Intelius Background Check Review – Top Trusted Services or Scam Company?
Modern life often puts us in situations where we need to learn more about someone, fast. Whether you’re cautiously navigating online dating, screening a potential roommate, reconnecting with someone from your past, or investigating unknown calls, having access to credible background information can make a huge difference. Intelius is one of the more well-known names in this field, offering a variety of personal search and data aggregation services. But what does it actually do well, and where does it fall short?
In this review, we’ll take a fresh, experience-driven look at Intelius and how it performs as a background check service. This is not about marketing language or company claims. Instead, we’re asking: How useful is it for everyday people trying to make informed decisions?
Pros
Detailed Information Access
Intelius gathers information from a wide range of public sources, offering reports that often include names, phone numbers, email addresses, criminal records, property records, and more. It can be helpful if you’re looking for thorough, general background information.
Clean and Easy-to-Navigate Platform
The website is user-friendly and designed with a simple layout, making it easy for first-time users to perform searches without confusion. You can search by name, phone number, or address, depending on your needs.
Mobile App Support
For people who prefer to search on their phones, Intelius offers a mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS. This adds convenience and flexibility, especially if you’re often on the go.
Multiple Search Options
Whether you’re trying to track down an old friend, screen someone from a dating app, or identify unknown callers, Intelius provides several search features to match different needs.
Cons
Accuracy Not Always Guaranteed
Some users have found that the data in reports isn’t always up to date. For example, the system might show previous addresses as current or list relatives who are no longer living. Since the service relies on public records, the accuracy can vary.
Subscription Pitfalls
While Intelius may promote a low-cost trial, some users have reported being charged more than expected after the trial period ended. Cancelling the service can also be more difficult than it should be, leading to frustration for those who miss the fine print.
Not Suitable for Legal or Professional Use
Because Intelius does not meet the legal standards of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, it cannot be used for employment decisions, tenant screening, or any official evaluation of someone’s background.
Limited Customer Support Hours
Users have occasionally expressed difficulty reaching customer service when they needed help. There is no 24/7 support, and options for contacting them are limited, which can be a problem if urgent issues arise.
Is Intelius Right for You?
If you’re thinking about using Intelius, it’s probably because you want to dig into someone’s history—whether it’s for safety, curiosity, or personal peace of mind. Intelius has been in the background check industry for years, but before you pay for a report, it’s important to figure out if it truly fits your needs.
Why Intelius Might Be a Good Choice for You
You’re doing casual background searches
Intelius is great for people who want to look up basic details about someone they met online, an old classmate, or a distant relative. You’ll get information like phone numbers, address history, relatives, and possibly criminal records, depending on availability.
You value a smooth user experience
Their platform is built for simplicity. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll find it easy to search and read the reports. You can also use their mobile app if you prefer searching on your phone.
You want access to multiple types of searches
Beyond just names, Intelius also allows reverse phone lookups, address lookups, and email searches. This can be handy if you don’t have much to go on but still want to find someone.
You plan on using it more than once
Since Intelius works on a subscription model, it becomes more valuable if you’re planning to run background checks on more than one person over time.
Why It Might Not Be Right for You
You only need one report
Intelius doesn’t offer a true pay-per-report option. You’ll need to sign up for a subscription, which can lead to extra charges if you forget to cancel on time.
You need official or professional reports
This service is not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. That means you can’t use it legally for hiring, renting to tenants, or other decisions that require formal background screening.
You expect completely accurate and current data
Because it pulls from public records, some of the information can be outdated or inaccurate. It’s a good starting point, but you may need to verify the details on your own.
You’re concerned about customer service
Some users have found it difficult to cancel their subscription or get support when needed. Make sure you keep track of your billing cycle and cancellation instructions.
First Impressions and Getting Started
The entry point into Intelius is quick and inviting. The homepage offers a basic search bar that allows you to look up someone by name, phone number, or address. This straightforward entry helps anyone—regardless of tech experience—jump into a search without confusion.
Once you initiate a search, the system begins gathering information behind the scenes. Intelius does a good job of making the wait feel intentional rather than frustrating. Within a few minutes, the report is assembled and prompts you to subscribe to view full details. This is common in the industry, although it can still catch first-time users off guard who expect immediate access.
What You Actually Get in a Report
The core of any background check platform is its report, and Intelius divides theirs into logical categories to make information easier to digest. Here’s what you’re likely to find in a typical report:
Basic identification details Full legal name, age, date of birth, and any known aliases. These are confirmed through cross-referencing various public records, making them mostly accurate and up-to-date.
Contact and address history One of Intelius’ strongest features is its detailed history of where someone has lived. Reports often include current and former addresses going back years, sometimes decades. If you’re trying to trace someone’s movements or confirm past locations, this data is useful.
Possible relatives and known associates This section maps out familial and social connections. It’s not always perfect, but when paired with location data, it often paints a clearer picture of someone’s immediate circle.
Phone numbers and emails You’ll find mobile and landline numbers along with some email addresses. These can be especially helpful for reconnecting with someone or identifying whether a phone number is linked to a known scam.
Criminal records When available, this part of the report includes arrest records, convictions, and sometimes related court outcomes. It’s worth noting that coverage depends on jurisdiction. Some states have better reporting than others, and sealed records will not appear.
Civil and property records This section covers things like evictions, lawsuits, and property ownership. Seeing whether someone owns property or has been involved in legal disputes offers additional context about their background.
Employment and education Intelius sometimes includes past job titles and schools attended. However, this data is not always complete and should be seen as supplemental rather than verified.
Public social media profiles You might see links to public accounts on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. This isn’t always comprehensive but adds another layer to understanding someone’s public persona.
How Well the Information Holds Up
In practice, Intelius does reasonably well in terms of accuracy, especially for identity, address, and contact data. It performs better in these core categories than some lower-cost services. The criminal and legal record sections are hit-or-miss depending on regional reporting and available public data.
What sets Intelius apart in a positive way is its clear presentation. Even when information is sparse, the layout keeps things organized. That makes it easier for the user to determine what’s missing versus what’s just not available.
Some users may feel disappointed when specific expectations aren’t met—such as a lack of detailed work history or missing court documents—but that’s more about limitations of public databases than the service itself.
Ease of Use and Report Navigation
User experience matters in services like this, and Intelius earns strong marks for usability. Everything from launching a search to reviewing a report is streamlined. Sections are clearly labeled and expandable, allowing users to skip to the parts that matter most.
There is also a helpful report summary at the top of the page that gives a quick snapshot of key details. If you’re just doing a quick review, this saves time and energy.
Intelius also offers a mobile-friendly version that works well on tablets and smartphones. While not quite as polished as a dedicated mobile app, it does the job and allows access to saved reports on the go.
Legal Boundaries and Ethical Usage
One of the most important things to understand about Intelius is that it is not a consumer reporting agency. That means it is not legally allowed to be used for employment screening, tenant approval, or credit checks. The site explicitly states this in its disclaimers.
This limitation exists for good reason. The Fair Credit Reporting Act protects individuals from being unfairly judged by unverified or outdated data. If you’re a landlord or employer, you need an FCRA-compliant service with formal authorization processes and verified information.
For personal use, however, Intelius is fair game. It’s appropriate for checking up on someone you met online, reconnecting with a long-lost contact, or simply verifying who’s been calling you repeatedly.
Understanding Pricing and Subscriptions
Intelius follows the typical subscription-based model. Once you subscribe, you get access to unlimited background reports within the timeframe of your plan. There is no pay-per-report option, which can be a downside for occasional users.
The cost is somewhere in the midrange compared to competitors. It’s not the cheapest option available, but you get a decent level of detail and a more polished user experience.
One thing to be mindful of is automatic renewal. Like many subscription services, Intelius will continue billing unless you manually cancel. Be sure to read the terms during sign-up and set a reminder if you only intend to use it briefly.
Is It Legal to Use?
Yes, using Intelius is legal, but there are limits. It’s not certified under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which means you can’t legally use it to screen job candidates, tenants, or for any official decision-making purposes. It’s meant for personal use only—things like checking up on someone you met online or finding long-lost friends.
Customer Sentiment and Online Reviews
Real-world feedback for Intelius varies. Many customers appreciate the simplicity and ease of navigation, noting that reports are clear and accessible. Users who needed to find contact information or reconnect with someone often report success.
On the flip side, common complaints include incomplete records and difficulties with canceling subscriptions. These are not unique to Intelius and are common across the industry. However, it’s always wise to monitor your billing and customer service interactions closely.
Should You Trust Intelius for Background Checks?
Intelius is not a scam. It’s a real company providing access to publicly available data in a well-organized format. It doesn’t promise unrealistic results and makes its legal limitations very clear. If a report feels lacking, it’s typically because the data simply doesn’t exist in public databases or hasn’t been published online.
The platform is especially good for users who need quick, reasonably accurate insights into a person’s background. It’s helpful for verifying identities, exploring contact details, or researching someone’s residential history.
Final Verdict: Is Intelius Worth the Money?
If you’re looking for a user-friendly way to check into someone’s background for personal reasons, Intelius does the job. It offers a decent balance of depth, accuracy, and usability without overwhelming you with unnecessary details.
It’s not ideal for professional or legal checks, but for individual users trying to make safe and informed decisions, it serves its purpose well. Just remember what it is—and what it’s not—and you’ll likely find it to be a valuable resource.