• InstantCheckmate

InstantCheckmate

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Overview

InstantCheckmate has a rating of 1.8 stars from 341 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about InstantCheckmate most frequently mention credit card, phone number, and email address problems. InstantCheckmate ranks 152nd among Government Records sites.

  • Service
    82
  • Value
    86
  • Shipping
    30
  • Returns
    42
  • Quality
    71

This company responds to reviews on average within 10 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 18.2%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
9
7
See all photos
How would you rate InstantCheckmate?
Top Positive Review

“Good customer service”

Sat I.
3/23/24

The customer service team are very professional and helpful, they make sure to clarify any confusion and I get every information I need.

Top Critical Review

“Slow and inaccurate information.”

PAUL M.
9/10/24

It's definitely priced too high. At night it can be very slow. Often times it gives a lot of incorrect information. It's definitely priced too high. At night it can be very slow. Often times it gives a lot of incorrect information. It shows my grandfather's information (he died in 1952) as my information.

Reviews (341)

Rating

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Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

instant checkmate (43) background check (25) customer service (39) email address (13) credit card (27)
Thumbnail of user paulm5778
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 10th, 2024

It's definitely priced too high. At night it can be very slow. Often times it gives a lot of incorrect information. It's definitely priced too high. At night it can be very slow. Often times it gives a lot of incorrect information. It shows my grandfather's information (he died in 1952) as my information.

Thumbnail of user michaelg7184
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 30th, 2024

If you decide not to purchase the advertised free information. You will be bombarded with notifications to purchase purchase.

Tip for consumers:
Your phone blows up with notifications to purchase. It is an aggressive hounding to purchase a product you do not want. Trying to figure out how to block the notifications.

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. While we wish we could provide all of the information to our customers for free, we do pay to access our data sources and it costs money to maintain our website. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to continuing to assist you in the future!

Thumbnail of user sanwal_98
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2024
Verified purchase

I found this lacking in so much information that is available. It's a shame I paid for this. I would not recommend this to anyone. The information they reported could be found elsewhere for free.

Tip for consumers:
Did not provide much information. Said ‘could not find’ on information that is readily available.

Products used:
Background checking.

Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello, we apologize you were unhappy with some of the information in our reports. Since we rely on third-party data sources, we can only display the information that we were provided, which could potentially include incomplete or inaccurate data. We hope to continue to improve our services to make them better for you and future customers. Thank you

Thumbnail of user carolynemurphy
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 30th, 2024

I have no idea where all the bogus data came from that I found in my InstantCheckmate file. Terrible records. And how is someone able to make corrections so the record will be correct?

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello, we apologize you were unhappy with some of the information in our reports. Since we rely on third-party data sources, we can only display the information that we were provided, which could potentially include incomplete or inaccurate data. We hope to continue to improve our services to make them better for you and future customers. Thank you

Thumbnail of user cloudsinmyeye
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 9th, 2024

I was charged over $45 for ba report that when I clicked said $3.99. I'd give 0 stars if possible 3 charges to my bank and literally no real information. Canceled in 5 minutes but they seen to be cookie cutter responses to reviews with no actual resolution

Tip for consumers:
That they would charge me 3 times and more then $40 more then told

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Rikki - Although we are happy you gave us this feedback, we are sorry to see that this happened. If this issue has not been resolved, please call our dedicated Customer Care Team at (800) 222-8985 (our team is available from Monday - Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm PST, excluding some Holidays) or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com and we will try to make this right.
Thank you

Thumbnail of user maryp3793
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 8th, 2024

This business put my email and password on the dark web. After much difficulty I was finally on the phone with a staff member, but it got me nowhere. Take my advice and don't give them any personal information. I will take matters on my own and get.to the bottom of this. Now I have to change my password. Not a happy camper.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Mary - Although we are happy you gave us this feedback, we are sorry to see that this happened. If this issue has not been resolved, please call our dedicated Customer Care Team at (800) 222-8985 (our team is available from Monday - Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm PST, excluding some Holidays) or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com and we will try to make this right.
Thank you

Thumbnail of user sati
RU
5 reviews
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2024

The customer service team are very professional and helpful, they make sure to clarify any confusion and I get every information I need.

Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your experience using Instant Checkmate, and we look forward to continuing to assist you in the future. Thank you, Instant Checkmate Support

Thumbnail of user jasong787
Texas
1 review
21 helpful votes
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January 21st, 2021
Verified purchase

Absolute garbage! This business sent me a bunch of wrong information and non was beneficial. They also automatically sign you up for monthly service when I thought I was paying a one time fee. Doesn't work save your money.

Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Jason,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. If you feel that you've been charged in error, please reach out to us at support@instantcheckmate.com and we will make things right.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user joannd200
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 12th, 2022
Verified purchase

The poor reviews seem mostly about the 'free' trial search in the ads. Those take forever to load up, then give poor information. The actual 'paid-for' search finds mostly current and accurate information. I have used this app since 2011, and find it very useful. I was debating continuing to use it since it IS expensive ($35. XX/month) but when I called tech support about a different issue (VERY HELPFUL, thanks guys!) Raul helped me solve the problem, then gave me a great new deal for $16.95/month. I frequently have strangers on and around my property for business reasons, and Instant Checkmate is a reliable source of background information. I was even able to find my first love (from 40 years ago) even though he was using an alias. He was better off 'lost' but c'est la vie.

Tip for consumers:
There are some mistakes, especially where it is a common name, and arrest records take some time to catch up, but they eventually make it into the database.

Products used:
Background check application.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Joann,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your experience with us and will be sure to pass along your kind words to Raul and his team!

Thank you,
Instant Checkmate Support

Thumbnail of user karens4064
Washington
1 review
4 helpful votes
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September 10th, 2022

I paid for what they promised would be a death notice. They advertise services that they do NOT provide. In fact the service they provide is free information one can obtain on a simple internet search. None of what's in their 'report' is what they claim to offer. Completely fraudulent scam company. Beware! Save your money don't waste it on Instant Checkmate.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t ever use Instant Checkmate they’re a scam and fraudulent company!

Products used:
None of what Instant Checkmate provided is of use. It’s information one can obtain for free.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Karen,
Although we are sad to see you were unhappy with your experience, we appreciate you taking the time to offer us feedback. While we wish we could provide all of the information to our customers for free, we do pay to access our data sources and it costs money to maintain our website. Please reach out to us at (800) 222-8985, or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com, if there's anything we can do to improve your experience.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user jamesp3585
Washington
1 review
8 helpful votes
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February 16th, 2022

Have used this at a reduced rate for more than a year. Not a wise investment. Most of the information is inaccurate and/or completely out of date. Also, ICM's so called 'terms of service' will not allow you to research business associates, (e.g., people you meet in a business setting, whether you have a business relationship or not) (?). Wish I could give this business '0' stars. There are multiple more cost effective competitors. Look around on the internet. JP

Tip for consumers:
Go research competitors in this market segment. There are MANY of them which provide dramatically better service.

Products used:
InstantCheckMate(ICM) is an online search business which 'claims' to provide 'hidden insights' into the individuals search. Most of the information provided is 'wildly' inaccurate, or severely out of date (valid 15 years ago). The organization has extremely poor customer service. The apparent and 'false' high reviews for this service are completely unjustified. There are many competitors in the same market segment, which provide a dramatically better product. In addition, the price is NOT competitive for what you get, and this scam of a business will try to raise the price every month. Apparently, the owner needs funds for his THIRD yacht and SECOND personal jet. The firm is based in SanDiego. Wish I could have given '0' stars for ICM - not an option. Sh*****e of a company.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello James,
We are constantly working on and updating our records and we appreciate you taking the time to give us constructive feedback. We apologize you were unhappy with some of the information in our reports. Since we rely on third-party data sources, we can only display the information that we were provided, which could potentially include incomplete or inaccurate data. We hope to continue to improve our services to make them better for you and future customers. Please feel free to contact our dedicated Customer Care Team at (800) 222-8985 or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com and we will try to make this right.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user nickd1037
Hawaii
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 17th, 2022

Outdated information, I was in the military and there was reasons for putting someone with my knowledge under a watch list, however, I am no longer enlisted and I verified through another source that I am not on a government watch list but this site claimed I was and by making a account it would show me some details associated with this record, NONE were shown but yet stated they would be,. Hmmm, just got reeled in to what I am now realizing is a scam.

Don't be stupid, avoid InstantCheckMate.com or pay and get outdated useless crud on yourself or someone else.

Your money so whatever

Tip for consumers:
Don’t waist your time or money with this company, there’s much better out there

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Nick,
We are constantly working on and updating our records and we appreciate you taking the time to give us constructive feedback. We apologize you were unhappy with some of the information in our reports. Since we rely on third-party data sources, we can only display the information that we were provided, which could potentially include incomplete or inaccurate data. We hope to continue to improve our services to make them better for you and future customers. Please feel free to contact our dedicated Customer Care Team at (800) 222-8985, or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com, and we will try to make this right.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user patd422
North Carolina
1 review
3 helpful votes
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November 12th, 2022

The moment I completed a 1 month subscription, the spam emails came pouring in, now over 200 daily - tried to find myself@ 4 previous addresses/states and it found nothing - any alternative will be better

Tip for consumers:
dont

Products used:
1 month subscription

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Pat,
Thank you for your inquiry. Pursuant to the Instant Checkmate privacy policy, by submitting your email address via our site, you consented to receive emails from Instant Checkmate, our affiliates, and third parties concerning promotional offers unrelated to Instant Checkmate. Customers may opt out of receiving these email messages at any time by clicking on the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of each email.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user chrisp120
Alabama
1 review
19 helpful votes
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August 23rd, 2015

I signed up to track some MIA's from my high school class of 1987. The Instant Checkmate reports were generally out of date and contained very little information. The difference between the Instant Checkmate "Standard" and "Premium" reports was non-existent. Bottom line - avoid at all costs, you can get the same info for free. If this business is still alive in 3 years t will be a miracle.

Thumbnail of user lindal134
California
2 reviews
12 helpful votes
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October 28th, 2015

I wish I had seen these reviews before I signed up and wasted some money! The system jerks one around with one misleading screen after another and when you finally do get your results, no big deal--doesn't include all info or has false information in the files from other people. A mess. Don't fall for their come-ons like I did. What a waste.

Thumbnail of user jeffw70
New York
1 review
18 helpful votes
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April 21st, 2016

Instant Checkmate heavily markets a "check your name for free" offer. They then suck you into watching for 10 minutes while they progress bar their way through all sorts of interesting sounding data base searches, with alarming and tantalizing progress messages, like "12 criminal records found for <your name>!"
At the end of all this nonsense, you can get your "free" report... if you BUY a subscription. It's totally annoying BS - as in bait-and-switch. The FTC ought to sue these idiots.

Thumbnail of user myrak5
Costa Rica
1 review
4 helpful votes
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November 4th, 2016

Total rip off. Doesn't give what is promised. Paid about 35.00 and got age and zodiac sign. Wants more money for anything else. But even then you can't get it. Better to pay a P. I.
I should have read the reviews first.

Thumbnail of user craigw28
Ohio
1 review
19 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 24th, 2015

This started as a free search and then a 1 month sign up which turned into a 10 month auto charge at 22.86 per month! You must call to cancel, I happen to notice this recurrent charge on my CC way to late. Instant Checkmate should be required to notify it's customers of this recurrent charge especially when they can see that the customer did not use the services for months. Simply bad business and preying on the consumer. I did not want the recurring service at all after seeing the results for my initial searches as you can get the majority of the information free these days with some simple searches. So basically Instant Checkmate you are one big deception and con and will burn in hell appropriately, don't forget your sunscreen ;) ,,!,,

Thumbnail of user kathleenr1147
Maryland
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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May 25th, 2022

Instant Checkmate is a great service. They are very through and concise. I have used them a few times when I needed more help with accessing information for one reason or another. I will use them again as the issues arise.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hey Kathleen,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your experience with us and look forward to assisting you again in the future!

Thank you,
Instant Checkmate Support

Thumbnail of user st593
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
June 9th, 2022

I had a family project to work on and this site helped tremendously! I'm very happy with the information I've received for the price and thus far it is all pretty accurate. Will maintain my membership until the end of my project! Fair pricing compared to other sites also!

Tip for consumers:
Try it! You’ll like it!

Products used:
Background checking service

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello S T.,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your experience with us and were happy with the information! We look forward to assisting you again in the future:)

Thank you,
Instant Checkmate Support

Thumbnail of user flaviac25
Maryland
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2022

Not given 5 stars because we can access WhatsApp and Instagram but it really helped me a lot! I describe a important keys in a probably affair of my husband and I was able to cut things before something worse could happen and we're now in therapy and he's a different man! Thank you InstantCheckmate!

Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Flavia,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that you enjoyed your experience with us and we wish you the best of luck with everything! We look forward to assisting you again in the future.

Thank you,
Instant Checkmate Support

Thumbnail of user jakkar
Massachusetts
1 review
16 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 18th, 2016

You sign up for basic info data, then they make you pay $5 per person for 'full report'.
Only info standard membership gets is unuseful.
Criminal records cost more $$$$ per person.

Every person I searched, even known criminals, have resulted in 'no criminal record matches...'
Pay more $ to see the real database they have...
Its crap...

Thumbnail of user derekv3
Virginia
1 review
19 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 23rd, 2015

The info I obtained form this site seemed to be fine but didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. I did not verify its accuracy. I didn't remember seeing that I had to cancel after I paid a one time fee for a 1 month of service only. You MUST CALL or your will be charged each month and they will not refund your money. I couldn't find where I was told this when I signed up for the site originally and the representative could only show me where in the fine print. In any case seems too tricky to get you to pay more than you thought you were originally. Should be able to cancel right on the site or sign up for 1 month only.

Thumbnail of user lavallev
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 16th, 2022

I only checked one person with your service and was unable to get any information. I had no problem canceling when month was up. My only criticism was the numerous pages of sex offenders which had nothing to do with what I was looking for.

Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello LaValle,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We appreciate your comments and they will be relayed to the appropriate teams.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user kimr875
Connecticut
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
April 5th, 2022

I found the charge on my account confronted my daughter and found that she had used this for her to try to locate someone and she did called to have it canceled and customer service was very helpful with making the cancelation an easy transition

Service
Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K. – InstantCheckmate Rep

Hello Kim,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us with your feedback. We are delighted to see that your daughter was able to find what she was looking for, and that you had a positive experience with our dedicated Customer Care Team! We look forward to assisting you again in the future.

Thank you,
Instant Checkmate Support

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Thumbnail of user nicholask381
Nicholas K.
Typically responds within 10 days

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