Is Intelius Legit and Safe for Users in the UK

Intelius – an American company – provides information about individuals through public records. Founded in 2003, it is part of the growing industry of online people search platforms. Essentially, Intelius collects public information and organizes it into an easy-to-access format for users, such as background checks, address history, phone numbers, and even criminal records (where permitted).

Popular Features of Intelius

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular services Intelius offers:

1. People Search – This feature allows users to search for someone by name, associating that person with their phone numbers, addresses, relatives, and more.
2. Reverse Phone Lookup – You can search using a phone number to find out who owns it.
3. Background Checks – Includes criminal history, job records, and educational details (in applicable regions).
4. Address and Email Lookups – Offers insight into someone’s current and past residence history.

Many users in the U.S. find these tools helpful, whether for reconnecting with lost family, verifying someone’s identity, or simply satisfying their curiosity. However, are these features useful – or even available – for UK users?

If you’re on the hunt for tools to find information about people, you may have come across Intelius. It’s a well-known service, particularly in the United States, offering background checks, reverse phone lookups, and various public record searches. But as a user in the UK, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is, “Is Intelius legit and safe to use?”

This article provides a detailed review, covering what Intelius offers, how it works, its pros and cons, and whether it’s suitable for users in the United Kingdom. If you’re wondering whether Intelius is safe and legit or if it could be a scam, you’ll find all the answers here.

Is Intelius Legit?

One of the most common concerns surrounding tools like Intelius is whether they’re authentic or a scam. To answer plainly, Intelius is legit. It is a recognized business in the U.S., operating under legitimate business practices, and it has been in the industry for 20 years. This longevity is, in itself, a strong indicator that Intelius is not a scam.

However, legitimacy doesn’t always translate to universal approval or efficacy. While Intelius is legit and widely trusted in the U.S., there are a few things you should understand before signing up, especially if you’re in the UK.

How Does Intelius Work?

Intelius sources its data from public records, such as government documents and publicly-available databases. When you search for someone, the platform compiles and structures this data into a report. Because Intelius uses public data, it doesn’t technically infringe on privacy, but it does rely on the accessibility of these records to provide accurate information.

While this process works smoothly in the U.S., public records data in the UK may differ significantly in terms of availability, scope, and privacy regulations. This raises the question of whether Intelius can deliver actionable results to UK-based users.

Is Intelius Safe?

Safety is another major factor people consider before using any online service like Intelius. When it comes to Intelius, it’s worth separating two concepts – safety of your personal data and accuracy of the reports it provides.

1. Safety of Personal Data

First, it’s important to note that Intelius is safe in the sense that it doesn’t steal your personal information when using the platform. The company has a privacy policy and is GDPR-compliant, ensuring that any sensitive data you provide (e.g., billing information when purchasing a report) isn’t misused or mishandled.

However, there are occasional complaints from users about unauthorized charges or difficulties canceling subscriptions. While reports like these are relatively rare, they highlight why you should always monitor billing statements after subscribing to avoid unwanted charges.

2. Accuracy of Reports

Where safety merges with value is in the accuracy of data Intelius can provide. For U.S.-based users, Intelius is well-regarded for providing comprehensive and reliable information. However, the same can’t always be said for users in the UK—or outside the U.S. in general.

Much of the information held in UK public records isn’t as accessible or structured the same way it is in the U.S. This means that, for users in the UK, Intelius might struggle to deliver robust, reliable reports, and you may not get your money’s worth.

Is Intelius Worth it for UK Users?

While Intelius is legit and safe, the bigger question for UK users is whether the service is worth investing in. This is where things become less clear-cut.

Pros for UK Users

• Established Reputation: With decades in the market, Intelius has built a solid reputation for reliability in the U.S.
• User-friendly Design: The platform is easy to use with intuitive tools, even for those unfamiliar with such services.
• Basic Features Available: Some tools, like reverse phone lookups, may still yield results even for UK users.

Cons for UK Users

• Limited Public Records Access: UK laws place far stricter restrictions on accessing personal information compared to the U.S., limiting the data Intelius can provide.
• Subscription Costs: Intelius is not a free service and can become expensive, especially for users who don’t see sufficient results. Its typical subscription plans start at $24.86 monthly.
• No Localized Support: As a U.S.-focused service, UK users might find fewer customer support options or less familiarity with local circumstances.

Can You Use Intelius in the UK?

Technically, UK residents can still use Intelius, but its effectiveness is quite limited compared to the U.S. market. Certain features, such as criminal record checks or in-depth background reports, are unlikely to work effectively due to differences in how public records are handled.

If you’re looking for general information about someone in the U.S.—such as a relative or friend who may have emigrated—Intelius might hold value. But for searches about UK-based individuals, you’re likely better served by platforms that focus specifically on the UK, such as the Electoral Roll or dedicated background check services.

Is Intelius a Scam?

To reiterate, Intelius is not a scam. The company is a legitimate service provider, trusted by millions in the U.S. That said, the perception of whether Intelius works as expected can sometimes lead users to feel disappointed, especially when the service doesn’t deliver meaningful results for them personally. To avoid feeling misled, it’s crucial to keep your expectations grounded in what the platform can realistically offer for your location and needs.

Final Verdict – Is Intelius Legit and Safe for the UK?

Intelius is legit and safe, but it’s a platform that caters primarily to the U.S. market. While the service is user-friendly and aboveboard, UK residents may find only limited value in its reports due to differences in public records accessibility.

Who Should Use Intelius in the UK?

• People trying to find information about someone residing in the U.S.
• Someone curious about phone number lookups for U.S.-based numbers.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

• Users primarily interested in public records for UK residents.
• Those on a tight budget, as Intelius subscription plans are expensive compared to its functionality for UK users.

At the end of the day, Intelius is a legitimate and safe platform, but it’s not built with the UK audience in mind. Always weigh the costs against your specific needs to determine whether this service aligns with your expectations. If you prioritize accuracy and relevant results in the UK, local searches or region-specific services may be a smarter fit.