How to cancel Truthfinder and reclaim your privacy in south africa
What Truthfinder is and why cancellation matters
Truthfinder is a subscription-based background check service that aggregates public records, criminal history, contact information, and reverse phone lookups into searchable reports. You pay monthly or annually for access to these database searches, and the service operates from the United States. Yafee specialises in helping South African consumers understand their rights when cancelling foreign subscription services like this one.
Your reasons for cancelling may vary: you located the person you were searching for, the reports didn't deliver the information you expected, or you've become uncomfortable with how your own data might be indexed in such systems. Whatever prompted your decision, understanding your legal position and the cancellation process is essential.
Core services Truthfinder offers
Truthfinder aggregates publicly available information to generate reports containing identity searches, criminal records, contact history, employment details, and reverse phone number lookups. The service sources this data from public databases, but packages it behind a paywall accessible only to paid subscribers. Once you cancel, you lose the ability to run new searches, though your account data and previously generated reports may remain stored according to the company's data retention policy.
Why you might reconsider your subscription
Many South African users discover that Truthfinder's United States-focused database contains limited or inaccurate information for local searches. Others find that once their immediate need ends, the monthly charge becomes unnecessary. Yafee recommends reviewing your account activity before cancellation to ensure you're not losing access to reports you may need later.
Your consumer rights in south africa and the legal framework
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act establishes important safeguards for distance purchases, including online subscriptions, though the enforcement of these rules against foreign companies remains complex.
The 14-day cooling-off period explained
The Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) grants you a 14-day cooling-off period for distance transactions, including online purchases. This means you have the right to cancel and request a full refund within 14 days of purchasing your first subscription, provided you have not used the service extensively or misused the information accessed.
This cooling-off right is strongest when you can demonstrate that Truthfinder failed to provide transparent terms before charging you, or that the service description was misleading. However, because Truthfinder is United States-based, the company may argue that South African consumer law does not apply to their service. Yafee advises that you cite the Consumer Protection Act in any cancellation correspondence, as this establishes your legal position clearly.
Your legal position regarding refunds and chargebacks
You have the right to request a full refund if: you cancel within 14 days of your first charge; the service was not delivered as described; or Truthfinder charged you without clear prior consent. If Truthfinder refuses your cancellation request or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to, you may escalate the matter in two formal ways. Contact your bank or payment provider to request a chargeback or dispute for unauthorised or fraudulent charges. Alternatively, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC), which investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act. The NCC can be reached at ncc.org.za or via their hotline. Yafee recommends keeping all proof of your cancellation request, confirmation emails, and payment receipts, as this evidence strengthens any dispute with your bank or complaint to the NCC.
How to cancel Truthfinder in three ways
You have three cancellation options available: online through your account dashboard, by telephone with customer support, or by email to the cancellation address. The online method is fastest and leaves an immediate digital record, while phone and email give you direct contact if you encounter resistance.
Method 1: cancel via the Truthfinder website
Cancelling online takes 3-5 minutes and is the method Yafee recommends because you receive instant confirmation and maintain a complete record.
- Navigate to the Truthfinder website and log into your account using your registered email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
- Locate your account settings or subscription management page, typically found under "Account", "My Subscription", or "Settings".
- This section displays your current subscription status, renewal date, and payment method.
- Select the option to "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" and follow the prompts.
- Truthfinder may ask you why you are cancelling. Select the reason that applies to you, but do not feel obliged to provide detailed feedback unless you wish to.
- Confirm your cancellation by selecting the final confirmation button.
- The system will display a confirmation message and send a cancellation confirmation email to your registered address within minutes.
- Download or screenshot the confirmation page and the email confirmation for your records.
- This evidence protects you if a dispute arises later regarding whether your cancellation was processed.
Method 2: cancel by telephone
Calling Truthfinder's customer support team allows you to speak directly with a representative and address any concerns about your account in real time.
- Obtain the correct Truthfinder telephone number from their official website or your account confirmation email.
- Be cautious of third-party numbers; always call the number listed on the official Truthfinder website.
- Call during their stated business hours and have your account details ready (email address and account number).
- Business hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM United States Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.
- Inform the representative that you wish to cancel your subscription and request they process the cancellation immediately.
- Remain clear and direct. You do not need to justify your decision.
- Ask the representative for a cancellation reference number and request confirmation of the date your cancellation takes effect.
- Write this information down during the call.
- Request that a cancellation confirmation email be sent to your registered address.
- This provides written proof of your cancellation request.
Method 3: cancel by email
Email cancellation creates a documented trail and is valuable if you later need to prove you requested cancellation.
- Compose a new email to Truthfinder's customer support or cancellation email address (contact details provided at the end of this guide).
- Use a professional tone and include your full name, registered email address, and account number or any identifying information.
- State clearly in the subject line: "Cancellation Request - [Your Name]" and request immediate cancellation of your subscription.
- For example: "Cancellation Request - John Smith. I wish to cancel my Truthfinder subscription effective immediately."
- Include the following information in the body of the email:
- Your full name and registered email address.
- Your account number (if known).
- Your date of birth or any other account verification detail.
- A clear statement: "I request the immediate cancellation of my subscription and confirmation that no further charges will be applied."
- Request a cancellation confirmation email in response.
- Write: "Please send written confirmation of this cancellation request to this email address."
- Send the email from the email address registered to your Truthfinder account.
- This establishes that the request comes from the account holder.
- Keep a copy of your sent email and any response you receive.
- Do not delete these emails, as they form part of your cancellation record.
Truthfinder subscription costs and pricing tiers
Understanding what you are paying for helps you decide whether cancellation or downgrading is the right choice for your situation.
| Subscription tier |
Monthly cost (approx. ZAR) |
Annual cost (approx. ZAR) |
Key features |
| Basic |
R180-R220 |
R1,500-R1,800 |
Limited searches per month; basic reports |
| Standard |
R350-R420 |
R2,800-R3,400 |
Unlimited searches; full background reports |
| Premium |
R550-R650 |
R4,800-R5,800 |
Unlimited searches; priority support; advanced filters |
| Trial offer |
R35-R50 (first month) |
N/A |
Full access; auto-renews at standard rate |
Note that these costs fluctuate based on exchange rates and promotional offers. Truthfinder often advertises a discounted trial period before charging your full subscription rate. Yafee emphasises that you should check your billing statement to confirm exactly what tier you are paying for, as this affects both your cancellation date and refund eligibility.
What happens after you cancel your Truthfinder subscription
Understanding the post-cancellation timeline helps you avoid unexpected charges and confirms that your cancellation has been processed correctly.
Immediate effects of cancellation
Once you cancel, you lose access to search functionality immediately or within 24 hours, depending on the cancellation method used. Your previously generated reports remain viewable in your account for a limited period, typically 30-90 days, unless Truthfinder's data retention policy specifies otherwise. You will not be charged for any searches performed after your cancellation date, but you will be liable for charges incurred before cancellation.
Billing and refund timeline
If you cancel mid-cycle (before your next renewal date), you will not receive a refund for the remainder of that billing period unless you fall within the 14-day cooling-off period or can prove that the service was not delivered as described. Truthfinder's next scheduled charge will not occur if your cancellation is processed before the renewal date. Monitor your bank statement for 30 days after cancellation to confirm no further charges appear. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback and simultaneously follow up with Truthfinder in writing.
Refunds and what to do if Truthfinder refuses to cancel
If Truthfinder ignores your cancellation request or charges you after you have cancelled, your consumer protections in South Africa remain strong if you act promptly.
Requesting a refund through Truthfinder
If you cancelled within 14 days of your first charge, send a formal refund request to Truthfinder citing the Consumer Protection Act's cooling-off period. Include your cancellation confirmation and a clear statement of the amount you are requesting to be refunded. Allow Truthfinder 5 business days to respond. If they refuse or do not respond, escalate immediately to your bank.
Disputing the charge with your bank
Contact your bank or payment provider and request a chargeback or dispute for any charge you believe was unauthorised or for a service not delivered as described. Provide your bank with your cancellation confirmation, email exchanges with Truthfinder, and your payment statement. Your bank can reverse the charge within 30-90 days of the transaction, depending on their procedure.
Filing a complaint with the national consumer commission
If Truthfinder continues to charge you or refuses to acknowledge your cancellation, lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at ncc.org.za. The NCC investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act and can compel Truthfinder to refund you and pay damages if they find the company acted unlawfully. Yafee recommends filing an NCC complaint in parallel with a bank chargeback to maximise your chances of recovering your money.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
You have taken the right step by researching the cancellation process; avoiding these errors will protect your account and speed up the process.
Mistake 1: failing to save your cancellation confirmation
Always download, screenshot, or print your cancellation confirmation page and email. If a dispute arises later, this evidence proves you requested cancellation on a specific date. Without it, you have no way to prove to your bank or the NCC that you acted promptly.
Mistake 2: not checking your bank statement after cancellation
Monitor your statement for at least 30 days after cancellation. Some companies process refunds with a delay, and others mistakenly charge again after you have cancelled. Early detection allows you to contact your bank immediately and prevents multiple unauthorised charges.
Mistake 3: assuming the cooling-off period applies to all charges
The 14-day cooling-off period applies only to your initial purchase. If you cancel after 14 days, you are generally not entitled to a refund for that billing cycle, unless you can prove Truthfinder failed to deliver the service or misled you. Plan your cancellation carefully to avoid losing money on a partial month or year.
Mistake 4: not citing south african law in your cancellation request
Because Truthfinder is United States-based, the company may ignore your cancellation request if you simply ask politely. Reference the Consumer Protection Act in writing to signal that you understand your legal rights. This often prompts faster action from their compliance team. Yafee advises including the phrase "in accordance with South Africa's Consumer Protection Act" in any cancellation email or correspondence.
Comparing cancellation options: which method suits you best
Each cancellation method has strengths and weaknesses depending on your circumstances and how much resistance you expect from Truthfinder.
| Cancellation method |
Speed |
Written proof |
Best for |
| Online (website) |
3-5 minutes |
Yes (instant confirmation) |
Most users; fastest and most transparent method |
| Telephone |
10-15 minutes |
Limited (depends on follow-up email) |
Users who prefer direct contact or encounter website errors |
| Email |
24-48 hours |
Yes (full email chain) |
Users who want documented proof and do not mind waiting; ideal if cancellation is disputed later |
Yafee recommends starting with the online method for its speed and immediate confirmation. If the website option does not work or you encounter errors, switch to email for a documented trail. Reserve the telephone option for urgent situations or if you need to clarify charges before cancelling.
Cancellation checklist to ensure you are protected
Follow this checklist to confirm your cancellation is complete and your account is secure.
- Receive a cancellation confirmation email or screenshot the confirmation page within 24 hours of requesting cancellation.
- Note the cancellation date and the date your account will become inactive.
- Request and retain a cancellation reference number or confirmation code.
- Verify that your login no longer works after the stated cancellation effective date (usually 24-48 hours after the request).
- Check your bank statement 5, 15, and 30 days after cancellation to confirm no further charges have been applied.
- If you received a trial offer, ensure no charge appears when the trial period ends.
- If Truthfinder charged you after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and file a dispute or chargeback request.
- Keep all cancellation correspondence (emails, screenshots, reference numbers) for at least one year.
To cancel your Truthfinder subscription, you will need to contact the company using one of the methods outlined above. The following contact details are based on publicly available company information:
Truthfinder customer service and cancellation address:
TruthFinder LLC
PeopleConnect Holdings
149 5th Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10010
United States of America
You may also attempt to locate a customer support email or phone number on the official Truthfinder website or within your account settings. Always verify phone numbers and email addresses directly with the official website before contacting the company, as fraudulent contact details circulate online.
If Truthfinder refuses to process your cancellation or continues to charge you after you have cancelled, Yafee recommends filing a chargeback with your bank and lodging a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (ncc.org.za). Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations, disputes with foreign companies, and recovery of unauthorised charges. Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act are robust, and persistence in asserting them will almost always result in a successful outcome. Document every step, remain professional in your correspondence, and escalate to formal channels if the company does not respond within 5 business days.