not have a mobile app, and the reports retain the same elongated layout when viewed on a smartphone.

Overall, the interface is user-friendly for novices but overly simplistic for more advanced users.

US Search: support

US Search doesn’t offer much in the way of support. There is not even a dedicated support page, a FAQ, nor a support portal. We also did not find a chat option, or a community forum.

You can get in touch with the company by a direct email address or a toll free phone number (between 10 am and 8 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday, closed some holidays), but don’t expect a lot of help. The company’s representatives mostly deal with billing and account issues, and cannot assist you in finding someone using the software.

US Search: security

US Search uses 256-bit encryption to keep your search results and account information secure. However, there aren’t any security measures in place, like two-factor authentication (2FA), to protect your account from misuse.

We also thought it was telling that US Search simply requires you to check a box saying that you won’t abuse its reports by stalking or harassing someone. The company doesn’t do anything to verify the identity of people using its service, but then again this is common practice and its competitors don’t vet their users either prior to providing the info.

US Search: the competition

For the price, we believe there are better people search services than US Search. For example, Instant Checkmate costs more, but the quality of its information is significantly higher and more likely to be accurate. This service also offers more comprehensive data, including bankruptcies and weapons permits, which can be particularly useful if you're searching for someone in your neighborhood.

If you need to conduct a background check for employment, you should choose a service that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). GoodHire is a solid option, though it is more expensive.

US Search: final verdict

US Search is marketed as an affordable tool that allows users to conduct an unlimited number of person searches each month. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who need frequent or extensive data on individuals. This can be particularly appealing for casual users or those on a tight budget who want access to public records or basic background information without incurring high costs.

However, a significant drawback of US Search is its tendency to provide incomplete or inaccurate reports. Users often report discrepancies in the information, such as outdated addresses, incorrect phone numbers, or missing details. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the reliability of the data, especially in situations where accurate information is crucial, such as in legal proceedings, hiring decisions, or personal safety matters.

The information provided is untrustworthy, which can significantly diminish the overall value of US Search’s services. Users who cannot rely on the reports generated may make decisions based on faulty data, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.

Given these concerns, we recommend a more accurate people search tool that can provide more reliable and comprehensive reports, even if it comes at a higher cost. Investing in a service known for its accuracy and up-to-date information can save users from tUS Search is advertised as an affordable tool that allows users to conduct an unlimited number of person searches each month. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who need frequent or extensive data on individuals. It is particularly appealing to casual users or those on a tight budget who want access to public records or basic background information without incurring high costs.

However, a significant drawback of US Search is its tendency to provide incomplete or inaccurate reports. Users often report discrepancies in the information, such as outdated addresses, incorrect phone numbers, or missing details. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the reliability of the data, especially in situations where accurate information is crucial, such as legal proceedings, hiring decisions, or matters related to personal safety.

The untrustworthiness of the information can greatly diminish the overall value of US Search’s services. Users who cannot rely on the reports generated may make decisions based on faulty data, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

Given these concerns, we recommend considering a more accurate people search tool that can provide reliable and comprehensive reports, even if it comes at a higher cost. Investing in a service known for its accuracy and up-to-date information can save users from the pitfalls of relying on questionable data, ultimately providing peace of mind and greater confidence in the results.he pitfalls of relying on questionable data, ultimately providing peace of mind and greater confidence in the results.

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