Manage Intelius

How to cancel intelius and reclaim your time and money

What is intelius and why you might want to cancel

Intelius is a subscription-based people-search and background-check service that pulls together publicly available records to give you contact details, address histories, and compiled reports on individuals. The service operates primarily on recurring subscription plans that promise unlimited search access and optional add-on features like identity monitoring.

If you've signed up for Intelius but find the results incomplete, outdated, or simply not worth the ongoing cost, you're not alone. Many South African users discover that the service doesn't deliver the quality or value they expected, and that's exactly when you need a clear, no-nonsense cancellation process. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations just like this one, and we're here to make yours straightforward.

Main features of intelius

The platform typically offers people searches, reverse phone lookups, and address reports as core features. Optional add-ons include identity monitoring services and protective insurance. However, service quality varies significantly depending on record availability and geographic location. Some users report that search results are sparse, outdated, or simply missing the information they were looking for.

When cancellation makes sense

You should consider cancelling Intelius if you're not using the service regularly, if search results don't match your needs, or if you're concerned about ongoing charges without visible benefit. Auto-renewal can catch you off guard, so taking control of your subscription is a smart financial move.

Understanding your consumer rights under south african law

Before you cancel, know what protection the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you when dealing with subscription services.

Your rights as a consumer in south africa

The Consumer Protection Act Section 48 requires that any direct marketing agreement (which includes online subscriptions and recurring charges) must be cancelled if you provide written notice to the supplier. You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase without penalty if the agreement wasn't concluded face-to-face. After 14 days, the CPA still protects you from misleading information and unfair terms.

If Intelius continues to charge you after you've cancelled, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank and request a full refund. Keep all cancellation confirmations and communications as evidence. Stopee recommends taking screenshots of every cancellation step and email confirmation you receive.

What to do if the company refuses to honour your cancellation

If you cancel but continue to be charged, contact the National Credit Regulator (NCR) or the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa. You can escalate your complaint formally if Intelius fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 to 10 business days). Document everything: date you cancelled, confirmation numbers, and all unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue.

Cancellation methods: choosing what works for you

Intelius offers multiple ways to cancel your subscription, and each has different advantages depending on your situation and how much evidence you need to keep.

Cancelling through the intelius website

This is the fastest and most reliable method, giving you an immediate online confirmation and a digital record of your cancellation date.

1. Open a web browser and go to the Intelius website.
2. Log into your account using your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link and reset it via email.
3. Navigate to your Account Settings or Membership section (usually found in the user menu or dashboard).
4. Look for an option labelled "Cancel Subscription", "Manage Subscription", or "Billing Settings".
5. Click the cancellation option and follow the on-screen prompts.
   • Intelius may offer a discount or pause option; decline these if you want to cancel completely.
   • Warning: Do not simply delete your account without formally cancelling your subscription first, as this may not stop recurring charges.
6. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
7. Wait for a confirmation email; check your spam or junk folder if nothing arrives within 10 minutes.
8. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save the confirmation email for your records.

Cancelling via mobile app (iOS or android)

If you subscribed through the Intelius mobile app, you'll cancel through your device's app store rather than through Intelius directly.

1. For iPhone and iPad (Apple App Store):
   • Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
   • Select "Subscriptions".
   • Find Intelius in the list and tap it.
   • Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm.
   • You'll receive a cancellation confirmation from Apple; save this as proof.
2. For Android devices (Google Play Store):
   • Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile icon.
   • Select "Payments and subscriptions", then "Subscriptions".
   • Find Intelius and tap it.
   • Tap "Cancel Subscription" and follow the prompts.
   • Google will send you a cancellation confirmation email.
3. Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to cancel before your next billing date if you're within a trial period.

Cancelling by phone or email

If you prefer speaking to someone directly or want a documented written record, contact Intelius customer support by phone or email.

1. Search for Intelius' current customer service phone number and email address on their official website.
2. If calling:
   • Keep a notepad ready and write down the date, time, representative's name, and their confirmation number.
   • Ask them to confirm the cancellation date and when your access will cease.
   • Request that they email you a written confirmation of the cancellation.
3. If emailing:
   • Write a clear, formal request: "Please cancel my Intelius subscription effective immediately. My account email is [your email]. Please confirm this cancellation in writing."
   • Include your account details and the date of the request.
   • Send from the email address associated with your account.
   • Save the confirmation email they send back.
4. Pro tip: Use registered email or certified mail if sending a cancellation letter by post to create an undisputable record.

Cancelling by post (physical mail)

For the highest level of documentation, you can send a cancellation request by post to Intelius' official mailing address.

1. Write a formal cancellation letter including your full name, account email address, and account number.
2. State clearly: "I request the cancellation of my Intelius subscription effective [date]. Please stop all recurring charges."
3. Include a copy of a recent bank statement or invoice showing your account with Intelius (to prove you are the account holder).
4. Send via registered mail or certified post so you receive proof of delivery.
5. Keep the receipt and tracking number until you have confirmation of cancellation.

What happens after you cancel your intelius subscription

Cancellation doesn't happen in an instant, and understanding the timeline helps you avoid confusion or unexpected charges.

Access and account status

When you cancel a paid subscription, your access to Intelius reports and searches typically continues until the end of your current billing cycle. This means you'll keep your access even after cancellation is processed, right up until the date your next charge would have been due. Your account itself remains active, but no new charges will be applied.

Intelius does not immediately delete your search history or account data. If you wish to request data deletion, you may need to contact them separately, as cancellation and data deletion are usually two different processes.

Confirmation and auto-renewal

You should receive a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours. If you don't receive it, check your spam folder or contact support again. Warning: if you are still charged after cancellation, do not ignore it. Contact Intelius customer support immediately and keep records of all communication. If they fail to refund you within 10 business days, escalate to your bank to dispute the charge and file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission.

Stopee strongly recommends setting a calendar reminder to check your bank statement on the date your next billing cycle would occur. This simple step catches any failures in the cancellation process before they become larger refund disputes.

Refunds and what to expect

Whether you get your money back depends on how long you've been a customer and which type of plan you're cancelling.

Intelius refund policy

Intelius advertises a satisfaction guarantee that allows customers to request refunds within seven days of purchase if they are unhappy with individual report products. This applies primarily to one-off report purchases, not ongoing subscriptions.

For recurring subscription plans, refunds may be prorated based on the number of days you've actually used the service within the current billing period. For example, if you subscribed 10 days into a 30-day cycle and cancel immediately, you may receive a partial refund for the unused portion.

Certain fees, such as court record access fees or charges imposed by third-party data providers, are typically non-refundable. Once refunds are approved, you can expect them to appear on your bank statement or payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

Requesting a refund

1. Contact Intelius customer support by email or phone within seven days of your purchase (for the strongest refund claim).
2. Clearly state: "I am requesting a refund for my Intelius subscription purchased on [date]. I am dissatisfied with the service."
3. Include your account number, the date of purchase, and the amount charged.
4. Be specific about why you're unsatisfied (incomplete results, outdated information, etc.).
5. Keep all documentation: confirmation emails, screenshots, bank statements, and correspondence.
6. If Intelius denies your refund request unfairly, Stopee advises you to escalate to your bank or credit card provider and dispute the charge.

Intelius pricing: what you're actually paying

Understanding the cost structure helps you decide if cancellation is the right move and what refund you might expect.

Subscription plans and costs

Important notes on south african pricing

The prices listed above are in USD and reflect U.S. market rates. Intelius does not currently offer verified pricing in South African Rand (ZAR) for 2024 and 2025. If you've been charged in ZAR, your billing amount will depend on the current exchange rate plus any local payment processing fees your bank applies. When you cancel, ensure your refund is calculated in the original currency you were charged in, then converted back to ZAR at the rate on the refund date.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling intelius

Cancelling should be straightforward, but small oversights can leave you paying for months longer than intended. We've seen it happen countless times, and Stopee wants you to avoid these pitfalls.

Mistakes that lead to failed cancellations

• Deleting your app without cancelling the subscription first. Uninstalling the app does not stop recurring charges; you must formally cancel through the app store or website first.
• Assuming the free trial will expire on its own. Many free trials auto-renew to a paid subscription if you don't cancel before the trial ends. Set a reminder for one day before the trial ends.
• Not keeping cancellation confirmations. Without proof, you have no leverage if disputes arise. Save every email, screenshot, and reference number.
• Cancelling only through the app when you subscribed via website (or vice versa). Cancel through the same method you subscribed. If you're unsure, cancel through both the website and the app store to be safe.
• Ignoring follow-up charges after cancellation. Check your bank statement on the date your next billing cycle was due. If you see a charge, dispute it immediately rather than waiting weeks.
• Not requesting written confirmation. A phone call alone isn't enough. Always ask for a cancellation confirmation email or letter, even if you cancel online.

Key steps to take right now: your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've covered every step and nothing slips through the cracks.

• ☐ Log into your Intelius account and note your account number and email address.
• ☐ Check your last bank statement to confirm the amount you've been charged and the billing date.
• ☐ Choose your cancellation method (website, app store, phone, email, or post).
• ☐ Complete the cancellation process and immediately take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
• ☐ Save any confirmation email you receive (check spam folder within 10 minutes).
• ☐ If cancelling by phone, write down the date, time, and representative's name immediately after the call.
• ☐ Set a calendar reminder for the original billing date to check if any new charges appear.
• ☐ If you believe you deserve a refund, contact Intelius within 7 days of purchase and request one in writing.
• ☐ If Intelius does not respond within 10 business days, contact your bank to dispute the charge.
• ☐ Keep all documentation for at least 6 months in case you need to escalate to the National Consumer Commission.

Should you cancel or stay: what users actually say

Real-world feedback from Intelius users helps you decide whether cancellation is right for you.

Why customers cancel

Users frequently cite incomplete or outdated search results as their primary reason for cancelling. Many report that address histories are missing entire years, phone numbers don't match the person, or results are simply blank. Others find the subscription too expensive for occasional use, or they cancel because they didn't realise the trial would auto-renew into a paid plan. A significant portion of cancellations happen within the first 30 days because customers realise the service doesn't meet their expectations.

Why some customers keep their subscription

Users who remain with Intelius typically use it regularly for employment screening, tenant background checks, or genealogy research. They value the unlimited searches and appreciate having a consolidated platform for people searches. However, even these users note that the service works best when combined with other sources rather than relied upon alone.

Stopee's analysis shows that if you use Intelius fewer than 5 times per month, cancellation almost always saves you money compared to keeping the subscription active.

Cancellation contact details and mailing address

Use this information to reach Intelius through multiple channels or to send a formal cancellation request by post.

How to reach intelius

For the most current contact information, visit the official Intelius website and look for a "Contact Us" or "Support" page. General contact methods include:

• Online account cancellation: Log in at intelius.com, go to Account Settings, and select the cancellation option. This is the fastest method.
• Phone support: Check the Intelius website for the current customer service phone number. Have your account details ready and note the representative's name.
• Email support: Use the contact form on the Intelius website or email their support team directly. Request a cancellation confirmation in writing.

Mailing address for cancellation requests

If you prefer to send a formal cancellation letter by registered post, Intelius' correspondence address may be listed on your most recent invoice or account statement. You can also check the official Intelius website for their mailing address under "Contact Us". When mailing your cancellation request, use registered post and keep your proof of postage and tracking number until you receive written confirmation of cancellation.

Cancelling a subscription service should never feel complicated or risky. Stopee has guided thousands of consumers through cancellations exactly like yours, and we're committed to making sure you have the information and confidence to take control of your subscriptions. Whether you cancel via website, phone, email, or post, follow the steps above, keep your confirmations, and hold Intelius accountable if charges continue. Your money is yours to keep, and cancellation is your right.