Stopping BeenVerified: What you need to know

About BeenVerified

BeenVerified is an American-based background checking service that provides access to public records, allowing users to search for information about individuals including contact details, criminal records, property ownership, and social media profiles. The service operates primarily in the United States but is accessible to UK residents who wish to search American public records databases.

Founded in 2007, BeenVerified aggregates data from various public sources including court records, census data, and other publicly available information. The platform markets itself as a tool for reconnecting with old friends, verifying online dates, checking potential employees, or simply satisfying curiosity about people in one's life. However, many UK consumers find themselves subscribed to the service without fully understanding the recurring billing nature or the difficulty involved in cancelling their membership.

As a consumer rights specialist, I regularly encounter individuals who signed up for what they believed was a one-time search only to discover they had committed to an ongoing subscription. This is particularly common when users access BeenVerified through promotional offers or third-party websites. The service automatically renews unless actively cancelled, which means charges continue indefinitely until you take specific action to terminate your membership.

The company operates under US consumer protection laws rather than UK regulations, which can create confusion for British subscribers. This means that whilst you retain your fundamental consumer rights as a UK resident, the cancellation process follows American business practices. Therefore, understanding your rights and the proper cancellation procedure becomes essential to avoiding unwanted charges and potential disputes with your bank or credit card provider.

Subscription plans and pricing

BeenVerified offers several subscription tiers designed to accommodate different usage needs. The pricing structure is denominated in US dollars, and UK subscribers should be aware that currency conversion fees may apply depending on their payment method. These conversions can add unexpected costs to your subscription, making the service more expensive than initially anticipated.

Current membership options

The service typically provides three main subscription levels, each with different features and price points. As a result, consumers should carefully review what they are actually purchasing before committing to any plan. The automatic renewal feature applies to all subscription types, meaning your payment method will be charged repeatedly until you cancel.

These prices are subject to change, and promotional rates may differ significantly from standard pricing. Many consumers report being charged different amounts than advertised, particularly when special offers expire and revert to full price. This means your initial monthly charge might be substantially lower than subsequent billing cycles, creating unpleasant surprises on your bank statement.

Hidden costs and considerations

Beyond the base subscription fee, UK consumers face additional financial considerations. Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily, meaning the actual pound sterling amount debited from your account varies with each billing cycle. Your bank may also apply foreign transaction fees, typically ranging from 2.5% to 3% of the transaction value. Therefore, a $26.89 monthly subscription could cost you anywhere from £22 to £25 depending on exchange rates and banking fees.

Furthermore, BeenVerified occasionally offers add-on services or upgraded features that can increase your monthly costs. Some users report being automatically enrolled in premium features without explicitly consenting, resulting in higher charges than expected. In practice, this means you should monitor your statements carefully and maintain detailed records of what you actually agreed to purchase.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding BeenVerified's cancellation policy is crucial for protecting your consumer rights and avoiding unwanted charges. The company's terms of service outline specific requirements that subscribers must follow to successfully terminate their membership. As a result, failing to adhere to these procedures can lead to continued billing even after you believe you have cancelled.

Legal requirements in the UK

Whilst BeenVerified operates under American law, UK consumers retain important rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These regulations provide a 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales, meaning you can cancel within two weeks of signing up and potentially receive a full refund. This means UK subscribers have stronger cancellation rights than the company's standard terms might suggest.

However, enforcing these rights with an overseas company can prove challenging. The company may argue that their US terms of service take precedence, creating a legal grey area. Therefore, documenting your cancellation request thoroughly becomes essential for protecting yourself should disputes arise. Sending cancellation notices by recorded delivery provides the evidence needed to demonstrate you exercised your cancellation rights properly and within required timeframes.

Notice periods and refund policies

BeenVerified typically requires cancellation before your next billing date to avoid charges for the subsequent period. The company does not offer pro-rata refunds for unused portions of your subscription period. In practice, this means if you cancel midway through your billing cycle, you will not receive any money back for the remaining days or weeks of that period.

The service continues until the end of your current paid period, after which no further charges should occur. However, many consumers report being charged again despite cancelling, which underscores the importance of maintaining proof of your cancellation request. This is precisely why postal cancellation with tracking provides superior protection compared to other methods.

Common cancellation difficulties

Numerous consumers encounter obstacles when attempting to terminate their BeenVerified subscriptions. Some report that online cancellation options are difficult to locate within the website interface, buried under multiple menu layers. Others find that customer service representatives attempt to retain subscribers by offering discounts or making the cancellation process unnecessarily complicated.

Additionally, technical issues sometimes prevent successful online cancellations, with error messages appearing or confirmation emails never arriving. These problems leave consumers uncertain whether their cancellation actually processed. As a result, charges continue appearing on bank statements, leading to frustration and potential financial loss. Therefore, using postal cancellation eliminates these technological and procedural barriers entirely.

How to cancel BeenVerified by post

Cancelling by post represents the most reliable method for terminating your BeenVerified subscription, particularly for UK consumers dealing with an overseas company. This approach creates an indisputable paper trail that protects your consumer rights and provides concrete evidence should billing disputes arise. Postal cancellation removes the uncertainty associated with online forms, unresponsive customer service, or technical glitches that might prevent successful termination.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

Sending your cancellation request by Recorded Delivery offers several critical advantages over alternative methods. First, you receive proof of posting and delivery, creating legal evidence that you submitted your cancellation on a specific date. This documentation becomes invaluable if the company claims they never received your request or if charges continue after cancellation.

Second, postal cancellation bypasses the technological barriers that often frustrate online cancellation attempts. You do not need to navigate confusing website menus, remember login credentials, or troubleshoot technical errors. Instead, you create a physical document that cannot be deleted, lost in spam filters, or dismissed as a system malfunction. Therefore, this method provides peace of mind that your cancellation request will definitely reach the company and cannot be easily ignored.

Third, a formal letter demonstrates seriousness and creates a professional record of your intentions. Companies recognise that consumers who cancel by post understand their rights and have taken deliberate action to protect themselves. This often results in faster processing and fewer attempts to retain you as a subscriber. In practice, the formality of postal communication frequently produces better outcomes than casual online submissions.

Essential information for your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter must include specific details to ensure BeenVerified can identify your account and process your request efficiently. Begin with your full name exactly as it appears on your account, along with the email address associated with your subscription. Include your account number or username if you have this information readily available.

Clearly state your intention to cancel immediately and request written confirmation of your cancellation. Specify that you do not consent to any further charges and expect no billing beyond your current paid period. Include the date you are sending the letter, as this establishes when you exercised your cancellation rights. This becomes particularly important if disputes arise regarding notice periods or billing cycles.

Provide your contact details including your UK postal address and telephone number, though you should note that all correspondence should be in writing. This ensures the company can reach you if they require additional information to process your cancellation, whilst maintaining the paper trail that protects your interests. Request that confirmation be sent to your postal address rather than email, as physical correspondence provides stronger evidence of the company's response.

Where to send your cancellation letter

BeenVerified's registered business address for cancellation correspondence is:

• BeenVerified, Inc.
• Attention: Customer Service
• 55 Broadway, 3rd Floor
• New York
• NY 10006
• United States

Always send your cancellation letter to this official address using Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or International Tracked service. This costs approximately £7-£10 but provides tracking information and proof of delivery, which is essential for protecting your consumer rights. The tracking reference allows you to monitor your letter's progress and confirm when it reaches BeenVerified's offices.

Timing and proof of delivery

International mail from the UK to the United States typically takes between 5 and 10 working days, though delays can occur. Therefore, send your cancellation letter at least three weeks before your next billing date to ensure it arrives with time to spare. This buffer protects you against postal delays, processing time, and any administrative requirements the company might have.

Keep your proof of postage certificate and tracking number in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. These documents form your evidence that you cancelled properly and within any required notice periods. If charges continue after cancellation, you can provide this documentation to your bank when disputing transactions or requesting chargebacks. In practice, banks typically side with consumers who can demonstrate they took reasonable steps to cancel services.

Using services like Postclic

For consumers who want additional convenience and assurance, services like Postclic streamline the postal cancellation process. Postclic allows you to create, send, and track cancellation letters digitally whilst still maintaining all the legal protections of traditional postal correspondence. The service handles printing, envelope preparation, and posting on your behalf, saving you time and ensuring professional presentation.

Using Postclic provides several practical benefits. You receive digital proof of sending and delivery, which is easily stored and retrieved if needed for disputes. The service ensures your letter is formatted correctly and posted promptly, eliminating concerns about finding stamps, envelopes, or accessing a post office. For UK consumers cancelling overseas services, this convenience can be particularly valuable, as international postage requires specific handling and appropriate customs declarations.

Additionally, Postclic maintains records of your correspondence, creating a permanent archive you can access whenever needed. This proves especially useful if you cancel multiple subscriptions or need to reference your cancellation months or years later. The digital trail complements the physical postal delivery, providing comprehensive documentation of your consumer rights actions.

Following up on your cancellation

After sending your cancellation letter, monitor your bank statements carefully to ensure no further charges appear. Once your letter shows as delivered according to tracking information, allow 5-7 business days for processing. If you do not receive written confirmation within two weeks of delivery, send a follow-up letter referencing your original cancellation and including copies of your proof of postage.

Should charges continue after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank immediately to dispute the transactions. Provide your proof of postage, tracking information, and copies of your cancellation correspondence. Under UK banking regulations, you have rights to dispute unauthorised transactions, and your documentation demonstrates these charges occurred despite proper cancellation. Therefore, your bank should assist in recovering these funds and potentially blocking further charges from BeenVerified.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding other consumers' experiences with BeenVerified helps you anticipate potential challenges and prepare effective strategies for protecting your rights. Reviews from UK and international users reveal common patterns that can inform your approach to cancellation and subscription management.

Common reasons for cancellation

Many subscribers cancel BeenVerified because they signed up for what they believed was a single search only to discover they had committed to an ongoing subscription. This confusion stems from promotional offers and marketing language that emphasises immediate access whilst downplaying the recurring billing nature of the service. As a result, consumers feel misled when they notice unexpected charges appearing on their statements weeks or months after their initial search.

Others find that the service provides limited value for UK users since BeenVerified primarily searches American public records. British subscribers hoping to research UK individuals discover the database contains minimal information about British residents, making the subscription essentially useless for their purposes. This geographical limitation is not always clearly explained during the signup process, leading to disappointment and cancellation requests.

Cost concerns drive many cancellations, particularly when promotional rates expire and subscriptions revert to full price. Consumers who signed up for a discounted trial period are often shocked by the substantially higher charges that follow. Combined with currency conversion fees and foreign transaction charges, the total cost can significantly exceed expectations. Therefore, budget-conscious consumers frequently seek to cancel once they realise the true ongoing expense.

Reported cancellation challenges

Consumer reviews consistently mention difficulties locating cancellation options on the BeenVerified website. Users report spending considerable time searching through account settings and help sections without finding clear cancellation instructions. This design choice, whether intentional or not, creates frustration and delays that may result in additional billing cycles before successful cancellation.

Technical issues represent another common complaint, with users reporting error messages when attempting to cancel online or confirmation emails that never arrive. This leaves consumers uncertain whether their cancellation actually processed, forcing them to monitor their bank statements anxiously and potentially submit multiple cancellation attempts. In practice, these technical barriers often convince users that postal cancellation offers greater reliability and peace of mind.

Some reviewers describe retention tactics employed when contacting customer service, including offers of discounted rates or requests to reconsider cancellation. Whilst these approaches are common business practices, they can make consumers feel pressured or uncomfortable, particularly those who struggle with assertiveness. Postal cancellation avoids these interpersonal dynamics entirely, allowing you to exercise your consumer rights without negotiation or persuasion attempts.

Expert tips for successful cancellation

Based on extensive consumer feedback and professional experience, several strategies maximise your chances of smooth, successful cancellation. First, act promptly once you decide to cancel rather than waiting until just before your next billing date. This provides buffer time for postal delivery, processing, and addressing any complications that might arise. Procrastination only increases the risk of incurring additional charges you hoped to avoid.

Second, maintain meticulous records of all cancellation-related documentation. Create a dedicated folder, whether physical or digital, containing copies of your cancellation letter, proof of postage, tracking information, and any correspondence with BeenVerified or your bank. This organised approach ensures you can quickly access evidence if disputes arise, strengthening your position and expediting resolution.

Third, check your bank statements diligently for at least three months after cancellation to confirm no further charges appear. Set calendar reminders around your previous billing dates so you remember to review statements when charges would typically occur. If unauthorised charges do appear, dispute them immediately with your bank rather than waiting or assuming they will stop automatically. Swift action protects your financial interests and creates a clear record of the problem.

Protecting yourself from future issues

Learning from common BeenVerified experiences can help you avoid similar problems with other subscription services. Always read terms and conditions carefully before providing payment information, specifically looking for language about automatic renewals and cancellation procedures. If a service makes cancellation difficult or unclear, consider whether you want to do business with that company at all.

Consider using virtual credit card numbers or prepaid cards for subscription services, particularly those based overseas. Many UK banks now offer temporary card numbers that you can set spending limits on or cancel without affecting your main account. This provides an additional layer of protection against unwanted charges and simplifies the process of cutting off payment if cancellation proves difficult.

Set calendar reminders for subscription renewal dates so you can decide whether to continue or cancel before the next billing cycle. This proactive approach prevents subscriptions from continuing indefinitely through inattention. For services you definitely want to cancel, send your cancellation letter at least one full billing cycle in advance, providing ample time for processing and confirmation.

Your rights if problems persist

Should BeenVerified continue charging you despite proper cancellation, you have several avenues for recourse. Contact your bank to dispute the charges, providing your cancellation documentation as evidence. UK banks must investigate disputed transactions and typically offer provisional refunds whilst they investigate, particularly when you can demonstrate you took reasonable steps to cancel.

You can also report problematic practices to Trading Standards or the Citizens Advice consumer service, who can provide guidance on your specific situation. Whilst enforcing UK consumer law against American companies presents challenges, documenting problems helps regulators identify patterns and potentially take action to protect other consumers. Your report contributes to broader consumer protection efforts even if immediate resolution proves difficult.

For significant disputes involving substantial amounts, consider seeking advice from a consumer rights solicitor. Many offer free initial consultations and can advise whether pursuing the matter legally makes financial sense. In some cases, a formal legal letter from a solicitor prompts companies to resolve disputes they might otherwise ignore, making this option worth exploring for serious cases.

Remember that as a UK consumer, you possess strong legal protections even when dealing with overseas companies. The key to exercising these rights effectively lies in thorough documentation, prompt action, and persistence when problems arise. Postal cancellation with tracked delivery provides the foundation for this protective approach, creating evidence that supports your position should disputes require escalation. By understanding your rights and following proper procedures, you can successfully cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect yourself from unauthorised charges.