Spokeo is a service that claims to provide a solution for obtaining information about individuals. However, there have been concerns about its legitimacy and whether it justifies the upfront membership fee. In order to address these concerns, let’s look deeply into Spokeo and find out the answer.
Is Spokeo Legit?
Spokeo is indeed a legit online service that grants access to individual information. However, it’s important to note that the data it provides is often basic and may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or comprehensive.
Remember any misuse of Spokeo such as for cyberbullying or harassment is definitely illegal.
Spokeo’s Data Source
Spokeo does not generate information on its own, nor does it employ any special algorithms or access dark web data. Instead, it aggregates data from various publicly available and legally accessible sources, including:
Public records:
These are official documents and information that are considered public and can be inspected and retrieved by the general public. Government agencies create, maintain, and provide these records, such as birth, death, traffic, and criminal records.
Social media platforms:
Spokeo gathers data from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This includes publicly available information like names, ages, locations, and employment history.
Online directories:
Information is extracted from online directories like Yellow Pages and White Pages, as well as similar platforms.
User-contributed data:
Some information on Spokeo comes from user contributions or submissions. Users can provide additional information or correct existing data through the platform.
Other sources:
Spokeo also scrapes data from websites, blogs, forums, news articles, and other publicly available sources.
Information Provided:
Since Spokeo relies on publicly available sources, the information it provides tends to be basic and may contain inaccuracies, incomplete details, or outdated information. It’s worth mentioning that while Spokeo has access to billions of records and generally offers information on almost any individual in the US, not everyone’s information is available on the platform.
Spokeo’s Key Features
Spokeo offers several features that make it a reliable background check service. Here are some of its key features:
Free Searches:
Users can conduct free searches on Spokeo by inputting a name or mobile number. However, the information provided in free searches is often limited and may be difficult to interpret. To access a full report, a monthly subscription is required.
Identify Unknown Calls or Texts:
Spokeo enables users to identify unknown callers and texters, helping them identify cyberbullying and find solutions to deal with it.
Reestablish Long-Lost Family Connections:
According to Spokeo reviews, the service helps customers find missing family members, search for birth or marriage certificates, and reconnect with long-lost relatives. It can also assist in filling out the family tree or helping in tragic situations where family members have been displaced.
Wealth Data:
Spokeo’s income search provides an approximation of a person’s income and insights into their possessions and investments. The platform also offers lifestyle information, providing a detailed account of a person’s life.
Reconnect with Old Friends:
Spokeo helps users locate individuals from their past, even if they are not actively using social media platforms. It can quickly identify the person and provide a detailed report on their activities, allowing users to decide whether they want to reach out to them.
Uncover a Person’s Criminal History:
Spokeo can provide information about criminal records, including the type of offense, location, and date of the incident. It can also reveal prior DUIs, risky driving histories, and sex offenses to provide reassurance about people nearby. However, it’s important to note that Spokeo’s criminal history information may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It relies on publicly available records, which means that certain records may be missing or incomplete.
It’s always advisable to verify any criminal history information obtained through Spokeo with official government sources or background check services that specialize in criminal records.
Membership Plans and Pricing
Spokeo offers different membership plans to access its full range of features and reports. The pricing may vary depending on the duration of the subscription. The pricing is as follows:
- Monthly Membership: This plan allows users to access Spokeo’s features for a month and is typically priced at around $19.95.
- 3-Month Membership: Users can subscribe to a 3-month membership plan, which usually costs around $14.95 per month, billed as a lump sum upfront.
- 6-Month Membership: The 6-month membership plan provides extended access to Spokeo’s services and is priced around $9.95 per month, billed as a lump sum upfront.
It’s important to note that pricing and plans may have changed since my knowledge cutoff date, and it’s advisable to visit Spokeo’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Privacy and Data Protection
Spokeo takes privacy and data protection seriously. The platform states that it adheres to industry-standard security measures to safeguard the personal information of its users. However, it’s always a good practice to review a service’s privacy policy and terms of service before providing any personal information.
User Feedback and Alternative Services
Feedback on Spokeo’s services has been mixed. While some users find value in the information provided, others have expressed dissatisfaction with the accuracy and depth of the data. It’s worth considering that the reliability of the information may vary depending on the sources it is aggregated from.
If you’re looking for alternative services, there are other reputable background check platforms available, such as BeenVerified. These services also gather data from publicly available sources but may offer different features and pricing structures. It’s advisable to compare multiple services and read user reviews to determine which one best suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
So, is Spokeo Legit?
Spokeo is a legitimate online service that provides access to individual information sourced from publicly available data. While it can offer basic details about individuals, the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of the information may vary.
The service’s membership plans provide access to additional features, but it’s essential to evaluate the pricing and compare alternative services before making a decision. As with any online service, it’s important to prioritize privacy and exercise caution when providing personal information.
Visit the Spokeo website here.
