Cancel Truthfinder: The Right Way

How to cancel Truthfinder and reclaim your privacy in south africa

What Truthfinder is and why you should consider cancelling

Truthfinder is a subscription-based background check service that aggregates public records, criminal history, contact details, and reverse phone lookups into searchable reports. You pay monthly or annually for access to these database searches, and the company operates as part of PeopleConnect Holdings, a United States-based data aggregation firm.

You might have signed up to locate someone, verify a contact, or investigate a background. Now you may no longer need ongoing access. Or you have discovered that Truthfinder's reports do not match what you expected, or you feel uncomfortable with how your own personal data is being indexed and sold. Whatever your reason, Tocancel is here to help you navigate the cancellation process step-by-step and reclaim control of your subscription and your privacy.

The core services Truthfinder provides

Truthfinder aggregates publicly available information to generate reports that include identity searches, criminal records, contact history, employment details, and reverse phone number lookups. Each search draws from public data sources, but the aggregation and presentation happen behind a paywall that only paid subscribers can access.

Once you cancel your subscription, your ability to run new searches stops immediately. Your account data and previously generated reports may remain stored according to Truthfinder's data retention policy, which you can request be deleted as part of your cancellation.

Why you should act now to cancel

Subscription services like Truthfinder count on customer inertia. The longer you wait, the more charges accumulate on your card and the harder your bank may find it to dispute older transactions. Tocancel recommends you cancel within 48 hours of deciding you no longer want the service, while the paper trail is fresh and your payment method is still active.

Acting quickly also protects your personal data from ongoing indexing and aggregation by third-party data brokers.

Your consumer rights in south africa and what protection applies

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) offers important safeguards for distance purchases made online, but the application to foreign subscription services remains complex.

The 14-day cooling-off period for distance transactions

The Consumer Protection Act grants you a 14-day cooling-off period for distance transactions (including online purchases), during which you can cancel without penalty and request a full refund. This right applies to most online purchases, including subscription sign-ups.

However, Truthfinder is a United States-based company, and their terms may not explicitly acknowledge South African consumer law. The 14-day right is strongest if you can prove you were misled about the service, if the company failed to provide transparent terms before charging you, or if the service simply does not deliver what was advertised. Your legal position is: if Truthfinder charged you without clear informed consent, you have a right to reverse that charge.

Your escalation options if Truthfinder refuses to cooperate

If Truthfinder ignores your cancellation request or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to under the Consumer Protection Act, you have two formal paths to pursue justice.

• Contact your bank or payment provider: Request a chargeback or dispute if Truthfinder charged you without proper consent or delivered a service that does not match the description you were shown before purchase. Your bank can reverse unauthorised or fraudulent charges, and the burden then shifts to Truthfinder to prove the transaction was legitimate.
• Lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission: The NCC investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act. If you believe Truthfinder violated your rights, you can file a formal complaint at ncc.org.za or call their hotline. The NCC has the power to order refunds and impose penalties on non-compliant companies.

Tocancel recommends keeping all proof of your cancellation request, confirmation emails, and payment receipts. This evidence strengthens any dispute with your bank or complaint to the NCC.

How to cancel Truthfinder: three methods you can use

You have three cancellation options: online through your account dashboard, by phone with customer service, or by email to the cancellation address.

Method 1: cancel via the Truthfinder website (fastest and safest)

Cancelling online takes 3 to 5 minutes and is the method Tocancel recommends because you receive instant confirmation and keep an automatic record.

1. Go to the Truthfinder website (truthfinder.com) and log into your account using your email and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, click on "Forgot Password" and follow the link sent to your email to reset it.
   • If you cannot remember the email address you used to sign up, contact customer service first (see Method 3 below).
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription management page.
   • Look for a link labelled "Account", "Settings", "Subscription", or "Billing" in the menu bar or profile dropdown.
   • On mobile, this may be accessed via a hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top corner.
3. Locate the "Cancel Subscription" or "End Membership" button.
   • This is usually clearly marked on the subscription or billing page.
   • Some services hide this button; if you cannot find it, scroll to the bottom of the page or check the FAQ section.
4. Click the cancellation button and confirm your request.
   • Truthfinder may ask you why you are cancelling; you do not have to provide a reason, but doing so helps them understand customer dissatisfaction.
   • The company may offer a discount or pause option; you can accept or decline.
5. Wait for your cancellation confirmation email.
   • This should arrive within minutes. Check your inbox and spam folder.
   • Screenshot or save this email as proof for your records or for future disputes with your bank.
6. Verify the cancellation on your next billing date.
   • Your card should not be charged after the cancellation date. If you are charged again, contact your bank immediately to request a refund and dispute the transaction.

Method 2: cancel by phone with Truthfinder customer service

Calling gives you direct human contact and a real-time conversation, which some people prefer when dealing with subscription cancellations.

1. Locate Truthfinder's customer service phone number on their website or your account confirmation email.
2. Call during their stated business hours (usually 9am to 5pm US Eastern Time).
   • Keep in mind that Truthfinder operates from the United States, so you may incur international calling charges depending on your mobile plan.
   • Consider using a VoIP service like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice to avoid high costs.
3. Have your account details ready: account number, email address, full name, and the last four digits of your payment method.
4. Explain clearly that you want to cancel your subscription effective immediately.
   • Do not let the customer service agent pressure you into a discount, pause, or downgrade unless you genuinely want that option.
   • Your right to cancel cannot be conditional on accepting an alternative offer.
5. Ask the agent to confirm the cancellation date in writing and request they email you a confirmation.
   • Note the agent's name, date, and time of the call for your records.
6. Follow up with an email (see Method 3) as a backup written record of your cancellation request.

Method 3: cancel by email to truthfinder's cancellation address

Email gives you a permanent written record and does not require real-time availability on both sides.

1. Send an email to Truthfinder's customer service or cancellation email address (typically [email protected] or [email protected]; check their website for the exact address).
   • If you cannot find a specific cancellation email, use the general customer service email listed on their contact page.
2. In the subject line, write: "Cancellation Request: [Your Full Name] - [Your Account Email]".
3. In the email body, include:
   • Your full name
   • The email address associated with your account
   • Your account number (if you know it)
   • The last four digits of the payment method on file
   • A clear statement: "I request to cancel my Truthfinder subscription effective immediately. Please confirm the cancellation date and provide written confirmation."
   • Your phone number so they can contact you if needed
4. Send the email and save a copy in a folder dedicated to this cancellation.
   • Use your email client's search or filing feature to ensure you can retrieve this proof quickly if needed later.
5. Wait for a response within 3 to 5 business days.
   • If you do not receive a confirmation after 5 days, send a follow-up email with the subject: "Follow-up: Cancellation Request - [Your Full Name]".
   • Keep copies of all follow-up emails as evidence that you made multiple attempts to cancel.
6. Check your bank statement after the expected cancellation date to ensure no further charges appear.
   • If you are charged after you sent the cancellation email, you have strong grounds to dispute the charge with your bank.

Truthfinder pricing and subscription plans

Understanding what you are paying for helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice and whether you should request a refund for recent charges.

Prices are converted from USD to ZAR at the exchange rate at the time of billing, so your actual South African rand cost may vary. Most users on a monthly plan pay between R500 and R600 per month, while annual plans cost between R5,500 and R6,500 for the year.

What happens after you cancel Truthfinder

Cancellation does not happen in a vacuum; several things occur in sequence, and you need to know what to expect.

Immediate effects of cancellation

Within minutes to hours after you cancel, your access to new Truthfinder searches stops. You can no longer log in and run reports, though you may be able to view reports you generated before the cancellation date (depending on Truthfinder's policy).

Your subscription will not renew, and no further charges will be applied to your payment method on future billing dates. However, you are responsible for verifying this on your next expected billing date.

Your data after cancellation

Cancelling your Truthfinder account does not automatically delete your personal data from the wider Truthfinder database or from other data brokers that Truthfinder shares information with. Truthfinder continues to index and aggregate your public information even after you cancel, because they obtain this data from public records, not from you directly.

To request deletion of your personal data from Truthfinder's database, you may need to submit a separate data deletion request. This is not the same as cancelling your subscription. You can request data deletion by emailing their privacy team or using their online data deletion form, usually found at truthfinder.com/privacy or in their privacy policy.

Refund eligibility after cancellation

Whether you receive a refund depends on several factors: how long you have been charged, whether you are within the 14-day cooling-off period, and whether you can prove you were misled about the service.

• Within 14 days of sign-up: You are entitled to a full refund under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act, even if you used the service, as long as you did not knowingly waive this right.
• After 14 days: Refunds are discretionary unless you can prove a breach of contract (e.g., Truthfinder failed to deliver promised features, charged you twice, or failed to honour a promotional offer).
• Annual subscriptions cancelled early: Truthfinder may offer a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your annual plan, but this is not guaranteed. Always ask when you cancel.

Tocancel recommends you request a refund explicitly when you cancel, even if you do not think you are eligible. Truthfinder may grant a refund as a courtesy. If they refuse, and you believe the refund is justified, you can escalate to your bank or the National Consumer Commission.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Truthfinder

Cancelling a subscription feels frustrating, and it is easy to make errors that weaken your position if a dispute arises later. Here are the traps to avoid.

Not keeping written proof of cancellation

If you cancel by phone and do not ask for a follow-up email confirmation, you have no written evidence that you cancelled. Your bank or the NCC may not take your word alone if Truthfinder disputes that you ever asked to cancel.

Always request written confirmation, even if you cancel via phone or chat. Save every email, screenshot, and confirmation number in a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage.

Assuming cancellation is instant

Many subscription services process cancellations with a delay of 24 to 48 hours. If you check your account immediately after cancelling and still see access to your reports, do not panic. Wait 24 hours, then check again.

However, you should not be charged again after your cancellation date. If you are, that is grounds for a dispute.

Cancelling the wrong way without backup

Cancelling via an unclear method (such as messaging a social media account) leaves no formal record. If the company claims they never received your request, you cannot prove otherwise.

Always use official cancellation methods: the website, official phone number, or official email address. Do not rely on social media or unofficial channels as your primary cancellation method.

Forgetting to check your bank statement

A cancelled subscription sometimes reappears on your statement weeks or months later, especially if Truthfinder's system has a glitch or the company deliberately re-enrolls lapsed customers.

Set a phone reminder to check your bank statement on the date you expect your subscription would have renewed. If an unauthorised charge appears, contact your bank within 10 days to dispute it.

Refund options and how to claim one

A refund is not automatic; you must ask for it and, if refused, escalate your claim through the proper channels.

Requesting a refund directly from Truthfinder

When you cancel, explicitly ask: "I would like to cancel my subscription and request a refund of all charges made in the past 14 days."

Truthfinder may approve a refund if you are within the cooling-off period or if you cite a legitimate reason (e.g., the service did not work as advertised, you were charged twice, or a promotional offer was not honoured). If the company approves, they will typically credit your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

Disputing the charge with your bank

If Truthfinder refuses to refund you, or does not respond within 10 days, contact your bank or payment provider and request a chargeback or dispute.

Explain to your bank that you cancelled the subscription and either were not refunded or continued to be charged after the cancellation. Provide all proof: cancellation emails, confirmation numbers, and bank statements showing the disputed charge.

Your bank will initiate a dispute with Truthfinder. The burden then shifts to Truthfinder to prove the charge was legitimate. Most banks resolve disputes within 30 to 60 days.

Filing a complaint with the national consumer commission

If your bank declines the dispute or if you want to pursue a formal complaint, you can lodge a case with the NCC at ncc.org.za. The NCC has authority to order Truthfinder to refund you and can impose penalties if the company violated the Consumer Protection Act.

File the complaint within 24 months of the charge you are disputing. Include all documentation: subscription confirmation, cancellation request, payment receipts, and correspondence with Truthfinder.

The NCC process takes time (typically 3 to 6 months), but Tocancel has seen consumers succeed in recovering refunds through this route, especially when the company failed to honour a cooling-off period or charged after a cancellation request.

Comparison: Truthfinder versus other background check services

If you are not happy with Truthfinder, you may want to know how it compares to alternatives, or whether switching is worth the effort.

All of these services are US-based and operate similarly. If you are in South Africa and want to run background checks, you may find limited results for South African individuals. If you are looking for US records, Truthfinder is competitive but not uniquely better than its rivals.

If you are cancelling Truthfinder because the reports do not include South African records, understand that no US-based background check service will give you comprehensive South African criminal or civil record data, as these databases are maintained by South African government agencies and are not freely shared with foreign companies.

Truthfinder's cancellation address and contact information

If you prefer to cancel by post or need a formal mailing address for a legal dispute, use the following details for Truthfinder's parent company, PeopleConnect Holdings.

If you are sending a formal written cancellation request by post, address it to the Mountain View address above. Include your full name, account email, account number (if known), last four digits of your payment method, and a clear statement requesting cancellation and refund. Send it via registered mail so you have proof of delivery.

Practical next steps: your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to stay organised and protect yourself throughout the cancellation process.

• [ ] Log into your Truthfinder account and locate the cancellation button, or find the official contact details for phone or email cancellation.
• [ ] If cancelling online, take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page and save it to your computer.
• [ ] Check your email (including spam folder) within one hour for a cancellation confirmation from Truthfinder. Save this email and flag it as important.
• [ ] If cancelling by phone or email, request written confirmation. If you cancelled by phone, send a follow-up email to confirm the conversation.
• [ ] Create a folder on your computer or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) titled "Truthfinder Cancellation" and save all proof there.
• [ ] Set a phone reminder for the date you expect your subscription would have renewed (e.g., 30 days after cancellation for a monthly plan).
• [ ] On that date, check your bank statement to confirm no new charges appeared.
• [ ] If you see an unexpected charge after cancellation, contact your bank within 10 days to request a refund and dispute the transaction.
• [ ] If Truthfinder does not respond to a cancellation request within 5 business days, send a second email marked "URGENT" and copy your bank (you can include the bank in the email if necessary for escalation).
• [ ] If the company refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to, gather all documentation and file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission at ncc.org.za.

Summary: take action now to cancel Truthfinder

Cancelling a subscription should be as easy as signing up, but companies like Truthfinder often make it deliberately difficult to encourage you to abandon the request or forget to follow through. Your consumer rights in South Africa are clear: you have a right to cancel, a right to a refund within 14 days if you were misled, and a right to dispute unauthorised charges with your bank.

Tocancel recommends you choose the online cancellation method (Method 1) because it is fastest, most reliable, and leaves an immediate written record. If that does not work, escalate to phone or email. Keep all proof, monitor your bank statement, and do not hesitate to dispute any charge that appears after your cancellation date.

The National Consumer Commission and your bank are your enforcement tools if Truthfinder refuses to cooperate. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds, and reclaim control of their payment methods. You can do this too. Start your cancellation today, and mark your calendar to verify the refund within the timeframe outlined above.

If you run into resistance or unauthorised charges, Tocancel is here to guide you through the escalation process and help you understand your rights under South African consumer law. Your privacy and your money are worth protecting.