Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am trying to find death certificate and ss# for my wife's father. the info was lost when her brother lost the family home. The website claimed birth/death certificates and possible ss# (depending on some factor) AFTER I paid there was no birth/death certificates even as a section. most of the info was inaccurate, and it states in the Social Security section that it can NOT provide this info by law. this is not only misleading I feel it is false advertising. I want a refund of my money.

  

  Business response

  02/03/2025

  Dear ****** *******,

  This response is in regard to the consumer complaint from ****** ******, ID ********. 

  Instant Checkmate is a public records search service that compiles information from various public sources and third-party databases. While our reports may include certain historical records, we do not provide official birth or death certificates or Social Security numbers, as this information is protected by federal privacy laws and is not publicly available. Any references on our site to available records are intended to clarify that the presence of specific data depends on its availability in public records databases. We strive to ensure transparency regarding these limitations.

  After reviewing the account, we can confirm that the membership has been canceled and that any pending charges have been voided. ****** ****** may confirm this credit with their financial institution if necessary. 
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)

  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/27/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I'm early January I came across their site and decided not to buy the report I wanted due to the price. Well, I received a 50-% notice and bought the file. They supposedly had a free trial, but I was charged right away. THEN, they just charged me yesterday after cancellation. This site is a scam. I emailed them and received no response other than charging my card after I canceled. What "honest" business does this to people?

  

  Business response

  01/27/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ******** ******, 22862333.
  
  Consistent with applicable laws, all material terms, including billing details and automatic renewal terms, are clearly disclosed before submitting payment information, and each user is required to check a box separately agreeing to those terms before being charged. Our billing terms are conspicuously explained on our registration page and in our Terms of Use. Customers are sent a confirmation email for any orders placed on the site.
  
  We have already cancelled all memberships and refunded Ms. ******** account back to the payment method used to enroll, and no further charges will be incurred.
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

  Customer response

  01/27/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** ******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company is posting information online about me and sharing it with those willing to pay them for it. I am not affiliated with them, my information is not theirs to sell, nor should I need to pay for my own information (you have to pay to see it). Additionally, this data is potentially false and misleading. It is also putting my information in my husbands entry, which should also be removed.The FTC has already investigated them: **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** I have requested that ****** remove this from their search but would like the data removed. My data is not for sale.

  

  Business response

  01/16/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  

  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ***** *****, ID ********.  
  

  Instant Checkmate is a public records search engine that gathers and displays public records in a clear and informative report. The information Instant Checkmate provides in reports is all publicly available information compiled from various public databases, government entities, commercial data providers, and other sources of public data. While we cannot remove specific records from a report, we do have the option to remove an entire background report from our site. 
  

  In order to suppress ***** ***** and their husbands background reports from appearing on ************************** and affiliated people search sites, they must access the Suppression Tool located at this link: ***************************************************** and then select ************************** and Manage My Suppression Rules. They will be required to provide and validate some identifying information first.

  This is necessary so that we can match their information with a corresponding record and confirm that they are the subject of that record. The Suppression Tool is for personal use only and made available at our discretion and pursuant to the applicable Terms of Use, **********************************************************;
  

  ***** Blochs request to remove their and their husbands background report from the Instant Checkmate website will be applied to all people search sites within the PeopleConnect family, including ***************, ************, **************************, and ************.
  

  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  

  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

• Initial Complaint

  01/14/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ***************** INSTANT CHECKMATE LLC is publicly revealing my personal information without permission from me at this webpage (screenshot attached): ********************************************************************************* page shows the address of ****************************************************************************, and my age of 39.I am trying to get that personal information removed from their site, so I am wondering if you could help?Thank you!

  

  Business response

  01/16/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  

  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ***** **** ********, ID: ********.
  

  The information Instant Checkmate provides in reports is all publicly available information compiled from various public databases, government entities, commercial data providers, and other sources of public data. While we cannot remove specific records from a report, we do have the option to remove an entire background report from our site. 
  

  We were able to locate a background report and validate ***** **** Woehnkers request based on the information provided in their complaint. We will go ahead and suppress the report pursuant to their request and our Terms.
  

  This request to remove the background report from the Instant Checkmate website will be applied to all people search sites within the PeopleConnect family, including ***************, ************, **************************, and ************.
  

  Keep in mind that our efforts do not affect whether the information will be available from other sources, including third-party sources of the information. In addition, even if you suppress your background report, your name and other information may continue to appear in connection with certain features, for example, on registered *** offender lists, as a possible relative or associate in other individuals' reports, or in phone or email reports. 
  

  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer care department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  

  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

• Initial Complaint

  01/14/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This website has all of my information on it. My phone number, multiple addresses Ive lived at including my current address, all of my families names, every job Ive had, all my emails, when my birthday is, where I went to school. I did not consent to any of this and its against my privacy rights. I dont need some weirdo googling me and finding my phone number, address, birthday. This is creepy and I want it taken down. I clicked to have it deleted like they list on their website but theyre saying they dont have my info. Yes, they do.

  

  Business response

  01/14/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  

  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ****** *******, ID ********.  
  

  Instant Checkmate is a public records search engine that gathers and displays public records in a clear and informative report. The information Instant Checkmate provides in reports is all publicly available information compiled from various public databases, government entities, commercial data providers, and other sources of public data. While we cannot remove specific records from a report, we do have the option to remove an entire background report from our site. 
  

  In order to suppress ****** ******** background report from appearing on ************************** and affiliated people search sites, they must access the Suppression Tool located at this link: ***************************************************** and then select ************************** and Manage My Suppression Rules. They will be required to provide and validate some identifying information first. This is necessary so that we can match their information with a corresponding record and confirm that they are the subject of that record. The Suppression Tool is for personal use only and made available at our discretion and pursuant to the applicable Terms of Use, **********************************************************;
  

  ****** ******** request to remove their background report from the Instant Checkmate website will be applied to all people search sites within the PeopleConnect family, including ***************, ************, **************************, and ************.
  

  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  

  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Instant Checkmate said they had a report ready for a certain phone number for 5.99. So, I paid 5.99 and created an account. After obtaining the account, there was another message that said to view the report, it had to be downloaded for an additional fee of 3.99. Then, we were directed to another page wanting 7.99, and then another wanting *****. The membership for 5.99 indicated that the phone number report could be reviewed and unlimited phone reports were available for one month. So, going back to the beginning, I entered the phone number again, thinking there was some sort of error. After entering the same phone number for a search again, I got a message stating "We're sorry, this doesn't happen often, yet we have no reports for this phone number." I have pictures of the statement that they had a report ready to view for the same phone number in the beginning. That's why I paid the 5.99, and created an account to begin with. I feel that Instant Checkmate has been very dishonest in their business practices, and want a refund.

  

  Business response

  01/13/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ******** ******, ID ********. 
  
  As disclosed in our Terms of Use, we compile the information in our reports from a variety of third-party data providers and publicly accessible sources, and the information from those sources may not always be accurate or complete. Consequently, discrepancies or inaccuracies in reports may occasionally arise. We strongly encourage our members to utilize a report as a starting point for their own diligence and conduct any further inquiries they find beneficial for their needs. 
  
  Lastly, we have cancelled and reversed all pending charges on ******** Manguss account back to the payment method used to enroll, and no further charges will be incurred. 
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/06/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Instant Checkmate has published on its Website (******************************) my name and personal data without my permission or consent. Instant Checkmate's actions threaten my privacy, personal safety, and leave me exposed to identity theft. For the BBB's information, I have already requested in writing two times (Dec. 14 & 17, 2024) through its **************** that ********************** remove immediately my personal data; however, my requests were ignored by Instant Checkmate. I also strongly advise Instant Checkmate to comply fully with the State of Maryland's laws regarding the use by third parties of a ******** resident's public records which specifically prohibit such use without the resident's written consent. Instant Checkmate does not have my consent to use my personal data on its Website.The Desired Settlement to my Consumer Complaint that I am filing is: 1. Instant Checkmate permanently removes all my personal data from its Website ****************************** and takes the actions necessary to prevent my personal data from "reappearing" on its Website. 2. Instant Checkmate permanently removes all "Url" in the Internet that its Website is generating, including: a) ******************************************************************************* b) *******************************************************************************#CTA c) ******************************************************[source]=ICMSEO&reportCount=1&firstName=Adrienne&lastName=Delbecq&state=ALL

  

  Business response

  01/06/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ******** Delbecq ******, ID: ********.
  
  The information Instant Checkmate provides in reports is all publicly available information compiled from various public databases, government entities, commercial data providers, and other sources of public data. While we cannot remove specific records from a report, we do have the option to remove an entire background report from our site. 
  
  We were able to locate a background report and validate ******** Delbecq ******** request based on the information provided in their complaint. We will go ahead and suppress the report pursuant to their request and our Terms.
  
  This request to remove the background report from the Instant Checkmate website will be applied to all people search sites within the PeopleConnect family, including ***************, ************, **************************, and ************.
  
  Keep in mind that our efforts do not affect whether the information will be available from other sources, including third-party sources of the information. In addition, even if you suppress your background report, your name and other information may continue to appear in connection with certain features, for example, on registered *** offender lists, as a possible relative or associate in other individuals' reports, or in phone or email reports. 
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer care department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support
  
  

  Customer response

  01/08/2025

   Dear BBB,
  
  I appreciate the BBB's assistance in helping me resolve my serious problem with Instant Checkmate which has published on its Website (******************************) my name and personal data without my consent which threatens my privacy, personal safety, and leaves me exposed to Identity Theft.  
  
  I have read the response from Instant Checkmate to the BBB dated January 6, 2025 and find it to be very unclear and no where does its response state that:  1) Instant Checkmate will permanently remove my ************* (name, address, telephone, emails, age) from its Website (******************************); and 2) Instant Checkmate will remove the associated Url that its Website is generating that also contains my name.   

  Thank you again.

  ******** Delbecq ******
  

  

  Business response

  01/08/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ******** Delbecq ******, ID: ********.
  
  As of today, we have verified that all the *** links provided by ******** Delbecq ****** have been successfully suppressed in accordance with their request and our Terms of Use. We recommend that Ms. ****** clear the cache on the device they used to search for their information, as this will help eliminate any residual links from their device. If Ms. ****** continues to see any information displayed after clearing the cache, we encourage her to contact our customer support team via email with further details, and we will promptly address the issue.
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer care department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support
  
  

  Customer response

  01/21/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** Delbecq ******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/01/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The price of $85.13 was not explicitly advised - simply asked for payment method and charged. No trial option offered at all! One report and my subscription has been cancelled - your site offers the exact info as other sites that offers services for less than $10! I have emailed the company as this is robbery. Especially with not being upfront about the costs. Please refund my original form of payment.

  

  Business response

  01/02/2025

  Dear ****** *******,
  

  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ****** ****, ID ********.. 
  

  Consistent with applicable laws, all material terms, including billing details and automatic renewal terms, are clearly disclosed before submitting payment information, and each user is required to check a box separately agreeing to those terms before being charged. Our billing terms are conspicuously explained on our registration page and in our Terms of Use. Customers are sent a confirmation email for any orders placed on the site.
  

  We have cancelled all memberships and issued a reversal to ****** Wises account back to the payment method used to enroll, and no further charges will be incurred.
  

  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  

  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

  Customer response

  01/02/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  I advise the business to make the price more legible,and potential offer a trial that could bring a larger customer base that are looking for a smaller amount of reports. 

  Regards,
  
  ****** ****
  
   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I used this service for a one time report in October 2024 and they deceptively enrolled me in an ongoing monthly fee for services I do not use do not need and do not want. I feel deceived and do not have budget for this and dont like the deceptive business practice.

  

  Business response

  12/19/2024

  Dear ****** *******,
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from ******** ****, ID ********.
  
  As disclosed in our Terms of Use and within our reports, we compile the information in our reports from a variety of third-party data providers and publicly accessible sources, and the information from those sources may not always be accurate or complete. Consequently, discrepancies or inaccuracies in reports may occasionally arise. We strongly encourage our members to utilize a report as a starting point for their own diligence and conduct any further inquiries they find beneficial for their needs. 
  
  Lastly, we have cancelled and refunded Ms. ****** account back to the payment method used to enroll, and no further charges will be incurred. 
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support

• Initial Complaint

  12/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On October 28, 2024, I paid $27.49 to sign up for Instant Checkmate to obtain my mothers death certificate. The report provided did not include her death certificate or any new information. I immediately canceled my subscription and requested a refund, which the representative assured me would be processed.Over a month passed, and no refund appeared. On December 9, 2024, I contacted Instant Checkmate to follow up. A representative claimed there were no notes about a refund and refused to issue one. I requested to speak with a supervisor, who left me a voicemail on December 10, 2024, stating that the 30-day refund period had expired, so no refund could be given.On December 13, 2024, I contacted the supervisor again, clarifying that I was following up on a refund promised at the time of cancellation. She denied any record of this and said she would review the call recordings. Minutes later, she falsely claimed the recordings showed I did not request a refund and refused to provide me with copies of the ***************************** ensure accountability, I sent Instant Checkmate a preservation letter on December 13, 2024, formally requesting all relevant voice recordings be preserved.Instant Checkmate misrepresented facts, failed to honor its promises, and engaged in deceptive practices. The ************************ previously found the company and its affiliate, ***********, guilty of misleading users and violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).I request the BBB hold Instant Checkmate accountable by requiring the company to issue my promised refund of $27.49 and provide copies of the call recordings to ensure transparency. Additionally, I urge the BBB to reevaluate its accreditation or listing for this company to protect future consumers.

  

  Business response

  12/20/2024

  Dear ****** *******, 
  
  This response is in regards to the consumer complaint from **** ********, ID ********. 
  
  Following the review of the call that Ms. ******** had with our customer support team on October 28, 2024, it was confirmed that her account was successfully canceled as she requested. However, there was no request for a refund made during this call, and as a result, she was not issued a refund at that time. As a courtesy, we have now processed a full refund, which she can expect to see processed in approximately 5-7 business days.
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at ************ with any further questions. We are available to assist you during regular business hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time) daily, including weekends. (Holiday hours may vary.)
  
  Sincerely,
  Instant Checkmate Support
  
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩