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| location = [[Bellevue, Washington]],<br />United States<!-- this parameter modifies "Headquarters" -->
| location = [[Bellevue, Washington]],<br />United States<!-- this parameter modifies "Headquarters" -->
| origins = [[Microsoft]], [[InfoSpace]]
| origins = [[Microsoft]], [[InfoSpace]]
| key_people = Bill Owens, [[Chairman]]<br /> Rich Karlgaard, Director<br /> Chris Kitze, Director<br /> Paul Cook, [[CFO]]<br /> Peter Currie, Director<br /> Bill Kerr, Chief Corporate Officer <br /> Peter Currie, Director <br /> Arthur Harrigan, Director <br /> Vivek Wadhwa, Director </br> [[Naveen Jain]], CEO
| key_people = Bill Owens, [[Chairman]]<br /> Rich Karlgaard, Director<br /> Chris Kitze, Director<br /> [[Georgette Mosbacher]], Director<br /> Paul Cook, [[CFO]]<br /> Peter Currie, Director<br /> Bill Kerr, Chief Corporate Officer <br /> Peter Currie, Director <br /> Arthur Harrigan, Director
| area_served = United States
| area_served = United States
| industry = Information commerce
| industry = Information commerce
| products =
| products =
| services = [[Background checks]], [[Identity theft protection]]
| services = [[Background checks]], [[Identity theft]] protection
| revenue = $128,000,000 (2008)
| revenue = $128,000,000 (2008)
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
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| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Intelius, Inc.''' is a [[public records]] business headquartered in [[Bellevue, Washington]], United States.<ref name="SeattleWeekly07">{{cite web|author=Nina Shapiro|title=Intelius Says it's Capable of Conducting a Full Background Check on Anyone|publisher=''[[Seattle Weekly]]''|year=2007|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-04-11/news/intelius-says-it-s-capable-of-conducting-a-full-background-check-on-anyone.php|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> It provides information services to consumers and businesses, including [[background checks]] and [[identity theft]] protection.<ref name="USAToday07">{{cite news|author=John Swartz|coauthors=Byron Acohido|title=Who's guarding your data in the cybervault?|publisher=''[[USA Today]]''|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/infotheft/2007-04-01-choicepoint_N.htm?csp=34|accessdate=2007-04-07 | date=2007-04-02}}
'''Intelius, Inc.''' is a [[public records]] business headquartered in [[Bellevue, Washington]], United States.<ref name="SeattleWeekly07">{{cite web|author=Nina Shapiro|title=Intelius Says it's Capable of Conducting a Full Background Check on Anyone|publisher=''[[Seattle Weekly]]''|year=2007|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-04-11/news/intelius-says-it-s-capable-of-conducting-a-full-background-check-on-anyone.php|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> It provides information services to consumers and businesses, including [[background checks]] and [[identity theft]] protection.<ref name="USAToday07">{{cite news|author=John Swartz|coauthors=Byron Acohido|title=Who's guarding your data in the cybervault?|publisher=''[[USA Today]]''|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/computersecurity/infotheft/2007-04-01-choicepoint_N.htm?csp=34|accessdate=2007-04-07 | date=2007-04-02}}</ref> A majority of Intelius' revenue comes from selling background reports.<ref name="Bloomberg06">
{{cite news|author=Tim Mullaney|title=Intelius, Founded by InfoSpace's Jain, Considers Going Public|publisher=''[[Bloomberg L.P.]]''|year=2006|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aGjDKWxBTpzc|accessdate=2007-04-17|date=2006-12-29}}</ref><ref name="goo">{{cite web|author=Sara Kehaulani Goo|title=Dinner, Movie, Background Check for Online Daters|publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]''|year=2007|url=http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/NEWS/702010368/1021/RSS06&source=RSS|accessdate=2007-04-17}}</ref> {{Disputed-inline|date=August 2011}}
{{cite news|author=Tim Mullaney|title=Intelius, Founded by InfoSpace's Jain, Considers Going Public|publisher=''[[Bloomberg L.P.]]''|year=2006|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aGjDKWxBTpzc|accessdate=2007-04-17|date=2006-12-29}}</ref><ref name="goo">{{cite web|author=Sara Kehaulani Goo|title=Dinner, Movie, Background Check for Online Daters|publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]''|year=2007|url=http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/NEWS/702010368/1021/RSS06&source=RSS|accessdate=2007-04-17}}</ref> {{Disputed-inline|date=August 2011}}


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In October 2011, Jain stated that an IPO might be in the company's future in 2012.<ref name="IPO">{{cite news |title=Intelius CEO Naveen Jain: IPO could be in the cards in 2012 |url= http://www.geekwire.com/2011/intelius-ceo-naveen-jain-ipo-cards-2012 |author= John Cook |publisher= Geekwire.com |accessdate= 2011-11-07 | date=2011-10-25}}</ref>
In October 2011, Jain stated that an IPO might be in the company's future in 2012.<ref name="IPO">{{cite news |title=Intelius CEO Naveen Jain: IPO could be in the cards in 2012 |url= http://www.geekwire.com/2011/intelius-ceo-naveen-jain-ipo-cards-2012 |author= John Cook |publisher= Geekwire.com |accessdate= 2011-11-07 | date=2011-10-25}}</ref>


In November 2011, Intelius purchased the Facebook genealogy app Family Builder.<ref name="FBApp">{{cite news |title=Intelius quietly buys Facebook genealogy app Family Builder |url= http://www.geekwire.com/2011/intelius-quietly-buys-facebook-genealogy-app-family-builder |author= John Cook |publisher= Geekwire.com |accessdate= 2011-11-09 | date=2011-10-25}}</ref> During the same month, the company announced the addition of TrueRep to its products. The service allows consumers to monitor and manage their online reputation.
In November 2011, Intelius purchased the Facebook genealogy app Family Builder.<ref name="FBApp">{{cite news |title=Intelius quietly buys Facebook genealogy app Family Builder |url= http://www.geekwire.com/2011/intelius-quietly-buys-facebook-genealogy-app-family-builder |author= John Cook |publisher= Geekwire.com |accessdate= 2011-11-09 | date=2011-10-25}}</ref> During the same month, the company announced the inclusion of TrueRep to its services. This program allows consumers to provide explanations for any indiscretions on their records.<ref name="TrueRep1">{{cite news |title= Got a blotch on your record? Intelius lets you explain |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2011/11/15/got-a-blotch-on-your-record-intelius.html |author= Greg Lamm |publisher= Puget Sound Business Journal |accessdate= 2011-11-20 | date=2011-11-15}}</ref><ref name="TrueRep2">{{cite news |title= Next Generation of TrueRep Empowers Individuals to Add Comments to Background Checks on Themselves |url= http://www.sys-con.com/node/2066102 |publisher= Business Wire |accessdate= 2011-11-20 | date=2011-11-15}}</ref><ref name="TrueRep3">{{cite news |title= Next Generation of TrueRep Empowers Individuals to Add Comments to Background Checks on Themselves |url= http://www.marketwatch.com/story/next-generation-of-truerep-empowers-individuals-to-add-comments-to-background-checks-on-themselves-2011-11-15 |publisher= Market Watch |accessdate= 2011-11-20 | date=2011-11-15}}</ref>

⚫
===Market===

Intelius offers a full suite of consumer [[People Search]] products, including: Consumer [[Background Check]], [[Criminal Records]] Search, and Reverse Phone Lookup. Other Intelius products include:

===TrueRep===

TruRep is an online service that gives individuals tools to view publicly and commercially available information about themselves and to help them build a positive online reputation. TruRep is available free or as a paid VIP subscription, and features a proprietary Reputation Score that helps users understand and track improvements as to how they may be perceived online.

===IdentityProtect===

IdentityProtect is an online service that gives individuals tools to protect their identity against fraud and theft. The tools range from monthly credit reports to credit card and bank account monitoring to junk mail reduction. This subscription service also includes a $1 million identity theft insurance policy and identity theft recovery kit.


⚫
==Market==
{{Details|Background check}}
{{Details|Background check}}


===Date Check===
===Background Checks for Dating===


Intelius markets to consumers with an interest in dating, especially [[online dating]]. It provides background checks and verification of identity under the InteliSign brand. Industry experts have accused the [[advertising campaign]] of relying on "[[scare tactics]]". Intelius has created an application for mobile devices that allows users to do a quick background check on a potential date.
Intelius targets marketing for consumers with an interest in dating, especially [[online dating]]. It provides background checks and verification of identity under the InteliSign brand.<ref name="goo"/> Industry experts point out the [[advertising campaign]]'s reliance on [[appeal to fear|"scare tactics"]].<ref name="SeattleWeekly07"/><ref name="NYPost06">
{{cite news|author=Mandy Stadtmiller|title=Check Mate - More Women Paying To Investigate Dates
|publisher=''[[The New York Post]]''|year=2006|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/09272006/entertainment/check_mate_entertainment_mandy_stadtmiller.htm|accessdate=2007-04-17 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070227143035/http://www.nypost.com/seven/09272006/entertainment/check_mate_entertainment_mandy_stadtmiller.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-02-27}}</ref> Intelius has created an application for mobile devices that allows users to do a quick background check on a potential date.<ref name="Ubergizmo">{{cite web|author=Ubergizmo|title=Intelius DateCheck Software|publisher=''Ubergizmo''|year=2010|url=http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/01/intelius_datecheck_software.html|accessdate=2010-02-17}}</ref>


===Employer Background Checks===
===Employer Background Checks===


On December 5, 2006, Intelius acquired IntelliSense Corporation, integrating an infrastructure capable of international background information, fingerprinting, and drug screening to complement its previous capabilities for small and medium businesses. <ref name="IntelliSensePurchase">{{cite web |url= http://www.intelius.com/corp/press/intelius-expands-applications-fortune-500-customers-through-acquisition-intellisense-corporati |title= Intelius Expands Applications for Fortune 500 Customers Through Acquisition of IntelliSense Corporation |date=December 4, 2006 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> As a result of that acquisition, the TalentWise subsidiary was formed. TalentWise provides on-demand employment screening and onboarding solutions, including Background Checks, Social Media Screening, DOT Regulated Solutions, Onboarding Solutions, ATS Integration, and Self-Service [[Resume]] Verification Services.
On December 5, 2006, Intelius enlarged its employment screening market with its acquisition of [[Bothell, Washington]]'s IntelliSense Corporation, integrating an infrastructure capable of international background information, fingerprinting and drug screening to complement its previous capabilities for small and medium businesses.<ref name="IntelliSensePurchase">{{cite web |url= http://www.intelius.com/corp/press/intelius-expands-applications-fortune-500-customers-through-acquisition-intellisense-corporati |title= Intelius Expands Applications for Fortune 500 Customers Through Acquisition of IntelliSense Corporation |date=December 4, 2006 |accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref>

On April 30, 2009, Intelius acquired [[Spock (website)|Spock]], a people-oriented search engine.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=''[[Computerworld]]''|title = Spock sale sparks privacy concerns|author=Lisa Hoover|year=2009|url=http://blogs.computerworld.com/tags/intelius|accessdate=2010-02-17}}</ref>


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
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===Opt-out Policy===
===Opt-out Policy===


Criticism has also arisen due to the difficult nature of "[[opt-out|opting out]]" of being listed on Intelius.<ref name="MSNBC020108"/> The company's website states that "Intelius does not usually offer individuals the opportunity to permanently remove their publicly available information from our public records databases."<ref name="inteliusopt">{{cite web|title=How can I remove my information from the Intelius public records databases?|url=https://www.intelius.com/privacy-faq.php#5|publisher=''Intelius''|accessdate=2008-02-29}}</ref> Instead, the website states that the personal information may be suppressed by a user's request after he or she mails or faxes a notarized letter and copy of his or her driver's license, in order to confirm the person's identity.<ref name="MSNBC020108"/>
OPT OUT [https://www.intelius.com/optout.php]
As a public courtesy, Intelius allows individuals to "opt out" some of their personal information from appearing in Intelius reports. If an individual opts out, then the exact name that they specify and any associated identifying information, such as address and phone number, are supressed fro appearing in reports purchased from Intelius. [http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/how-to-remove-your-info-intelius-and-protect-your-privacy]

In order for Intelius to suppress, or "opt out", personal information from appearing in its reports, the company requires identity verification in the form of a state-issued ID card or driver's license, a copy of which must be submitted with the photo and license number obscured.

Intelius accepts opt out requests online, by fax to 425-974-6194, and by mail to: Intelius Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 808. Bothell, WA 98041-0808. The opt out process takes 7-14 days.


===Consumer complaints===
===Consumer complaints===


The [[Better Business Bureau]] of Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington have cataloged 1613 complaints about the company's customer service within the last three years, 376 of which were filed within the last 12 months. According to the [[BBB]], while the company is not an accredited member, it has raised its BBB rating based on several key factors, including the relatively small number of complaints filed with the BBB for a business of its size, and its consistency in responding to and resolving complaints.
The [[Better Business Bureau]] of Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington has cataloged numerous complaints about the company's customer service, including a continual refusal to provide refunds to customers who claim not to have requested or received the services that they paid for.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Seattle Weekly: Intelius and the Dubious Art of “Post-Transaction Marketing”
| url = http://www.seattleweekly.com/2009-03-18/news/intelius-and-the-dubious-art-of-post-transaction-marketing/ | accessdate = 2009-03-19}}</ref> Additional complaints have been made about misleading advertising and background information that has been inaccurate or out-of-date. According to the BBB, the company is not a member, and does not always respond when contacted by them.<ref name="Better Business Bureau">{{cite web|title=BBB Reliability Report for Intelius Inc|url=http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/searchers-of-records/intelius-in-bothell-wa-37004787|publisher=''[[Better Business Bureau]]''|accessdate=2011-05-28}}</ref>

Following consumer complaints about Intelius' identityProtect service, which alleged that customers were not aware of the monthly fee for the service when accepting a 7-day trial membership in order to receive a special price on a one-time purchase, Intelius worked with the BBB to resolve the problem. The company improved the language on its website to more clearly and conspicuously disclose all terms to consumers, and also updated its purchase process to make it more obvious that the customer is purchasing a membership.[http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reveiews/searchers-of-records/intelius-in-bothell-wa-37004787]


==Recognition==
==Recognition==


In December 2011, Intelius was awarded the Red Herring Top 100 Global Award.<ref name="RedHerring2011-1">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-23/us-canada-news/30550731_1_information-technology-entrepreneurs-innovation |title=Intelius CEO Naveen Jain Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award |publisher=The Times of India |date=December 23, 2011 |accessdate=January 2, 2012}}</ref><ref name="RedHerring2011-2">{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/09/idUS183487+09-Dec-2011+BW20111209 |title=Intelius Receives Red Herring Top 100 Global Award |publisher=Reuters |date=December 09, 2011 |accessdate=January 2, 2012}}</ref>
In 2011, the company was named one of Washington's Best Workplaces for the fifth year in a row.

In 2011, the company was named a finalist for the 2011 Red Herring 100 North America Award.


In 2009, the company was listed among the "500 Fastest Growing Private Companies" by ''[[Inc. Magazine]]''.<ref>[http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2007/company-profile.html?id=200702530 Intelius in Inc. Magazine]</ref> That same year, the ''Puget Sound Business Journal'' mentioned Intelius as a "2009 Best Places to Work" finalist.<ref>[http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/03/23/story10.html Intelius on Puget Sound Business Journal]</ref>
In 2009, the company was listed among the "500 Fastest Growing Private Companies" by ''[[Inc. Magazine]]''.<ref>[http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2007/company-profile.html?id=200702530 Intelius in Inc. Magazine]</ref> That same year, the ''Puget Sound Business Journal'' mentioned Intelius as a "2009 Best Places to Work" finalist.<ref>[http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/03/23/story10.html Intelius on Puget Sound Business Journal]</ref>


In 2008, Intelius was a finalist for the [[Stevie Awards|Stevie Award]] for "Best New Product or Service."<ref>[http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/403_2617_19872.cfm American Business Awards]</ref>
In 2008, Intelius was a finalist for the [[Stevie Awards|Stevie Award]] for "Best New Product or Service."<ref>[http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/403_2617_19872.cfm American Business Awards]</ref>

In 2007, the company was ranked #253 on the Inc 5000 list. The company has been named to the Inc 5000 list in the years following: 2008 (#94), 2009 (##1762), 2010 (#1534), 2011 (#2929).


==Philanthropy==
==Philanthropy==
{{Self-published|section|date=August 2011}}
{{Self-published|section|date=August 2011}}

Intelius' core areas of philanthropic support are Education, Youth Services, and Family Services. In October 2011, Intelius sponsored a $5,000 prize supporting young entrepreneurs as part of Seattle's Social Innovation Fast Pitch awards.

In 2011, Intelius awarded two Singularity University Scholarships for the Graduate Studies Program to African leaders in business and science to solve poverty and gender disparity.<ref name="SingularityUniversityAppointment">{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.rss.html?pid=33958&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+spaceref%2Fjext+%28SpaceRef+-+Space+News+as+it+Happens%29 |title=Singularity University Appoints Visionary Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Naveen Jain to Board of Trustees |publisher= Singularity University |accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, Intelius awarded two Singularity University Scholarships for the Graduate Studies Program to African leaders in business and science to solve poverty and gender disparity.<ref name="SingularityUniversityAppointment">{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.rss.html?pid=33958&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+spaceref%2Fjext+%28SpaceRef+-+Space+News+as+it+Happens%29 |title=Singularity University Appoints Visionary Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Naveen Jain to Board of Trustees |publisher= Singularity University |accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>


In June 2011, the company awarded five scholarships to high school students via the Intelius Essay contest.<ref name="InteliusEssayContest">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intelius-ceo-and-founder-naveen-jains-commitment-to-education-continued-at-2011-adventures-of-the-mind-summit-at-the-university-of-montana-124591333.html |title=Naveen Jain awards five college scholarships at academic summit |publisher= PR Newswire |accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
In June 2011, the company awarded five scholarships to high school students via the Intelius Essay contest.<ref name="InteliusEssayContest">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intelius-ceo-and-founder-naveen-jains-commitment-to-education-continued-at-2011-adventures-of-the-mind-summit-at-the-university-of-montana-124591333.html |title=Naveen Jain awards five college scholarships at academic summit |publisher= PR Newswire |accessdate=August 16, 2011}}</ref>

In 2010, the company recognized as a Top 10 Corporate Philanthropist by the Puget Sound Business Journal.<ref name="Top10CorporatePhilanthropist">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellevuereporter.com/business/94179294.html |title=Bellevue-based Intelius honored as a Top Ten Corporate Philanthropist|publisher = Bellevue Reporter |accessdate=May 18, 2010}}</ref>

In 2009, the company partnered with Bellevue Parks & Community Services to sponsor the Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park in Bellevue, Washington. In lieu of admission costs, attendees are asked to bring cash and item donations in support of Washington state based nonprofit organizations such as [Bellevue LifeSpring]] and [[Hopelink]]. Summer of 2012 will mark the fourth year of the movie series.
<ref name="OutdoorSummerMovies">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellevuewa.gov/outdoor-movies.htm |title=Recreation and Events - Outdoor Movies |publisher = Official City of Bellevue}}</ref>
<ref name="OutdoorSummerMovies2">{{cite web |url=http://www.intelius.com/summermovies |title=Summer Movies|publisher = Official Intelius Website}}</ref>
<ref name="OutdoorSummerMovies3">{{cite web |url=http://bellevue.komonews.com/news/arts-culture/bellevue-summer-outdoor-movies-park-lineup-announced/649522 |title=Bellevue Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park Lineup Announced|publisher =Bellevue News|accessdate=June 27, 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="OutdoorSummerMovies4">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellevue.com/happening.php?id=57 |title=Bellevue Summer Outdoor Movies |publisher =Bellevue.com}}</ref>
<ref name="OutdoorSummerMovies5">{{cite web |url=http://bellevuewa.gov/9617.htm |title=Outdoor Movies Return Downtown |publisher =BellevueWA.gov}}</ref>





==References==
==References==

Revision as of 21:02, 9 February 2012

Intelius, Inc.
Company typePrivately held company
IndustryInformation commerce
GenreElectronic commerce
FoundedJanuary 2003
FounderNaveen Jain, John Arnold, Ed Petersen, Kevin Marcus, Niraj Shah, Chandan Chauhan
HeadquartersBellevue, Washington,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Bill Owens, Chairman
Rich Karlgaard, Director
Chris Kitze, Director
Georgette Mosbacher, Director
Paul Cook, CFO
Peter Currie, Director
Bill Kerr, Chief Corporate Officer
Peter Currie, Director
Arthur Harrigan, Director
ServicesBackground checks, Identity theft protection
Revenue$128,000,000 (2008)
Number of employees
350 [1]
Websitehttp://www.intelius.com

Intelius, Inc. is a public records business headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, United States.[1] It provides information services to consumers and businesses, including background checks and identity theft protection.[2] A majority of Intelius' revenue comes from selling background reports.[3][4] [disputed – discuss]

History

Intelius was founded in 2003[5] by six former Infospace executives: Naveen Jain, Kevin Marcus, Niraj Shah, Ed Petersen, Chandan Chauhan and John Arnold.[6] Jain was then sued by InfoSpace for allegedly violating noncompete agreements, mishandling business-specific secrets and interfering with InfoSpace's customer relationships.[7] The judge ruled in favor of Jain, citing a lack of "clear and convincing evidence" that there was a violation of noncompete agreements.[8]

Intelius filed a registration statement on January 10, 2008 for an initial public offering to raise up to $143.75 million.[9] The plans were withdrawn October 2010.[10]

In late 2010, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Kevin Marcus left the company to join BigTip.[11]

In October 2011, Jain stated that an IPO might be in the company's future in 2012.[12]

In November 2011, Intelius purchased the Facebook genealogy app Family Builder.[13] During the same month, the company announced the inclusion of TrueRep to its services. This program allows consumers to provide explanations for any indiscretions on their records.[14][15][16]

Market

Further information: Background check

Background Checks for Dating

Intelius targets marketing for consumers with an interest in dating, especially online dating. It provides background checks and verification of identity under the InteliSign brand.[4] Industry experts point out the advertising campaign's reliance on "scare tactics".[1][17] Intelius has created an application for mobile devices that allows users to do a quick background check on a potential date.[18]

Employer Background Checks

On December 5, 2006, Intelius enlarged its employment screening market with its acquisition of Bothell, Washington's IntelliSense Corporation, integrating an infrastructure capable of international background information, fingerprinting and drug screening to complement its previous capabilities for small and medium businesses.[19]

On April 30, 2009, Intelius acquired Spock, a people-oriented search engine.[20]

Controversies

Class action lawsuits

On September 30, 2009, before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, a class action lawsuit was filed alleging that Intelius automatically enrolled California consumers into programs of its partner, Adaptive Marketing, without permission.[21] The complaint showed evidence as to how the defendants allegedly automatically charged California consumers' credit cards for "memberships" and intentionally frustrated the victims' abilities to dispute the charges.[22]

On October 19, 2009, in the Federal Court in Seattle, Intelius was accused of violating Washington's Consumer Protection Act. This lawsuit stated that Intelius engaged in misleading messages on its website. Such conduct allegedly led consumers to unknowingly receive charges from Intelius' partner, Adaptive Marketing. The suit, filed by Washington resident Bruce Keithly and Ohio residents Donovon Lee and Edith Cramer, claimed that after purchasing background reports through Intelius the plaintiffs were each charged a $19.95 monthly fee for subscription services which were not requested. While Intelius has publicly stated a disassociation with Adaptive Marketing, the outcome of this lawsuit is still pending.[23]

Cellular Phone Directory

In early 2008, Intelius came under scrutiny for providing access to private cellular phone numbers culled from a variety of sources.[24] In response, Verizon threatened a lawsuit over posting consumer phone numbers without consent.[25] On February 1, 2008, the cellular phone directory was removed from the company website.[26][27]

Post-Transaction Marketing

Washington State Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau received over 900 complaints about Intelius as of March 2009. Most complaints involved the practice of "post-transaction marketing." Partly due to concerns about Intelius, Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna requested legislation aimed at stopping what he calls "deceptive" Internet marketing.[28]

On August 10, 2010, Washington settled with Intelius for $1.3 million dollars and any Washington consumers affected by post-transaction marketing will be contacted regarding refunds. [29]

Opt-out Policy

Criticism has also arisen due to the difficult nature of "opting out" of being listed on Intelius.[26] The company's website states that "Intelius does not usually offer individuals the opportunity to permanently remove their publicly available information from our public records databases."[30] Instead, the website states that the personal information may be suppressed by a user's request after he or she mails or faxes a notarized letter and copy of his or her driver's license, in order to confirm the person's identity.[26]

Consumer complaints

The Better Business Bureau of Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington has cataloged numerous complaints about the company's customer service, including a continual refusal to provide refunds to customers who claim not to have requested or received the services that they paid for.[31] Additional complaints have been made about misleading advertising and background information that has been inaccurate or out-of-date. According to the BBB, the company is not a member, and does not always respond when contacted by them.[32]

Recognition

In December 2011, Intelius was awarded the Red Herring Top 100 Global Award.[33][34]

In 2009, the company was listed among the "500 Fastest Growing Private Companies" by Inc. Magazine.[35] That same year, the Puget Sound Business Journal mentioned Intelius as a "2009 Best Places to Work" finalist.[36]

In 2008, Intelius was a finalist for the Stevie Award for "Best New Product or Service."[37]

Philanthropy

In 2011, Intelius awarded two Singularity University Scholarships for the Graduate Studies Program to African leaders in business and science to solve poverty and gender disparity.[38]

In June 2011, the company awarded five scholarships to high school students via the Intelius Essay contest.[39]

References

  1. ^ a b c Nina Shapiro (2007). "Intelius Says it's Capable of Conducting a Full Background Check on Anyone". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 2007-04-13. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ John Swartz (2007-04-02). "Who's guarding your data in the cybervault?". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Tim Mullaney (2006-12-29). "Intelius, Founded by InfoSpace's Jain, Considers Going Public". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ a b Sara Kehaulani Goo (2007). "Dinner, Movie, Background Check for Online Daters". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ "Intelius' Naveen Jain Turns to Moon Mining, Philanthropy". IndiaWest.com. May 9, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. ^ David Heath and Sharon Pian Chan (2005-03-07). "Dot-con job: How InfoSpace took its investors for a ride Part 2 - Cashing Out". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2009-01-08. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ Sharon Pian Chan (2003-05-21). "Judge denies bid to bar Jain from work at InfoSpace rival". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2009-01-08. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ John Cook (2003). "InfoSpace founder wins round". Seattle PI. Retrieved 2009-01-08. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  9. ^ Julie Vorman (2008-01-10). "Intelius plans IPO of up to $143.75 mln - SEC filing". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-01-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ "Intelius withdraws plans for IPO". The Seattle Times. 2010-10-15. Retrieved 2011-08-24. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ "About BigTip|BigTip About".
  12. ^ John Cook (2011-10-25). "Intelius CEO Naveen Jain: IPO could be in the cards in 2012". Geekwire.com. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
  13. ^ John Cook (2011-10-25). "Intelius quietly buys Facebook genealogy app Family Builder". Geekwire.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  14. ^ Greg Lamm (2011-11-15). "Got a blotch on your record? Intelius lets you explain". Puget Sound Business Journal. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  15. ^ "Next Generation of TrueRep Empowers Individuals to Add Comments to Background Checks on Themselves". Business Wire. 2011-11-15. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  16. ^ "Next Generation of TrueRep Empowers Individuals to Add Comments to Background Checks on Themselves". Market Watch. 2011-11-15. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  17. ^ Mandy Stadtmiller (2006). "Check Mate - More Women Paying To Investigate Dates". The New York Post. Archived from the original on 2007-02-27. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Ubergizmo (2010). "Intelius DateCheck Software". Ubergizmo. Retrieved 2010-02-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Intelius Expands Applications for Fortune 500 Customers Through Acquisition of IntelliSense Corporation". December 4, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  20. ^ Lisa Hoover (2009). "Spock sale sparks privacy concerns". Computerworld. Retrieved 2010-02-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ Michael Arrington (2008). "Naveen Jain's Latest Scam: Intelius,". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2008-11-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Nina Shapiro (2009). "Internet Wizard Loses His Magic: Intelius Hit with Two Class Action Suits". Seattle Weekly. Retrieved 2010-02-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Intelius hit with another lawsuit as it alters marketing tactics
  24. ^ Alex Johnson (2008). "Cell phone directory rings alarm bells". MSNBC. Retrieved 2008-02-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ "Verizon Wireless Calls For Halt To Data Mining Of Wireless Phone Numbers". Verizon. 2008-01-29. Retrieved 2009-05-01. {{cite news}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b c Suzanne Choney (2008). "Company shuts down cell phone directory". MSNBC. Retrieved 2008-02-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ Svensson, Peter (2/4/2008). "Cell-phone directory assistance closing". USA Today. Retrieved 2009-05-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ "Intelius and the Dubious Art of "Post-Transaction Marketing"". Seattle Weekly. March 17, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  29. ^ Chris Grygiel (2010-08-09). "'Deceptive' Intelius cheated thousands of people". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2010-08-10. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  30. ^ "How can I remove my information from the Intelius public records databases?". Intelius. Retrieved 2008-02-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ "Seattle Weekly: Intelius and the Dubious Art of "Post-Transaction Marketing"". Retrieved 2009-03-19.
  32. ^ "BBB Reliability Report for Intelius Inc". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Intelius CEO Naveen Jain Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award". The Times of India. December 23, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  34. ^ "Intelius Receives Red Herring Top 100 Global Award". Reuters. December 09, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ Intelius in Inc. Magazine
  36. ^ Intelius on Puget Sound Business Journal
  37. ^ American Business Awards
  38. ^ "Singularity University Appoints Visionary Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Naveen Jain to Board of Trustees". Singularity University. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  39. ^ "Naveen Jain awards five college scholarships at academic summit". PR Newswire. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
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