  • Report: #797229

Complaint Review: SPOKEO

  • Submitted: Fri, November 11, 2011
  • Updated: Wed, January 01, 2014

  • Reported By: a b ford — Internet United States of America
SPOKEO
Internet United States of America

SPOKEO Lies to prospective members, Internet

*Consumer Comment: Prompt resolution and refund.

*UPDATE Employee: Spokeo Quotas

*Consumer Comment: Spokeo just plain inaccurate information

*Author of original report: A Rose by Any Other Name...

*UPDATE Employee: Terms and Conditions

*Author of original report: More Empty Words from Spokeo

*UPDATE Employee: Uses of Spokeo

*General Comment: Two Wrongs....?

*Author of original report: STILL A SCAM

*UPDATE Employee: Search Quota Clarification

*Author of original report: SPOKEO IS SMOKE AND MIRRORS

*Consumer Comment: Complaint Resolved Thanks Ed and Spokeo

*Consumer Comment: As a Lifetime Premium member my quotas never reset

*UPDATE Employee: Clarification of Email Searches and Search Quotas

What's this?
What's this?
What's this?
Is this
Ripoff Report
About you?
Ripoff Report
A business' first
line of defense
on the Internet.
If your business is
willing to make a
commitment to
customer satisfaction
Click here now..

Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™

SEO Reputation Management at its best!

This is a company that promises to give access to all kinds of data, INCLUDING EMAIL ADDRESSES. But they cheated this member from access to emails. When trying to get the emails, a message came up stating that the number of requests had exceeded the amount allowed by their "basic" membership ($14.95/three months). BUT, I never exceeded the number of requests.

This was B.S.!!!!! Just a SCAM to get members to upgrade their membership at an additional cost. I emailed them four times, until a D.H. by the name of John recited the terms and conditions, which I knew before I signed up. My problem isnt their terms and conditionsits THEIR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THEIR OWN TERMS AND CONDITIONS!!! These people are A.H. Stay away. Find another source. They STINK!!!


This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 11/11/2011 06:24 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/spokeo/internet/spokeo-lies-to-prospective-members-internet-797229. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.

Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

Click Here to read other Ripoff Reports on SPOKEO

Search for additional reports

If you would like to see more Rip-off Reports on this company/individual, search here:

Search Tips
Report & Rebuttal
Respond to this report!
What's this?
Also a victim?
What's this?
Repair Your Reputation!
What's this?
REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
4Author 10Consumer 0Employee/Owner
Updates & Rebuttals

#1 Consumer Comment

Prompt resolution and refund.

AUTHOR: Shackman - ()

I paid my 0.95 for the "Trial Membership". Results were totally inaccurate so I emailed them immediately. Received a reply within an hour "Sorry the service doesn't work on Canadian numbers". I got a service cancellation notice and refund email within 2 hours after that.

Only time will tell but I was pleased with the prompt action. I will update should my refund not materialize or if further charges show up.

Respond to this report!
What's this?

#2 UPDATE Employee

Spokeo Quotas

AUTHOR: Spokeo - ()

Dear Spokeo User, 

Thank you for your message. 

I'm sorry to hear that you were not aware of our search quota limit and hope to assist you in whatever way possible. All of our Premium Content is under a search quota limit. This implementation will not only ensure that your email searches continue to remain smooth and quick, but also will allow us to add more supported networks into our database in the future. This term is made very clear on our payment page, as it is included in the disclaimer which has to be agreed to before the purchase is processed. To ensure that our payers are aware of this, we even provide the link for the Plan Specification as part of the disclaimer.

I wish to point out, however, that your account's search quotas reset automatically every month, providing you full, comprehensive access again thereafter (unused searches will not roll over). Also, please note that all searches count towards your quota, even those that provide little or no results. For this reason, I recommend that you keep track of your searches regularly and consider upgrading your account if you require a higher search plan. You can view your search quotas by clicking “Account” and selecting “Usage” from the drop down menu.

Please contact our support team at support@spokeo.com with mention of this complaint, and our representatives will be happy to resolve any issues you may have.

Sincerely,

Spokeo

Respond to this report!
What's this?

#3 Consumer Comment

Spokeo just plain inaccurate information

AUTHOR: Swams - (United States of America)

I created a test case of myself, entering my e-mail address to see what came up in their info.  The photo of me was from Facebook, definitely female, but I was listed in their information as male. Interestingly, my Facebook profile from whence they got my name, lists me as female.  Never been male.  Never wanted to be male.  I have a distinct name and as far as I know, there are no males with my name in the States, hence no public records of me as male. Do not buy this service.  They either fabricate information or their search engines automatically enter incorrect information.  When I addressed this with them, I received a form letter e-mail response, DISCLAIMING THEIR ACCURACY.  Perhaps their site can be used for entertainment, but don't expect accuracy.
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#4 Author of original report

A Rose by Any Other Name...

AUTHOR: a b ford - (United States of America)

...still smells the same.  And Spokeo is no rose.  Same old retorts about their "standard usage policy."  DOUBLETALK.  They promise everything and deliver next to nothing.  Save your $$$.  You won't get a refund (unless you are a Celtic warrior!).  GO ELSEWHERE.  FORGET SPOKEO.  BIG RIP-OFF!
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#5 UPDATE Employee

Terms and Conditions

AUTHOR: Spokeo Inc. - (United States of America)

Dear Spokeo User,

I sincerely apologize if you feel misled in any way. As previously mentioned, this is standard usage policy for subscription based plans. Additionally, Spokeo makes it easy for our users to keep track of their searches, as the number of searches are displayed on the front page of the "Settings" section.

I urge you to contact us through our Contact Page, as we are more than willing to resolve any issues for you.

Sincerely,
Spokeo
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#6 Author of original report

More Empty Words from Spokeo

AUTHOR: a b ford - (United States of America)

Just to update, Spokeo is absolutely NOT CHANGING ANYTHING, except for the way they rip-off their prospective subscribers, who offer their money, in good faith, for publicly known information.  To avoid any redundancy from my earlier posts, I will offer one more important piece of advice:  Use your bankcard as "credit," not "debit."  In that manner, you can dispute the whole transaction, due to Spokeo's misrepresentation.  Go to their website and view, for yourself, what it states:

"What You're Getting Emails, Addresses, and Phone Numbers Complete Search Results and Profiles Search 73+ Social Networks And More! Spokeo Guarantee 100% Guarantee. If we don't have results for this search we will gladly issue a refund.

Now... try to get it!  All you will get is the same B.S. that the earlier posts have lent to these threads.  Remember, NOTHING in their T and C talks clarifies a search.  According to Spokeo's response to Rip-off Report (#4) "please note that all searches count towards your quota, even those that provide little or no results."  Ill say it again, nothing containing that language, or even close, appears in their T and C.  

If you dont mind getting burned or cheated, then give your money up to Spokeo, but remember what I and others have written in these threads, that you will fall victim to their misleading and deceptive posts. 

My expectation is that Spokeo will lose thousands of potential customers, thanks to the concerted efforts of us victims and Ripoff Report, which permit a platform of open and honest expression. 

 
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#7 UPDATE Employee

Uses of Spokeo

AUTHOR: Spokeo Inc. - (United States of America)

Dear Clay,

Spokeo is a search engine, which specializes in aggregating people-related information. Our search results show only publicly-accessible information gathered from hundreds of public sources, such as: phone books, social networks, marketing lists, business sites, and many other public sources. 

Spokeo People Search allows our users to search for anyone by Name, Reverse Email, Reverse Phone or Username. 

In regards to the uses of Spokeo, we have had a countless number of success stories in which our users have successfully reunited with their biological parents using Spokeo. We are also used by many High School Reunion Planning Committees, which utilize our service in getting in touch with past students. Our services have also been employed by customers to avoid fraudulent business transactions. 

There are various uses of Spokeo, and we encourage our users to check back with us periodically as our designing and engineering teams are working hard to increase our search capabilities to yield even more effective results.

Sincerely,
Spokeo
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#8 General Comment

Two Wrongs....?

AUTHOR: Clay - (U.S.A.)

I feel that neither one of these parties involved in this transaction are "good" people. You can see it in the writing of the tone of the buyer, and the service that Spokeo provides are sub-moral, even what I'd say was underhanded or at least unethical. What I mean is, there should be no individuals that have access to other people numbers/information. There should be no "price" you can pay, nor a business that sells such information. People that want to use this service are just as guilty, if not more, if only for being nosey or intrusive on other people's lives. There should be a law against such activity unless needed by LAW ENFORCEMENT or the FBI for the purpose of apprehending criminals or stopping an attack. When lives are at stake, I'll let it be,... but Tom, d**k & Harry shouldn't be allowed access to so much personal information. It can be dangerous in the wrong hands..

But, I'm sure Spokeo will retort this and claim (or should I say disclaim) that they aren't the bad guys.

Me personally, I'd have a hard time sleeping at might if I was Spokeo's owner.

But I guess I'm just an antiquated guy with out-of-date morals & standards. Right?
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#9 Author of original report

STILL A SCAM

AUTHOR: a b ford - (United States of America)

Obviously, someone from Spokeo monitors these reports, and this is good because it partially confirms that readers on this site are PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION to these posts.  I'll keep posting as long as the D.H. from Spokeo keep denying that they mislead their customers into believing they are getting what they pay for.  DON'T SIGN-UP!  YOU'LL BE DISAPPOINTED.  A SCAM IS STILL A SCAM!
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#10 UPDATE Employee

Search Quota Clarification

AUTHOR: Spokeo Inc. - (United States of America)

Dear Spokeo User,

I do apologize if you were unaware of these terms, as this is standard usage policy for subscription based plans. Please note, however, that Spokeo makes it easy for our users to keep track of their searches, as the number of searches is displayed on the front page of the "Settings" section. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us through our Contact Page.

Sincerely,
Spokeo
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#11 Author of original report

SPOKEO IS SMOKE AND MIRRORS

AUTHOR: a b ford - (United States of America)

I read and re-read their T and C prior to, and after, they had blocked me from accessing email searches emails.  According to Spokeo's response to me back on 11/12/2011 (after emailing them four times), "please note that all searches count towards
your quota, even those that provide little or no results."  What a
crock.  Nothing containing that language, or even close, appears in their T
and C.  Note: Every other legitimate site operates on a "no info, no
charge" policy.  This is just a CHEAP HUSTLE TO GET MEMBERS TO SHELL
OUT MORE MONEY, and no amount of B.S. from their "side" can obfuscate
the truth about the way they misrepresent their service.  CAVEAT EMPTOR:
YOU WON'T GET WHAT YOU THINK YOU'RE GETTING WITHOUT BEING HUSTLED FOR
MORE MONEY.  I cancelled my membership on 11/12/2011.  I advise all
who read this, and who wish to get access to information, to GO ELSEWHERE. SAVE
YOUR MONEY.  DON'T GET HUSTLED BY THEIR SMOKE AND MIRRORS.



Respond to this report!
What's this?

#12 Consumer Comment

Complaint Resolved Thanks Ed and Spokeo

AUTHOR: Al - (United States of America)

Thanks to the Ripoff Report I was promptly called by a really nice representative of Spokeo that resolved my issue with their service.  I am so pleased because I love the service. It does a much better job helping me find people and info than many other subscription sites that charge more. I would've hated to cancel my subscription over use limitations not set properly. Now I am supposed to get all of the phone, reverse email and user name searches allotted each month to premium members. Thanks again Ripoff Report and Thank you Spokeo for offering a great service at a reasonable price
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#13 Consumer Comment

As a Lifetime Premium member my quotas never reset

AUTHOR: Al - (United States of America)

I have emailed Spokeo for help getting my quotas reset so I can use as I subscribed their service but it always responds that I am over my allowed quota below is my quota details form them now and I should have 5  more phone plus.... I have supposed to be over quota for 3 months

Subscription StatusYou have a lifetime membership to Spokeo Premium

.Monthly Quota UsageSince November 03, 2011
Reverse Email 1 out of 20
Reverse Phone 0 out of 0
Email Contact 0 out of 0
Username 0 out of 0
PreferencesSend me important news from Spokeo.Enable keyboard shortcuts.  (customize keys)

      
Respond to this report!
What's this?

#14 UPDATE Employee

Clarification of Email Searches and Search Quotas

AUTHOR: Spokeo Inc. - (United States of America)

Dear Spokeo User,

I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Spokeo is a People Search Engine, and aggregates only publicly-accessible data from a multitude of sources, such as social networks, public records, phone listings, marketing surveys and more. For this reason, Spokeo preserves and protects the privacy terms of all third-party content and does not grant access to private email accounts, profiles or blogs. Our information depends entirely on the amount of digital footprints left by email users, as well as the privacy settings maintained by the user.

Spokeo's Reverse Email Search performed will display results varying between: - photos on networks such as Flickr or PhotoBucket - videos that have been watched or posted on YouTube - reviews of products such as books and music submitted over Amazon - blogs submitted over blogging sites such as Blogger and LiveJournal - public profiles posted on popular networks such as Facebook and MySpace

Also, all of our subscription plans are under a search quota limit. This implementation will not only ensure that your email searches continue to remain smooth and quick, but will allow us to add more supported networks into our database in the future. This term is made very clear on our payment page, as it is included in the disclaimer which has to be agreed to before the purchase is processed. To ensure that our payers are aware of this, we even provide the link to our Plan Specification page as part of the disclaimer. This link is available here: http://www.spokeo.com/plans

I wish to point out however, that your account's search quotas reset automatically every month, providing you full, comprehensive access again thereafter (unused searches will not roll over). Also, please note that all searches count towards your quota, even those that provide little or no results. For this reason, I recommend that you keep track of your searches regularly under the "Settings" tab, and consider upgrading your account if you require a higher search plan.

If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely, Spokeo
Respond to this report!
What's this?
Report & Rebuttal
Respond to this report!
What's this?
Also a victim?
What's this?
Repair Your Reputation!
What's this?
X
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/spokeo/internet/spokeo-lies-to-prospective-members-internet-797229
www.ripoffreport.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2017-09
79666
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:IRCX3VOOLWCNBHDEMVH5WK66MIN72WWL
<urn:uuid:599a4418-9a37-4f0a-b921-f1aa21d058d3>
2017-02-21T00:12:16Z
104.16.85.125
sha1:JD4NRERO6QBFUUEKFAFVQLN7A2GGMIZY
<urn:uuid:bc9804e5-0aa0-4dc1-9bef-99399af7352a>
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/spokeo/internet/spokeo-lies-to-prospective-members-internet-797229
response
<urn:uuid:afe9b3f5-b240-4270-bf68-045add48226c>
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-171-10-108.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-09
operator: CommonCrawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for February 2017
publisher: CommonCrawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf