Manage Beenverified

How to cancel BeenVerified and protect your right to withdraw in south africa

What BeenVerified is and why you might want to leave

BeenVerified is a United States-based subscription service that pulls together public records to give you background checks, contact details and related data about individuals. Most South African users access it via a web browser or mobile app on iOS and Android to search phone numbers, email addresses, criminal records and general background information.

The service charges a recurring monthly or quarterly fee to maintain your account and provide unlimited report access within the limits of your chosen plan. If you signed up on impulse, no longer need the service, or found the charges surprising on your bank statement, you have the legal right to cancel and potentially claim a refund. Stopee exists to walk you through exactly how to do that without getting tangled in dark patterns or hidden renewal clauses.

Primary features of the platform

Your subscription gives you access to unlimited background reports (subject to plan limits), phone and email lookups, and criminal record searches for as long as you remain active. You can use the website or mobile apps to run searches, and any downloaded or saved reports stay with you even after your subscription ends.

Why cancellation matters right now

Many users cancel because they completed their research, found the service less useful than expected, or simply want to stop recurring charges hitting their account. In South Africa, you have explicit protections under the Consumer Protection Act that give you up to 14 days to withdraw from distance contracts without penalty. Stopee recommends acting quickly to protect that window.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you significant protection when you sign up for online services like BeenVerified. Knowing your rights is your strongest lever when negotiating a refund or dealing with a company that resists your cancellation.

The 14-day cooling-off period explained

If you purchased your BeenVerified subscription as a distance contract (which most subscriptions are, since you signed up online), you have 14 calendar days from the date of purchase to withdraw without giving a reason and without incurring a penalty. This applies even if you have already used the service.

You must notify BeenVerified of your intention to cancel within that 14-day window. Simply asking for a refund on day 15 or later may still succeed, but the company is no longer legally obliged to grant it unless you can show a fault with their service or misleading marketing.

What to do if BeenVerified refuses a legitimate refund

If you cancel within 14 days and BeenVerified refuses your refund, or if you believe the company misled you about pricing or features, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC is South Africa's consumer protection authority and can investigate complaints, issue compliance orders, and fine companies that breach the CPA.

Pro tip: Document everything. Keep screenshots of your purchase confirmation, cancellation request, and any refusal email. When you contact the NCC, include proof that you attempted to resolve the issue directly with BeenVerified first.

How to cancel BeenVerified: step-by-step for every platform

Your cancellation method depends on where you signed up: Apple App Store, Google Play, or the BeenVerified website directly. Stopping the subscription through the original payment method is the most reliable way to prevent continued billing.

Cancel BeenVerified on your iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen, then select Subscriptions.
3. Find and tap BeenVerified from the list of active subscriptions.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm your choice when prompted.
   • You will see a final warning that your access ends on a specific date; that date is the last day you can use the service.
   • Apple will send you a confirmation email; save this for your records.
5. Return to the Subscriptions screen and verify that BeenVerified no longer appears in your active list.
   • Warning: If BeenVerified still shows as active after 5 minutes, refresh your screen or restart the Settings app.

Cancel BeenVerified on android via google play

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, then select Subscriptions.
3. Tap BeenVerified from your active subscriptions list.
4. Tap Cancel subscription and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
   • Google will ask for a brief reason for cancellation; this is optional but helps the company improve.
   • You will receive a confirmation email from Google Play confirming the cancellation.
5. Go back to the Subscriptions menu and check that BeenVerified is no longer listed.
   • Pro tip: If you see "Pending Cancellation" instead of a removal, wait up to 24 hours for Google to process it fully.

Cancel BeenVerified via the website or customer support

1. Visit beenverified.com and log in with your account email and password.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or the Help section (usually found in the top-right menu).
3. Look for an option labeled Cancel My Account, Manage Subscription, or Billing.
   • If you cannot find a self-service cancellation option on the website, proceed to step 4.
4. If no self-service option exists, contact BeenVerified support directly:
   • Email: support@beenverified.com with your full name, account email address, and member ID (found in your account settings).
   • Include a clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my subscription and would like confirmation of the cancellation date and any refund eligibility."
   • Keep a copy of this email for your records.
5. Allow 2-3 business days for a response, then follow up if you do not receive confirmation.
   • Warning: Some support responses may suggest you renew or downgrade instead of canceling; politely but firmly request cancellation only.

BeenVerified pricing: understand what you are paying

Before you cancel, it helps to understand exactly what you signed up for and what charges you can expect. Many users are shocked by recurring costs because the initial trial price obscures the renewal amount.

All prices shown are in USD. If you are paying in South African Rand (ZAR), your bank or card provider will convert the USD amount at their exchange rate, which may be higher than the advertised price.

Refunds: what to expect and how to claim yours

BeenVerified does not publicly advertise a standard refund policy, which means your success depends on how soon you request one and how you frame your case. Stopee has seen refunds granted within a narrow window, and your eligibility hinges on timing and communication.

The 7 to 14-day refund window

Multiple user reports indicate that BeenVerified may honor refund requests if you ask within 7 days of your initial charge, particularly if you are still within the Consumer Protection Act's 14-day cooling-off period. The company is not legally required to refund after day 14, but some support agents may still approve a request if you cite the CPA or explain that you were misled about charges.

Contact support as soon as you decide to cancel. The longer you wait, the weaker your refund claim becomes.

How refunds are processed and how long they take

1. Email or call BeenVerified support with your cancellation and refund request, including:
   • Your full name and account email address.
   • Your member ID.
   • The date you signed up and the date of your first charge.
   • A clear statement that you are within 14 days and citing your right to withdraw under South African consumer law.
2. BeenVerified will respond within 3-5 business days confirming approval or denial.
3. If approved, the refund is typically processed to your original payment method within 10 calendar days.
   • Pro tip: Check your bank statement 10 days after BeenVerified confirms the refund; if it does not appear, contact your bank to trace the payment.
4. If denied, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission if you believe the refusal breaches the CPA.
   • Warning: Do not file a chargeback with your bank without contacting BeenVerified support first; chargebacks can trigger account suspension and make future refund negotiations harder.

What happens if BeenVerified ignores your refund request

If you receive no response after 10 business days, send a follow-up email marked as "URGENT: Refund Request Follow-Up." Include your original email thread and ask for a response within 48 hours. If the company continues to ignore you, document this and file a complaint with the NCC, citing the CPA's requirement that consumers have the right to withdraw.

What happens to your account after you cancel

Cancellation and account closure are two separate actions, and understanding the difference helps you avoid surprise charges or confusion about your data.

Access and report availability

When you cancel your subscription, you retain access until the end of your paid billing period. If you paid through day 31 of this month and cancel today, you can still run searches and download reports until day 31. After that date, you lose access to new searches and live queries.

Any reports you downloaded or saved before cancellation remain yours and do not disappear. The company cannot revoke documents you already possess, but you cannot generate new ones once your subscription expires.

Stopping auto-renewal and account deletion

Canceling your subscription stops auto-renewal but does not delete your account. Your login credentials and account data remain stored on BeenVerified's servers. If you want the company to erase your personal information entirely, you must request account deletion separately through support.

Pro tip: When you email support to cancel, include a second request: "Please also close my account and delete all my personal data in accordance with privacy regulations." This ensures your information is not retained indefinitely.

Preventing accidental re-subscription

If you cancel via the App Store or Google Play, that method is the most secure and least likely to result in surprise re-billing. If you canceled via the website, check your credit card statement for the next two billing cycles to confirm no charges appear. If a charge does appear after you canceled, contact your bank immediately and provide proof of your cancellation request.

Common mistakes that delay or block your cancellation

Canceling a subscription should be straightforward, but many users accidentally trap themselves by taking the wrong steps or misunderstanding what the company tells them.

Canceling in the wrong place

If you signed up on the iPhone app but try to cancel on the Android app, your cancellation will not register on the original payment method. Always cancel where you signed up: Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android, or the website if you subscribed via desktop.

Confusing "cancel" with "pause"

Some subscription services offer a pause option that temporarily freezes your account but keeps the subscription active. BeenVerified does not appear to have a pause feature, so if support suggests pausing instead of canceling, clarify that you want full cancellation and no further charges.

Not requesting a refund explicitly

Canceling your subscription does not automatically trigger a refund. You must ask for one separately and within 14 days of purchase to invoke your CPA right of withdrawal. Simply canceling your subscription means you stop paying going forward, but you may not recover what you already spent unless you request a refund.

Delaying contact with support

Every day you wait weakens your refund position. If you signed up 13 days ago and want your money back, email support immediately with "URGENT: Refund Request Within 14-Day Cooling-Off Period" in the subject line. Do not assume they will see your cancellation request as a refund request; state both intentions clearly and separately.

Reviews and real user experiences

Understanding how other users have experienced BeenVerified-both the service itself and the cancellation process-helps you set realistic expectations and spot potential issues before they affect you.

Common praise for BeenVerified

Users consistently rate the service around 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use, comprehensive background reports, and the ability to search by phone number or email. The mobile app is intuitive, and results are usually fast and detailed.

Common complaints and cancellation friction

Negative feedback clusters around three areas: (1) auto-renewal charges that surprise users because the initial trial was only $1 USD, (2) difficulty canceling via the website because the self-service option is hidden, and (3) refund delays or outright denials when users request refunds after the 7-day window closes.

Many users report that they had to contact support multiple times to get a response, and some claim they were offered discounts or downgrades instead of cancellation. Stopee recommends being firm in your requests and avoiding the temptation to accept a discounted plan if you do not want the service.

How to avoid these traps and cancel cleanly

A clean cancellation means you stop paying immediately, you confirm in writing that the company has processed your request, and you have zero confusion about what happens next.

Cancellation address and contact details

If you need to escalate a dispute or file a formal complaint, use the following details:

BeenVerified contact information

Email support: support@beenverified.com

Mailing address (primary office): The company's main corporate office is based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. However, for mailed cancellation notices, confirm the current address with support before sending, as postal addresses can change.

National Consumer Commission (South Africa escalation): If BeenVerified refuses a legitimate refund or ignores your cancellation request, file a complaint with the NCC at www.nccsa.org.za or contact them directly. Include proof of your cancellation request, the date you sent it, and any refusal communication from the company.

What to include in a formal cancellation letter

1. Your full name, account email, and member ID.
2. The date you signed up and the date of your first charge.
3. A clear statement: "I hereby cancel my subscription effective immediately and request confirmation of this cancellation."
4. If within 14 days: "I am exercising my right of withdrawal under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act and request a full refund."
5. Your current contact email and phone number.
6. The date of the letter and your signature (or email signature if sending by email).

Send this letter to support@beenverified.com with "URGENT: Formal Cancellation Notice" in the subject line. Keep a copy and send proof of delivery if possible.

Your final checklist before and after cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is secure:

1. Before cancellation:
   • Write down your account email, member ID, and the date you signed up.
   • Download and save any reports or information you need; you will lose access after cancellation.
   • Check the current date and calculate day 14 of your subscription to confirm your refund window.
   • Decide whether you want a full refund or just want to stop future charges.
2. During cancellation:
   • Cancel through the original payment method where you signed up.
   • If using support, send an email with both "cancel my subscription" and "request a refund" clearly stated.
   • Cite the Consumer Protection Act if you are within 14 days.
   • Save all confirmation emails and screenshots.
3. After cancellation:
   • Within 48 hours, verify that BeenVerified no longer appears in your App Store, Google Play, or website subscription list.
   • Set a reminder to check your bank statement 10 days later to confirm no charge appears.
   • If a refund was promised, check 10 days after approval for the credit in your account.
   • If you receive an unexpected charge within 30 days, contact your bank and file a dispute with proof of your cancellation request.
   • Request written confirmation of account deletion if the company agreed to erase your data.

Take control of your subscription today

Canceling BeenVerified does not have to be a frustrating process, and you have both legal protections and practical tools on your side. Whether you signed up on impulse, changed your mind about the value, or simply want to stop recurring charges, your right to withdraw is protected under South African law.

Follow the step-by-step cancellation method that matches where you signed up, send a clear email requesting both cancellation and a refund within 14 days if you want one, and keep proof of every communication. If the company refuses or ignores you, the National Consumer Commission has the authority to investigate and force compliance.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations, refund disputes, and dealings with companies that resist closing accounts. Our mission is to empower you to take back control of your money and your subscriptions. Whether this is your first cancellation or your tenth, Stopee at stopee.com stands ready with guides, templates, and escalation strategies to get your cancellation processed and your refund approved. You deserve clarity, honesty, and respect-and that starts with a clean cancellation.