Is PeopleLooker a Legitimate Background Check Tool?

PeopleLooker is an online service that allows users to search public records and perform background checks on individuals. But is it a trustworthy site, and how does it compare to alternatives? In this in-depth review, I evaluate PeopleLooker’s features, accuracy, privacy and more based on research.

How PeopleLooker Works

PeopleLooker functions by aggregating publicly available records from various sources like credit bureaus, criminal records, marriage/divorce filings and social media profiles. Users enter a name and location to retrieve potential matches.

Search results typically include basics like name, address history, relatives, photos if available, and links to original source documents. More comprehensive paid plans unlock additional details such as financial records and court filings going back further in time.

PeopleLooker utilizes a proprietary algorithm to determine match confidence levels. It aims to distinguish individuals who share the same name. There is no direct contact with subjects, so searches don’t generate alerts. All information is passively gathered from open records online.

Accuracy and Completeness of Results

PeopleLooker’s accuracy depends on the level of public data available for a given person and location. Reviews indicate search success rates average around 70-80% depending on commonness of name. Matches in densely populated areas tend to be more error-prone.

Search results seldom provide a full lifetime profile. Coverage gaps exist due to region/jurisdiction discrepancies in open records laws plus time lags until recent filings propagate online. Financial records in particular are often missing or outdated.

Some negative reviews cite cases of mismatched details or incomplete histories for paid reports. However, most users praise PeopleLooker’s transparent disclosure of information sources and limitations up front to set accuracy expectations. Overall, results seem on par with industry competitors.

Privacy, Ethical Usage and Legal Compliance

As an aggregator of public records, PeopleLooker does not actually collect or store any primary personal data. It only indexes material already accessible via government sites or databases. Search subjects are not directly notified.

PeopleLooker states searches should not be used to determine creditworthiness, insurability, employability or other eligibility without additional verification. Background checks are meant for ID verification, not making impactful decisions per FCRA/EUA regulations.

The site’s terms require lawful and ethical usage such as for personal safety, genealogy or business dealings where a release was obtained. Malicious purposes like stalking or harassment are prohibited. PeopleLooker may terminate accounts engaged in illegal activities upon discovery.

Features and Plan Options

PeopleLooker’s free searches deliver core ID attributes and address histories. Paid tiers at $8-$30/month unlock additional details on multiple family members simultaneously with features like:

– Criminal background checks up to 7 years back

– Extended address records spanning 30+ years

– Property ownership and lien reports

– Nationwide sex offender registry scans

– Advanced people analytics and visualizations

– Unlimited searches and faster/prioritized support

Credit cards or PayPal are accepted. Cancellations are easy online or by phone. Collection/use of sensitive financial data complies with regulatory standards. Price tiers compare well versus competitors.

Comparison to Alternatives

Intelius, Spokeo and BeenVerified are some major competitors offering similar public records databases for paid background checks online.

Core differences between PeopleLooker and these platforms include:

– Coverage – Intelius is most comprehensive while PeopleLooker exceeds Spokeo and BeenVerified

– Accuracy – PeopleLooker and Intelius have fewer complaints than Spokeo/BeenVerified

– Pricing – PeopleLooker monthly plans are slightly cheaper than Intelius overall

– Interface – PeopleLooker’s simpler aesthetic may appeal over Intelius/Spokeo’s clutter

– Reputation – PeopleLooker lags competitors in brand recognition/longevity

All generally deliver on promises with compliant privacy standards. Choice depends on features and budget. PeopleLooker provides solid value amongst reputable alternatives.

Is PeopleLooker Legitimate?

After an analysis by legitornotreviews of PeopleLooker across functional, ethical and competitive factors, I believe it can be considered a legitimate online background screening service for conscientious personal or professional use with some caveats:

– Accuracy and completeness depends on public data availability which varies.

– Malicious or speculative searches violate intended legitimate applications and terms.

– Gaps may still exist versus “in person” verification methods using primary sources.

However, PeopleLooker adheres to legal and privacy compliance standards. It transparently discloses limitations while equipping users to make responsible decisions based on match probabilities versus definite findings. Customer satisfaction appears reasonable per reviews. For budget users, PeopleLooker offers a reputable mid-tier option amongst people search outlets. Proper usage as intended poses little risk to subjects or organizations based on my research. I would feel comfortable recommending it to vet others or for genealogy based on the above factors explored.