I Tried UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com for a Self-Background Check — Here’s What Happened

Disclosure: Some links, like Spokeo, 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.

Hey, I’m Kai Winslow, a 24-year-old barista from Seattle, Washington, just trying to navigate the job market. When I was prepping for my first job interview at 7-Eleven, I wanted to run a quick background check on myself to make sure there were no surprises. Like most people, I turned to Google and searched for “free background check USA.” One of the first results that popped up was an ad for UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com. The site looked promising with its bold claims of offering public records, social media details, police records, and more. But is it legit? And is it the best option for someone like me, a barista looking to land a new gig? Let’s break it down based on my experience and some digging into the site’s operations.

What Is UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com?

UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com markets itself as a one-stop shop for background checks, promising access to a wide range of public records like contact information, criminal records, civil judgments, and even social media profiles. The site emphasizes “unlimited searches” and a “secure connection,” which sounds reassuring at first glance. It’s been around for nearly 13 years, with a domain registered in 2012, which gives it some credibility in terms of longevity. According to a security analysis, the site has a high trust score of 100/100, suggesting it’s safe to use and not a scam.

However, there’s a catch. UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com isn’t a primary database provider. Instead, it acts as a third-party website that redirects users to TruthFinder, a well-known people search platform. This means that when you enter your name or other details on their site, you’re funneled to TruthFinder to complete the search and access any reports. While this isn’t inherently bad, it’s a bit misleading if you’re expecting a unique service or direct access to records.

Is UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com Legit?

Yes, UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com appears to be a legitimate website. Its long-standing domain, registered through Squarespace Domains II LLC, and its association with TruthFinder, a recognized name in the background check industry, add to its credibility. Security assessments confirm that the site uses proper protocols and has no major red flags like malware or phishing risks. However, legitimacy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best or most cost-effective option for your needs.

One thing to note is the site’s lack of visibility. Despite its age, UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com isn’t widely discussed online. You won’t find much about it on platforms like Reddit, Quora, or Trustpilot, which is unusual for a service that’s been around for over a decade. Its global website ranking is relatively low at #1,994,308, indicating limited traffic and popularity compared to other background check services. This low profile might suggest it’s more of a marketing funnel for TruthFinder than a standalone service.

My Experience with UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com

As a barista in Seattle, I’m used to juggling multiple tasks, but running a background check on myself was new territory. When I visited UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com, the interface was straightforward. You enter a name, and it prompts you to start your search. However, after entering my details, I was quickly redirected to TruthFinder. Once there, I was hit with a subscription model that felt pretty steep. TruthFinder’s pricing typically starts at around $28-$30 per month for unlimited reports, which is a lot for a one-time self-background check. For someone like me, just trying to make sure my record was clean for a 7-Eleven job interview, this felt like overkill.

Frustrated by the redirect and the high cost, I went back to Google to explore other options. That’s when I stumbled across Spokeo, a popular and well-reputed background check service in the USA. Spokeo stood out because it offered more flexible search options—you can search by name, phone number, email, or address—and it’s significantly cheaper. Spokeo's reverse phone lookup, for example, starts at just $0.95 for a basic report. I tried searching with my phone number, and within minutes, I had a detailed report in my hands for less than a dollar. It included public records, social media profiles, and even some address history, which was more than enough for my needs.

Comparing UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com to Spokeo

Here’s where things get interesting. While UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com is legit, it’s essentially a middleman for TruthFinder, which makes it less appealing compared to direct options like Spokeo. Let’s break down the key differences:

Search Options: UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com limits you to searching by name, which is redirected to TruthFinder. Spokeo, on the other hand, lets you search by name, phone number, email, or address, giving you more flexibility. This was a game-changer for me since I wanted to double-check my records using my phone number.

Cost: TruthFinder, which UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com funnels you to, charges around $28-$30 per month for unlimited reports. Spokeo offers one-off reports for as low as $0.95, with monthly subscriptions starting at around $14.95 for more comprehensive access. For a one-time self-background check, Spokeo is clearly the more budget-friendly choice.

Reputation: Spokeo is well-known and frequently reviewed on platforms like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs, though it has mixed ratings (1.2/5 on Trustpilot). UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com, however, has almost no online presence or user reviews, making it harder to gauge user satisfaction.

Features: Spokeo uses advanced AI tools, like its reverse phone lookup, to pull data from billions of records across public databases and social media. TruthFinder also uses machine learning to scour the web, including deep web sources, but its higher cost doesn’t justify the added value for a simple self-check.

Why Spokeo Is a Better Option for Self-Background Checks

For a Seattle barista like me, just wanting to run a quick background check before a job interview, Spokeo was a lifesaver. Its affordability and ease of use made it a no-brainer. The $0.95 reverse phone lookup gave me a full report that included my address history, social media accounts, and even some public records—everything I needed to ensure there were no red flags before my 7-Eleven interview. Plus, Spokeo’s interface is user-friendly, and the results came back almost instantly.

In contrast, UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com felt like a detour. The redirect to TruthFinder and the expensive subscription model made it less practical for a one-off check. If you’re someone who needs frequent, in-depth searches (like a landlord or employer), TruthFinder’s unlimited reports might be worth it. But for a single self-background check, it’s overpriced and unnecessary.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Background Check Service

Before you pick a service, here are a few tips based on my experience and research:

Check for FCRA Compliance: If you’re using a background check for employment (like applying to 7-Eleven), make sure the service complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). TruthFinder and Spokeo both offer FCRA-compliant reports for employment purposes, but you’ll need to ensure you’re using the right type of report.

Look for Hidden Costs: UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com doesn’t clearly advertise that it redirects to TruthFinder’s pricier model. Always read the fine print to avoid unexpected fees.

Verify Data Sources: Spokeo pulls from over 12 billion records, including public databases and social media. TruthFinder also accesses deep web data, but both can occasionally return outdated or inaccurate info. Double-check critical details if you’re using the report for something important.

Consider Your Needs: If you just need a quick self-check, a low-cost option like Spokeo’s $0.95 report is ideal. For more comprehensive needs, TruthFinder or other services like BeenVerified or Intelius might be worth exploring, though they’re pricier.

Final Thoughts

UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com is a legit website, but it’s not the most direct or affordable option for a self-background check in the USA. Its role as a third-party redirect to TruthFinder limits its value, especially when you consider the high subscription costs of TruthFinder. For someone like me, Kai Winslow, a barista from Seattle just trying to get a job at 7-Eleven, Spokeo proved to be the better choice. Its $0.95 reverse phone lookup was fast, affordable, and gave me all the info I needed without breaking the bank.

If you’re in the same boat, I’d recommend skipping UnitedStatesBackgroundChecks.com and going straight to a reputable service like Spokeo. It’s more flexible, cheaper, and widely trusted in the USA. Just make sure to do your due diligence and pick a service that fits your specific needs—whether it’s a one-time check or ongoing searches. Good luck with your background check, and here’s hoping your job interview goes as smoothly as mine did!