Private Investigator and Police Officer Resources

About TruthFinder People Search

TruthFinder is a public records research service that uses algorithms and machine learning to search data sources and compile reports. For example, data sources include federal, state, and county database records. Also, the service searches social media data and the deep web. For instance, you may find background information such as:

• Contact information such as phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses
• Possible relatives and related persons
• Birth records and death information
• Social media accounts, profiles, and handles
• Criminal records and traffic/driving history
• Employment and education credentials
• Records related to bankruptcy, police, arrests, court, divorce, etc.
• Data and information found on the dark web or deep web

What is TruthFinder used for?

What you use the service for is completely up to you. Most often, people use it to:

• Find estranged family members or distant relatives
• Locate friends, classmates, and co-workers.
• Look for information on a new boyfriend or girlfriend
• Check out someone’s background, such as a neighbor, coworker, etc.
• Investigate online buyers and sellers to avoid potential scams
• Catch a cheating spouse
• Reconnect with old friends and schoolmates.
• Reputation Management. Learn what public information about you is available online.

The most beneficial aspect of the service is that it searches multiple data sources and compiles the information into one report. This saves you a lot of time and hassle. Compiling the records via a single, easy-to-use service is much better than visiting multiple websites and databases. Plus, you get unlimited searches. Also, there is an option to get downloadable reports for an additional fee.

Search Interface

I found the search interface simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. By default, the search form is set to allow you to search by name. However, you can search by phone number, email, or address. Just enter the first name, last name, city, and state. The more thoroughly you fill out the form, the more specific your results will be.

TruthFinder Report Overview

So, what does a Truthfinder report look like? Below, I describe the various sections and provide a few tips for using the information. Remember, some sections may be blank, depending on the records available for your particular subject.

Section 1: Report Summary

At the top of the report, you’ll see your subject’s name and current address. In addition, this section highlights some of the key data points that are available in the report. Click on the highlighted areas to jump directly to that report section. You’ll see labels such as:

• Possible criminal records
• Possible financial trouble
• Social media found
• May have recently moved

Section 2: Timeline

The timeline section displays the report highlights in chronological order. Usually, the timeline begins with the subject’s birth. Then, you’ll see various events that may have occurred during their life—for example, education records, traffic records, and criminal history. In addition, you may see possible location information and social media accounts.

The timeline section may help get a fuller picture of an individual. Also, it may help you piece together events such as marriages, divorces, and moves to other locations. Also, you could use this to verify someone’s story about where they lived, where they went to school, previous employers, etc.

Section 3: Personal Information

In the personal information section, you may find the following:

• Full Names
• Known Aliases
• Age
• Possible Images
• Employment History
• Education History
• Possible Relatives
• Possible Associates and Relationships
• Social Security Number issue date and year (does not provide the SSN)

Throughout the report, you’ll see links to view more detailed information. In addition, you’ll notice links to remove data. Use this link to request the removal of information from the database.

Use this section to confirm that you found the right person. Is the age correct? Do the images resemble the person you’re looking for? Can you connect them to any potential relatives or associates?

Section 4: Contact Information

In the contact information section, you’ll find information that may help you contact the individual—for example, phone numbers, email addresses, etc. This section becomes important if you need to contact the individual. Whether you are looking for a long-lost friend or an estranged family member, you may need to contact them at some point. Or, maybe you’re putting together an invitation list for a class reunion.

For phone numbers, this section provides the carrier, carrier location, phone number, and whether it is a cell phone or a landline. Also, it will show if the number is connected.

For email searches, it will show the email address and how long it has been valid.

Section 5: Location History

In the location history, you’ll find locations related to the subject. This may include their current address, previous addresses, and workplace locations. In addition to a list, the addresses are plotted on a map.

Use this section to verify someone’s current address. Do they live where they say they live? Also, you can use it to verify that online buyers and sellers are honest about their location.

This is one of the areas where TruthFinder shines. If you want to know more about a particular property, click on Property Report, and you’ll get access to more information. For example:

• Location on the map
• A list of possible current residents
• A list of possible past residents
• A list of possible neighbors
• Property details like subdivision name, congressional district, longitude and latitude, census data, and more
• Plus, you’ll see if the property is residential or commercial for each address. In addition, it shows whether or not it is receiving mail. This indicates that someone is actively living at the address.
• Any active businesses being run from this location.
• A list of evictions
• Crime statistics

Section 6: Criminal and Traffic Records

You may find criminal or traffic records related to the subject in this section. Information may include the charge (e.g., driving under the influence), offense date, record source (e.g., court name), watchlists, and additional details, if available.

The information in this section can help in a variety of situations. Perhaps you want to check out the background of a new love interest you met online. Or, maybe you want to check out a potential business partner.

Section 7: Sex Offender Information

The sex offender information section shows information on individuals living near the subject’s address. The information includes the offender’s name, approximate location, and the offense. However, the report does not specify whether the subject of the report was charged with a sex crime.

The information in this part of the report is shown as a list but can also be viewed on a map.

Often, customers use this section to see if there are any sex offenders living in their neighborhood.

Section 8 – Social Profiles

The social profiles section is one of the most popular. The report provides a list of possible social profiles associated with the subject. This section includes the social network name, a link to their profile, sample pictures, usernames, and other profile information. Networks may include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Groups, Flickr, Amazon, Bebo, and more.

A person’s social profile is full of useful information. The information in this section may lead you to other connections, the person’s interests, online discussions, etc. It can be especially helpful for online dates who want to know more about the person they met on a dating site. Are they who they say they are? Do they live where they say? Does their profile say they are married? Divorced? Do their profiles reflect a personality or disposition that may not mesh with yours?

Section 9 – Business Profiles

The business profiles section includes information related to the subject’s business affiliations. Data may include:

• Corporate filings
• Trademarks
• Other possible business affiliations

This information may help evaluate potential business partners or online buyers and sellers. Are they legitimate businesses or related to another business with a bad reputation?

Also, you could use the data and information to check out your spouse or partner’s background. Are they involved in any business relationships that you didn’t know about?

Section 10 – Licenses

This section includes possible personal and professional licenses and permits. Examples include:

• Weapons permits
• Hunting permits
• FAA licenses (pilots)
• DEA-controlled substance licenses
• Medial board licenses

The information available varies by license/permit but may include license name, address, status, issuer, expiration date, and a link to the certificate. Use this information to verify licenses and contact the issuing authority for more information.

Section 11 – Finances

The finances section lists any public records of bankruptcies, foreclosures, and evictions. This section may be empty if no records are found.

Section 12 – Assets

In the assets section, you’ll find a list of assets owned by the individual. Assets usually include real estate (houses), vehicles, and boats. The information you’ll see in this section will vary based on the type of asset. For example, for a house, you’ll see:

• The full address, including city, state, and zip code (if available, a map will be included)
• Current owner (owners) name
• The year purchased and the sale amount
• Tax Amount
• The assessed value of the property
• The approximate mortgage balance
• Property details include the type of house, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, total square footage, lot size, the year it was built, and more.
• Ownership History

For vehicles, you’ll see a completely different set of data and info:

• The vehicle make and model
• The VIN number

New Feature: Voter Registration History

TruthFinder recently added a new feature related to voter registration, including a person’s political party affiliation. Some reports may now show one of the following party affiliation options:

• Democrat
• Republicans
• Unenrolled
• No Party

This data is available within our report section, ‘Voter Registration History,’ which includes the registration address and date.

How to Sign Up

We do not recommend using the service. If you need to search public records, try BeenVerified.

• To begin, go to the website.
• A pop-up message that requires you to accept the site’s privacy policy and terms of service will appear. Select the Agree box.
• From here, there are two ways to sign up. First, enter a subject’s information in the search box and click the Search Now button. The system will search its data sources and respond with possible results. Then, you’ll have a chance to begin the registration process. Second, you can click the Sign-Up button in the upper right section of the screen.
• If you select the Sign-Up button, you get another pop-up requiring you to agree to use the service appropriately.
• The next screen recaps what may appear on individual reports, such as address info, hidden assets, social media info, etc.
• Next, select the package you wish to purchase. I chose the option for “One Month of Unlimited Reports” for $28.05.”
• Then, enter your first name, last name, and email address.
• Next, select how you’d like to pay: Debit/Credit or PayPal.
• Enter your payment info and check the box to agree to the terms
• Your payment will be processed.
• Select a username and password.

The sign-up and payment process took about two minutes and was easy to understand.

Once you’re in, you’ll have to verify your device via email or phone verification.

Pricing – How much does it cost?

At the time of this writing, Truthfinder offered monthly membership plans ranging from $4.99 to $29.73. Depending on your chosen membership plan, that price is charged each month automatically until you cancel the service.

Also, the company offers additional services, such as dark web monitoring, at an additional monthly cost.

You can purchase access to TruthFinder reports with a debit card, credit card, Paypal®, or Amazon Pay. The company accepts Visa® and Mastercard® but does not accept American Express.

How Do I Cancel My Account?

I found the cancellation process to be fairly straightforward to understand. You can cancel your subscription online at any time by completing the following steps:

• Login to your account
• Select the Account menu in the upper right section of the screen
• Select Membership Settings
• Click on the link to cancel
• Provide a reason for the cancellation

Next, you will likely receive several offers to keep your account active, often at a discounted price. You may want to continue if you enjoyed or found the service useful. Accept the deal if that is the case, and you’ll have access for another month. If not, decline and continue with closing your account.

If you prefer, you can close your account by calling the member care center at 800-699-8081.

You’ll receive a confirmation email after using either method to cancel your membership. The email confirms that you will not be charged additional fees and shows the date you can continue accessing the service.

Is it safe to use Truthfinder?

Yes. The product is safe and legal for consumers to use. All of the information in the reports is sourced from public records. Also, the service does not notify the subject that you searched for their background information.

From a technical perspective, your searches are safe with a 256-bit encrypted connection.

Can I get Free Access or a Day Pass?

Unfortunately, there isn’t any portion of the service that is available for free. Of course, you can put information in the search box and run a search, but you’ll have to sign up to see the results. The company may occasionally run promotions that allow you to sign up at a discount, but it is unlikely that you’ll get access to it for free.

Is it a useful tool for private investigators?

My opinion is no. It is a useful tool as a part of a private investigator toolbox. Private investigators’ feedback on the service suggests that the hit rate for people searches, address searches, and reverse phone number lookups is not as good as other data providers.

Important Reminders

TruthFinder is not a credit reporting agency and does not provide access to credit reports. The service is not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Therefore, landlords, employers, or others cannot use the service to conduct background checks. The service cannot be used to make decisions that involve consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Please review the TruthFinder Terms of Use to learn more.

Service and App Ratings

• The app has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play.
• The search tool has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs.

Contact Information

The best way to contact the company is via its website, Truthfinder.com. If you need help, call (855) 921-3711. But be prepared to wait a long time.

Also, please read our reviews of BeenVerified, Intelius, and Spokeo.