I Tried Public Info Services for a Background Check — My Full, Honest Review

Disclosure: Some links, like Social Catfish, are tools I’ve personally used and found helpful. If you use them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on genuine experience.

I’m Kai Winslow, a 28-year-old wildlife photographer from Starhaven, California. At 20, I set out to reconnect with my childhood friend, Callix Monroe, who vanished from my life after a tragic accident. With only his name and an old photo, I turned to people-finder tools, starting with PublicInfoServices.com, a 9-year-old background check site accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you’re wondering, “Is Public Information Services legit?, or how it stacks up against Spokeo and Social Catfish, here’s my honest story. I’ll share Public Info Services reviews, its limitations, and why Spokeo and Social Catfish were my lifesavers.

My Mission to Find Callix

At 12, Callix and I were inseparable, chasing lizards and dreaming big in Starhaven. But a car accident left him with serious injuries, and his family moved to Texas for his recovery. I lost contact, left with just memories and an 8-year-old photo. By 20, as a budding photographer, I was determined to find him. With no phone number or address, I needed a reliable people-finder. A Google search led me to PublicInfoServices.com, Spokeo, and Social Catfish. Here’s how they compared.

Is PublicInfoServices.com Legit? A Detailed Review

Public Information Services, also known as PublicInfoServices or PublicInfoServices.com, is a legitimate platform launched in 2016 in Goleta, California. BBB-accredited, it accesses public records like addresses, phone numbers, and criminal histories from national, state, and municipal databases. Its SSL-secured site claims accurate, up-to-date reports for people, property, and phone searches.

Pros

• BBB Accreditation: Adds credibility with a track record since 2016.
• Comprehensive Data: Pulls from millions of records, including criminal histories and property details.
• User-Friendly: Simple interface for name, phone, or property searches.

Cons

• Limited Search Options: Only allows searches by name, phone, or property, lacking flexibility for cross-referencing.
• Inconsistent Data: Sitejabber reviews (4.2 stars from 6,419 users) note outdated or incorrect details, like wrong criminal records.
• Small Online Presence: Few reviews beyond Sitejabber, making it hard to gauge reliability.
• Poor Customer Support: Complaints on ComplaintsBoard cite slow responses via email or phone (1-800-617-3169, 5 AM–9 PM PT).

• Costly: $30/month subscription.

My Experience

I tried PublicInfoServices.com, hoping its BBB status meant reliability. Searching for Callix Monroe by name returned vague profiles, none tied to Texas. I tested variations—first name, middle initial—but got no hits. The $1 trial seemed affordable, but a $30 subscription hit unexpectedly, and support took days to respond when I questioned it. For me, Public Information Services felt limited and overpriced.

Public Information Services (also known as PublicInfoServices.com) is a legitimate background check website, but it is not free. While it provides access to public records, its information can sometimes be outdated or limited. Some users report mixed experiences regarding accuracy. It is not a scam, but other services may offer more comprehensive and reliable data.

Spokeo: The Affordable Game-Changer

Spokeo is a popular people-finder with millions of users, offering searches by name, phone, email, or address. Its database includes addresses, social media, criminal records, and more, with a 95-cent 7-day trial.

Pros

• Affordable: 95-cent trial allows unlimited searches; subscriptions start at $14.95/month.
• Fast Results: Instant PDF reports via email, covering addresses, phones, and social media.
• Responsive Support: Live chat and email support are quick and helpful.
• Broad Data: Millions of records, including LinkedIn and Facebook links, ideal for reconnecting.

Cons

• Not FCRA-Compliant: Can’t be used for employment or tenant screening.
• Occasional Inaccuracies: Minor errors in older records, like outdated addresses.

My Experience

Spokeo was a revelation. I entered Callix’s name, and within minutes, a PDF report listed his Austin, Texas address, phone number, and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn). It even noted a dismissed speeding ticket, which Callix later confirmed. The 95-cent trial let me run multiple searches, and live chat answered my questions instantly. Spokeo’s speed and depth outshone PublicInfoServices.com.

Social Catfish: Perfect for Image and Social Media Searches

Social Catfish specializes in reverse image searches and dating/criminal record checks, with a $5.73 3-day trial. It’s ideal for verifying identities across social media and dating platforms.

Pros

• Image Search Expertise: Links old photos to current social media profiles.
• Criminal/Dating Focus: Flags criminal records and dating app activity (e.g., Tinder, Hinge).
• Accurate: Found Callix’s latest Instagram and Twitter accounts.
• Supportive: Responsive customer service via email and phone.

Cons

• Higher Cost: $5.73 trial is pricier than Spokeo’s 95 cents.
• Narrow Scope: Best for social media and dating, less comprehensive for addresses.

My Experience

I uploaded Callix’s 8-year-old photo to Social Catfish, and its reverse image search linked it to his current Instagram and Twitter. It also flagged a minor college-era public intoxication charge, matching stories he’d told me. Social Catfish’s $5.73 trial was worth it for verifying his digital footprint, something PublicInfoServices.com couldn’t do.

Reconnecting with Callix

Spokeo’s phone number led to a voicemail, and Callix called back the next day, overjoyed. Now a graphic designer in Austin with a family, he’d recovered from the accident. We laughed over video chat about our childhood adventures. Social Catfish’s Instagram link let me see his recent art, strengthening our bond. Public Information Services failed, but Spokeo and Social Catfish made our reunion happen.

Is Public Information Services Free? How to Unsubscribe

PublicInfoServices.com isn’t free—a $1 trial auto-renews to $30/month. To unsubscribe, email [email protected] or call 1-800-617-3169 (5 AM–9 PM PT). Users report delays in refunds. Spokeo’s 95-cent trial and Social Catfish’s $5.73 trial are cheaper, with easy cancellation via their websites or live chat.

How Accurate Is Public Information Services?

PublicInfoServices.com claims accuracy but delivers mixed results. Sitejabber users praise its ease but note outdated data, like wrong criminal records. Spokeo and Social Catfish were more accurate for my search, with Spokeo nailing Callix’s address and Social Catfish confirming his social media.

Final Verdict: Choose Spokeo or Social Catfish Over PublicInfoServices

Is Public Information Services legit? Yes, its BBB accreditation and 9-year history prove it. But is PublicInfoServices.com a scam? No, though its limited data, high costs, and sparse reviews disappointed me. Spokeo’s 95-cent trial delivered fast, accurate results, while Social Catfish’s image search sealed the deal. For finding lost friends in Starhaven or beyond, skip PublicInfoServices.com and try Spokeo.com or SocialCatfish.com. Share your reconnection stories below—let’s inspire each other!

—Kai Winslow, Wildlife Photographer