Have you ever scanned your credit card statement and spotted a charge from “TRTHFDR*TRUTHFINDER.COM” that left you scratching your head? You’re not alone.
Many folks stumble upon this and wonder if it’s legit or some sneaky scam.
Table of Contents
Let’s clear the air right from the start: TruthFinder is a real background check service, but those charges can catch you off guard if you’re not careful.
Today, we’ll break down everything about a TruthFinder charge on credit card. We’ll cover what the service does, why you might see these fees, and what to do if something feels off.
Demystifying TruthFinder and Its Billing
TruthFinder isn’t just another app; it’s a tool people use for digging into public records. Think reverse phone lookups or checking someone’s address history.
I remember a time when a friend used it to reconnect with an old classmate, but she forgot about the subscription and got hit with monthly fees. Sound familiar?
Now, let’s dive into the details.
What Exactly Is TruthFinder?
TruthFinder is an online platform that pulls together public data like social media profiles, location history, and even police records. It’s popular for personal searches, but it’s not free. You sign up for a membership to access full reports.
The company, based in California, has been around since 2015. It markets itself as a way to uncover “the most accurate information available to the public.” But here’s the thing: it relies on third-party data, so accuracy isn’t always spot-on.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) called them out in 2023 for misleading claims about report precision and violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If you’re using it for serious stuff like tenant screening, think twice.
How Does a TruthFinder Charge Appear on Credit Card?
Spotting a TruthFinder charge on credit card is straightforward once you know the codes. It usually shows up as “TRTHFDRTRUTHFINDER.COM” or simply “TRTHFDR“. Older charges, before 2016, might just say “TRTHFDR*”.
Why the abbreviation? It’s a common billing descriptor to keep things short on statements. If you see this, it means you’ve got an active subscription or made a one-time payment.
TruthFinder accepts Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. No cash or checks here.
Common Reasons for Seeing These Charges
Most TruthFinder charges stem from subscriptions. You might have signed up for a trial, like a 5-day one, and forgotten to cancel. After that, it auto-renews monthly.
Other times, it’s from upgrading to premium features. Or maybe someone in your household used your card. I once had a relative borrow mine for a quick search, and boom, recurring fees followed.
TruthFinder’s model is subscription-only; no single-report buys. That’s a big secondary keyword here: TruthFinder subscription. It keeps things steady for them but can lead to surprise bills for you.
TruthFinder Subscription Plans and Pricing
Pricing varies, but here’s a quick breakdown. Plans range from basic to premium, with costs auto-charged until you stop them.
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic People Search | $28.33 | Unlimited standard reports, social media scans |
| Premium Add-On | $4.99 – $29.73 | Extra details like financial assets, dating profiles |
| Two-Month Bundle | Around $46 | Saves a bit compared to monthly |
These figures come from their site, but watch for promotions. Always check your email for confirmation after signing up.
Spotting an Unauthorized TruthFinder Charge
What if the charge feels fishy? Unauthorized charges happen, and TruthFinder has faced complaints about this. Maybe you never signed up, or charges continue after cancellation.
First, double-check your accounts. Log into TruthFinder’s dashboard to see if you’re subscribed.
If not, it could be fraud. Reviews on sites like Trustpilot mention ongoing fees despite cancellations. That’s where TruthFinder billing issues come up often.
Don’t panic. Many resolve this by contacting support.
Steps to Dispute a TruthFinder Charge on Credit Card
Disputing isn’t hard if you act fast. Here’s how:
- Gather evidence. Screenshot your statement and any emails from TruthFinder.
- Contact TruthFinder first. Call their customer service at the number on their site or email them. Ask for a refund if it’s unauthorized. They often refund one month but not more.
- File with your bank. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, dispute within 60 days. Your card issuer investigates.
- Block future charges. Tell your bank to stop payments from TRTHFDR*.
- Report if needed. If it’s widespread fraud, file with the FTC at ftc.gov.
This process works for most TruthFinder refund requests.
How to Cancel Your TruthFinder Subscription
Canceling prevents future headaches. It’s simple, but some find it tricky.
Log into your account, go to settings, and hit cancel. Or call customer care. Do it before your next billing date.
Afterward, check statements for a couple of months. No more “cancel TruthFinder” worries.
Users complain about confusing cancellation steps, like multiple confirmations. Stay patient.
Preventing Future Surprise Charges from Services Like TruthFinder
Nobody likes billing surprises. Here are tips:
- Set calendar reminders. Note trial end dates.
- Use virtual cards. Some banks offer one-time-use numbers for subscriptions.
- Review statements monthly. Catch TruthFinder billing early.
- Read terms carefully. Know auto-renewal policies.
These habits save money and stress.
For more on consumer rights, check the FTC’s site (ftc.gov) or the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). They’re gold for handling disputes.
FAQs: TruthFinder Charge on Credit Card
Q. Is a TruthFinder Charge Always Legit?
A. Most are, but complaints suggest otherwise. The BBB has hundreds of reports on subscription woes. Always verify.
Q. How Long Does a Dispute Take?
A. Usually 30-90 days. Your card company credits you temporarily.
Q. Can I Get a Refund for Past Charges?
A. It depends. TruthFinder might refund recent ones, but older fees stick.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the ins and outs of a TruthFinder charge on credit card. From understanding the service to disputing fees, you’re now equipped. Remember, stay vigilant with subscriptions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult a professional for personal situations.
About The Author
