Manage Peoplefinder

How to cancel peoplefinder and protect your new zealand consumer rights

What peoplefinder is and why you might want to leave

Peoplefinder is an online people-search service that aggregates public records and background information from multiple sources. You subscribe to access reports on individuals, or you can purchase single reports as needed. The service operates from the United States (Sacramento, California), which means cancellation and refund disputes can feel distant, but your New Zealand consumer rights still protect you.

How peoplefinder works

When you sign up, you gain access to a searchable database of public records, background checks, and people reports. Peoplefinder charges either through a recurring monthly or annual subscription, or you can pay per report. The company aggregates data from public sources but does not guarantee accuracy or completeness, which is a crucial detail if you are considering cancellation due to missing or incorrect information.

Common reasons kiwis cancel peoplefinder

You might cancel because the reports lack the detail you expected, you accidentally purchased a subscription instead of a single report, the service charged you without clear consent, or you simply found a better alternative. At Stopee, we know that unexpected charges and unclear billing practices frustrate New Zealand consumers. The good news is that your legal protections are stronger than you might think, and cancelling is straightforward once you know the steps.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

New Zealand law protects you when you buy services online, even from overseas companies like Peoplefinder. Understanding these rights puts you in control when you want to cancel or claim a refund.

Consumer guarantees act and fair trading act

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, any service you purchase must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable time. If Peoplefinder delivers an empty report, incomplete results, or charges you without consent, these guarantees apply regardless of the company's terms and conditions. The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading conduct, including hidden auto-renewal charges or unclear billing practices.

These laws allow you to seek refunds, replacements, or compensation even if the company's standard policy says no. Stopee encourages you to reference these protections when disputing a charge or requesting a refund beyond Peoplefinder's stated 14-day window.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Peoplefinder refuses to refund or cancels you unfairly, the Commerce Commission is your escalation point. You can file a complaint at comcom.govt.nz if the company violates consumer law. Document all communications, charges, and cancellation attempts. The Commerce Commission takes overseas breaches seriously, especially when New Zealand residents are harmed.

How to cancel peoplefinder step by step

Cancellation method depends on how you subscribed. Stopee recommends checking all three routes, because if you subscribed through an app store, cancelling only on the website will not stop the app store from charging you next month.

Cancel through the peoplefinder website

This is the primary cancellation route. Log in and navigate to your account settings to stop your subscription immediately.

1. Open your web browser and visit the Peoplefinder website.
2. Log in with your email and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot Password" link and reset it via email.
3. Navigate to your account dashboard or profile settings.
   • Look for menu options labeled "Account", "My Account", "Dashboard", or "Settings".
4. Find the subscription or billing section.
   • This section may be called "Subscriptions", "Membership", "Billing", or "Payment Methods".
5. Click the option to "Cancel Subscription", "Cancel Membership", or "Manage Subscription".
6. Follow the on-screen prompts and select your reason for cancellation.
   • Peoplefinder may ask why you are leaving. You can select a reason or leave feedback.
7. Confirm cancellation on the final screen.
   • Warning: Some services show a "retention offer" at this step (e.g., a discount to stay). Only accept if you genuinely want to continue.
8. Wait for an on-screen confirmation message and check your email for a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
   • Save this email as proof of cancellation.

Cancel if you subscribed through google play (Android)

If you downloaded the Peoplefinder app on Android and subscribed through Google Play, you must cancel in Google Play to stop recurring charges.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Payments and subscriptions".
4. Tap "Subscriptions".
5. Find and select "Peoplefinders" from the list.
   • If you do not see it, scroll down or search for it.
6. Tap "Cancel subscription".
7. Follow any final prompts to confirm cancellation.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen.

Cancel if you subscribed through the apple app store (iOS)

iPhone users who subscribed through the App Store must cancel in Apple's system, not in the Peoplefinder app itself.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top (Apple ID).
   • If you are signed into multiple Apple IDs, choose the one linked to your Peoplefinder subscription.
3. Select "Subscriptions".
4. Find "Peoplefinders" in the active subscriptions list.
5. Tap "Peoplefinders".
6. Tap "Cancel Subscription".
7. Confirm by tapping "Confirm" or "Cancel Subscription" on the final dialog.
   • Your subscription will end on the last day of your current billing cycle.

Cancel by phone

If you prefer speaking to a human, you can call Peoplefinder's US customer service line. Keep in mind the time zone difference: Peoplefinder operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is 19 hours behind New Zealand.

1. Dial 1-800-718-8997 (note: this is a US number; international dialling fees may apply).
   • Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.
   • Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.
   • Check a time-zone converter to dial at a convenient time in New Zealand.
2. Speak with a customer service representative and request cancellation.
   • Be clear: "I want to cancel my Peoplefinder subscription effective immediately."
3. Ask for a confirmation number or reference.
   • Write it down immediately.
4. Ask them to email you a cancellation confirmation.
   • Pro tip: Repeat back your confirmation number to ensure accuracy.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation stops future charges, but access to your reports does not always end immediately. Here's what you need to know.

Access and billing after cancellation

Once you cancel, Peoplefinder stops charging you on the next billing date. However, you may retain access to your account and existing reports until the current billing cycle expires. For example, if you cancel on the 10th of the month but your billing date is the 30th, you typically keep access until the 30th at no extra charge.

Check your cancellation confirmation email for the exact "access end date". If it is unclear, contact Stopee or Peoplefinder support to confirm the final day you can view reports.

Account and data retention

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically delete your Peoplefinder account or the personal data the company holds on you. If you want your account permanently deleted, you must request this separately. Log into your account, find the data privacy or account settings section, and look for a "Delete Account" or "Request Data Deletion" option. If you cannot find it, contact customer support in writing (see the address section below) and request account deletion under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and the General Data Protection Act (GDPR) if you have European connections.

Refund policy and how to claim

Peoplefinder's refund window is narrow, but New Zealand law gives you additional levers. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers challenge unfair refund denials by citing consumer guarantees.

Peoplefinder's standard refund policy

Peoplefinder offers refunds only within 14 days of purchase if you have a valid reason, such as an empty report, duplicate charge, or subscription purchased by mistake. Refund requests submitted after 14 days are generally denied. The company does not refund for inaccuracies, incomplete data, or failure to cancel before renewal.

How to request a refund

1. Gather your evidence: the transaction receipt, the date of purchase, your order number, and a clear description of the problem.
   • If the report was empty, take screenshots. If you were charged twice, save both charge notifications.
2. Contact Peoplefinder customer service by phone at 1-800-718-8997 or log into your account and find the "Contact Support" or "Help" section.
3. Clearly state your reason for the refund and reference the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if the service is not of acceptable quality.
   • Example: "I purchased this report on [date] and received no usable information. Under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act, this service is not of acceptable quality. I request a full refund."
4. Follow up in writing via email or post (see contact address below) so you have a paper trail.
   • Pro tip: Email is faster, but post is harder to deny. Send both if the issue is high-value.
5. If you subscribed through Google Play or the Apple App Store, also submit a refund request directly to those platforms.
   • Google Play and Apple both allow refund requests within 15 to 30 days, which is wider than Peoplefinder's 14-day window.
6. Wait for a response. Peoplefinder aims to process approved refunds within 10 business days.

Refund denial: escalation under consumer law

If Peoplefinder denies your refund and you believe the service was not of acceptable quality, you have the right to escalate. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, a service must be fit for purpose and delivered with due care. An empty report or misleading marketing breach these standards. Write to Peoplefinder in formal terms, referencing the Act, and allow 14 days for a response. If they refuse, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission or seek advice from Citizens Advice Bureau (cab.org.nz).

Peoplefinder pricing and plans

Peoplefinder does not publish New Zealand-specific pricing. Costs vary by plan type and currency conversion.

Stopee recommends comparing these costs with local New Zealand alternatives such as Nuwber, BeenVerified, or free public record searches before signing up. Annual subscriptions look cheaper per month but lock you in for 12 months. Monthly plans give you more flexibility to cancel if the reports do not meet your needs.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

We understand the frustration when you realise a subscription is renewing without your clear consent or that cancellation is harder than sign-up. Here are the pitfalls that catch most people.

Mistake 1: cancelling only on the website if you subscribed via an app

If you subscribed through Google Play or the App Store, cancelling on the Peoplefinder website does nothing. The app store will still charge you. You must cancel in the app store itself. Stopee has seen hundreds of New Zealand users keep paying because they cancelled in the wrong place. Check all three channels (website, Google Play, Apple App Store) to be sure.

Mistake 2: assuming cancellation is instant

Cancellation stops future charges but may not end access or remove your account immediately. Some users think they have cancelled but find themselves still charged because the cancellation did not process. Always request and save a written confirmation.

Mistake 3: giving up after one refund rejection

Peoplefinder's terms say "no refunds for inaccuracies", but your Consumer Guarantees Act rights override their terms. If a report is genuinely empty or useless, you can claim a refund. Do not accept a first "no" without escalating to the Commerce Commission.

Mistake 4: not keeping cancellation confirmation

If you cancel by phone and do not get a confirmation number or email, you have no proof. The company can claim you never cancelled and continue charging. Always request written confirmation and save it for at least 12 months.

Checklist for cancelling peoplefinder

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel cleanly and protect yourself.

• Step 1: Check your most recent Peoplefinder charge to confirm the date and amount.
• Step 2: Identify where you subscribed (website, Google Play, or Apple App Store).
• Step 3: Cancel in all places where you may have active subscriptions.
  • Even if you only remember one, cancel in all three to be safe.
• Step 4: Screenshot or save all cancellation confirmation screens and emails.
• Step 5: Check your credit card or app store account 2 to 3 days later to confirm no new charge appears.
• Step 6: If a charge appears after cancellation, contact Peoplefinder immediately and file a chargeback via your bank or credit card company.
• Step 7: If you are owed a refund, submit a written request with your confirmation number and evidence within 14 days.
• Step 8: Document everything and file a Commerce Commission complaint if the refund is denied and you believe consumer law was violated.

Final steps and how stopee can help

Cancelling Peoplefinder is straightforward once you know which channel to use and what your legal rights are. Remember: New Zealand consumer law protects you, even against overseas companies. An empty report or an unexpected auto-renewal breach your consumer guarantees, and you can claim a refund.

Stopee specialises in helping Kiwis cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute charges, and recover refunds. If Peoplefinder refuses to refund you or you need guidance on escalating to the Commerce Commission, visit stopee.com for free advice and template letters. Stopee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers take control of their digital wallets and stand up to unfair billing practices. Your cancellation is not the end; your refund fight may just be beginning, and Stopee is here to back you up.

Contact and billing address

Customer service contact

Peoplefinder does not operate a New Zealand-specific support address. Their primary contact is:

Phone: 1-800-718-8997 (US number; expect international charges)

Hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST

Mailing address for formal correspondence

Peoplefinder (Peoplefinders.com, Inc.)
7161 Old Katy Road
Houston, TX 77024
United States

For cancellations and refund disputes, send written requests to this address. Include your full name, account email, order number, and a clear description of the issue. Allow 14 to 21 business days for a response (international mail takes time).

Commerce commission escalation

If Peoplefinder breaches New Zealand consumer law and refuses to refund, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission:

Commerce Commission
Level 10, 15 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna, Auckland 0622
New Zealand
Phone: 0800 943 600
Website: comcom.govt.nz