Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/18/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been a victim of identity fraud. I applied to forewarn, for the first time. I am an active real estate agent with no prior criminal history. I have a clean background, I have clearance for hazard materials and **** No reason was given for the denial besides it was something on my background. They never pulled any history on me. I never received a letter for the reason and was told if my real estate board offers it then I can be approved. They discriminated against me for no apparent reason and gave no solid reason as to way. I was denial because of my background but if my real estate board offers it then they can approve. And I have a clean background and only requested the services for my real estate showing safety.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  We,on behalf of our wholly owned subsidiary FOREWARN, LLC (FOREWARN), disagree with this individuals contentions.  FOREWARN has never represented, to anyone, that every applicant would be approved to access FOREWARNs services. Instead, every applicant seeking access to FOREWARNs services is required to satisfy FOREWARNs credentialing process.  This process is designed to help ensure the appropriate use of FOREWARNs solutions.  This applicant did not satisfy FOREWARNs credentialing process, resulting in a denial of their application.  When we decide not to move forward with an application, we politely explain the same to the applicant, but it is against our policy to provide more specific information. Nothing discriminatory occurred, as FOREWARN follows the same processes and standards with respect to all applicants.  Notably, this applicant paid FOREWARN no fees, and consequently, was not harmed by our decision not to move forward with a contractual relationship.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/21/2025

   
  Complaint: 23223177
  
  I am rejecting this response because: although I paid no fees a denial of service would require a written notice of why consumer ***orting. The reason of why you would be denied wasnt met, no criminal background and I have had an active license since October 2024 none of those reasons applied. Had the *** that I spoke with not said if my real estate board offered it then I would be eligible made it discrimination. They dont directly express that it is designed specifically for the real estate professional, yet they advertise on all realtor sites. I was recently a victim of identity theft and a denial for no apparent reason, consumer ***orting act states that it should be in writing. I was told by the *** that I would receive something and to this day nothing. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ***-steel

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  This individual appears to be incorrectly referencing the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which only applies to certain types of eligibility determinations (mostly involving the extension of credit, insurance, or employment, as further defined within the ****).   The **** does not apply to a businesss determination to provide or not provide its products/services to another business professional.  We also did not consider any credit or financial factors in making our decision, so this individuals contention that they were the victim of identity theft has no bearing on this matter.  We are not open to reconsidering our decision and continue to disagree with all other statements made by this individual.  We are not obligated to provide our products/services to applicants who we determine, in our discretion, do not meet our criteria for receiving them.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/24/2025

   
  Complaint: 23223177
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I am no longer in the service. I am requesting the reason as to why because I am a victim of identity theft. If credit or financial information was not used in determining rather to offer the services then I am requesting exactly what was used to determine. I do not have criminal or negative background information. They have a right of denial. I also have a right to the why. The criteria stated criminal history, non active license none of which applies. With being a victim of identity theft, I want the official denial with the reason. I have a right to that since none of the criteria for a denial was met. As a company who serves the industry in which I am licensed real estate should want to provide the information. And per their own response I didnt meet any of the criteria for denial, it is a just because we didnt want to add you to our service or the fact that someone has used my information before. Which is the reason in whole that I am requesting the reason for denial. Also had the *** for the company not said if it is offered by your real estate board then you would be eligible for the service. At this point it is discrimination. I was told that I would get something by email/mail and still nothing. I dont meet the criteria for denial and Im no longer interested in the service but I am in the reason for denial. That is a simple response and something that as a company they should want to provide. I am only interested in a written response as to the reason. It may possibly be the person who used my information has the service. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ***-steel

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/07/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have received numerous correspondence from their billing department for a service that was cancelled a year ago. The service is free to Realtors. The account has not been utilized as a new one was established when the new policy took effect. These people are trying to recoup their losses by harassing customers who no longer are required to pay for their service.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/10/2025

  We disagree with this individuals contentions but have provided the requested billing adjustment.
  
  FOREWARN does not provide a free service.  Instead, there are two manners in which real estate professionals may receive FOREWARN: (a) via an individual subscription, where the fees are charged to the real estate professional subscribing to the service (and the real estate professionals commitment to pay is clearly stated within a contract) or (b) via an organizational subscription, where the fees are charged to a real estate association or *** contracting to receive the service on behalf of the entirety of their membership. 
  
  Where a real estate professional contracted with FOREWARN via an individual subscription and incurred a corresponding commitment to pay, but their organization subsequently made FOREWARN available as a member benefit as part of an organizational subscription, the real estate professional must notify FOREWARNs Support Team.  Upon receipt of this notice, FOREWARN will cancel the individual subscription and cease charging the real estate professional via the individual subscription.  The process for notifying FOREWARNs Support Team is clearly denoted within the *** section of our website.  Without receipt of this notice, FOREWARN would have no way of knowing to cancel the individual subscription.
  
  In this case, FOREWARN did not receive proper notice.  Now that we have been made aware of the issue, we will issue a credit this individual. Nonetheless, we have never harassed this individual, or any individual, and have engaged in no behavior which merits this complaint. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/26/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Date of contract 04/12/2024 Amount $120 *********** was not beneficial to me, and I explain to them that service wasn't working out for me, and I need to cancel. Wasn't asking for any refund and they wanted to charge an early cancellation fee which I did asked before I signed the contract if I wanted to cancel early what was the process and I was told I just need to send an email. Nothing was mentioned about an early cancellation fee else I wouldn't have signed up for it because I know that the information I would be receiving wasn't guarantee. That was the reason for me asking before I did. So, for them to be saying this is now a fraudulent and it is not in their contract. With that been said they should be the one giving me back a refund. They can send a copy of how much time a spend on the site and I didn't even get 5 persons correct information. They are very unfair and deceptive in their business.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/14/2025

  The contract that this customer executed very clearly states that price is for a 12-month term commitment.  It included no right of early termination.  These terms are common for subscription services such as ours.  Upon receiving this customers attempt at cancellation, we did offer them an early termination (solely as a courtesy and without any contractual obligation on our part), in exchange for a small fee (which would have been significantly less than the price the customer committed to paying for the entire term).  Our conduct as been professional and courteous; we have engaged in no false, unfair, misleading, or deceptive business practices. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/16/2025

   
  Complaint: 22807607
  
  I am rejecting this response because: there was nothing stating that an early termination will require fee.  I had asked the question before they need to go review their phone conversation with me before I signed the contract.  They are claiming that their early termination is reasonable what about me paying $120 and was not able to even get 5 homeowners correct information.  All the information I received was invalid.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

  Business Response

  Date: 02/12/2025

  We stand by our prior response.  The contract did not permit for any early termination rights.  An early termination was offered to this customer solely as a compromise, as otherwise, the customer would be required to pay for the entire 12 months. 
  
  While we endeavor to provide a superior solution, the terms of the contract clearly stated each partys rights and remedies.  While we are sorry to hear that this customer was not happy with our service, we do maintain a dedicated support team available to address any concerns about the validity of information provided through the service. 
  
  We do not feel this customers experience is indicative of the experience of our typical customer, as we maintain thousands of satisfied customers. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/31/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Red Violet has a company called Forewarn. It is a software used for background searches for *********** brokers. ***** ******* and **** of the company have kicked me off for "too many searches" and want to screenshare to go through my things. We have read through all subscriber agreements and terms of services, and there is no limit on searches and nothing that allows them to screenshare and go through everything. On top of that, he keeps giving different reasons and switching up his words. We pay $8000 a month for the service. He keeps ignoring me and telling me he doesn't want to talk to me and when I call him and leave him a voicemail, he says I'm harrassing him, even though I'm just trying to speak to him, and then he said because of my voicemails and attitude he doesn't want me on the platform. He was also very disrespectful towards me and cussed at me. He hang up the phone on me and wouldn't speak to me, only to my managing broker, and doesn't want me a part of any calls or emails.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2025

  FOREWARN,a subsidiary of red violet, disagrees with this individuals contentions. The contract this individuals business executed on behalf of all users operating under their account allowed them to use FOREWARNs service solely for identity verification, fraud prevention, and safety purposes in the conduct of their business (and not for background searches, marketing purposes or for any other purposes).  The contract allowed FOREWARN to monitor all search activity and audit the account to ensure compliance with the contract as well as applicable laws and regulations governing the services.  The contract required that the customer provide reasonable cooperation and all documentation reasonably requested by FOREWARN in connection with such audits.  The contract also permitted FOREWARN to suspend or terminate the account in the event of any breach.
  
  As permitted by the contract, FOREWARN did monitor the customers search activity and determined that this users search volume may have been indicative of the user accessing the service for unpermitted uses.  FOREWARN issued several warnings to the user prior to suspending their account and invoking its audit rights.  The user refused to cooperate with the audit or provide the documentation reasonably requested by FOREWARN.  Consequently, FOREWARN determined that the users account should not be reactivated.  
  
  Our communications with this individual were professional.  The individual chose to involve his manager, and we did attempt to work with his manager in good faith to resolve the issue.  Since posting this complaint, this individual has since apologized to FOREWARN in writing.     

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/23/2025

    
  Complaint: 22751032
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Forewarn is super shady regarding their unprofessional behavior, lack of transparency, and failure to address critical issues with my account. I will outline the concerns in detail below, accompanied by evidence to support my claims.
  1. Misrepresentation of Search Limits
  When I initially contacted Forewarn, one of their representatives informed me that I had conducted 700 searches, which they claimed exceeded a limit of 250. However, my agreement explicitly states that searches are unlimited. Later, *****, a representative of Forewarn, alleged that I had conducted ****** searchesa claim I find impossible. When I requested a proof to verify the amount of searches, he provided only a vague screenshot without any thorough explanation or evidence, when I had clearly asked to go into the system and go through the amount of searches.
  ***** suggested that duplicate or repeated searches might have inflated the count, as well as much multiple results per search might count as 1 search, but he did not verify or provide clarity. Despite my repeated requests for transparency, no substantial proof was given.
  2. Unprofessional and Disrespectful Behavior
  During a phone conversation with *****, he was disrespectful and used inappropriate language. This behavior was acknowledged in previous email communications and screenshots I provided. Furthermore, when I sought clarification regarding the discrepancies in search ******, ***** ignored my calls and later admittedin front of my managing brokerthat he was deliberately avoiding communication.
  ***** also hung up on me multiple times, claiming he had no obligation to speak with me and would only communicate with my managing broker. His behavior was unprofessional and dismissive throughout the process.
  3. Conflicting Statements About Compliance
  Forewarn has repeatedly failed to provide clarity regarding compliance. Initially, I was informed that ***** was part of compliance, but later he denied any involvement. When I called from different numbers to verify, Forewarn staff confirmed that ***** was part of compliance. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of their processes. In the beginning of December when he was going to turn my account back on, he also accidentally included me in an email with **** saying should we turn him back on, speaking about me, showing that he is compliance and has the power to turn me back.
  4. Lack of Resolution and Attempts to Upsell
  When I involved my managing broker to resolve the issue, ***** suggested I subscribe to a different, more expensive software that was unrelated to the problem at hand. This appears to be an attempt to upsell an extremely expensive service rather than address the legitimate concerns I raised about my current subscription.
  5. Violation of Agreement Terms
  The agreement does not mention any requirement for screen sharing as part of an audit process. However, ***** insisted on reviewing personal and business information from me and my managing broker. This overreach is both inappropriate and a breach of the agreement. He asked me to send a screenshot of leads showing how many leads I would have. I sent him a screenshot of two of my softwares. He then told me he wanted to set up a screen share because he cannot verify my screenshots. I explained to him the situation with my managing broker and he didnt want me to screen share anything because most of my leads are from him. He knows my managing broker very well. I only apologized because my managing broker told me to do so, so he can get on good terms with me maybe and put me back on. My managing broker allowed me to send some of his screenshots and said he will allow his things to be screen shared so I sent that in the same email trying to set that up, and since then I have gotten no response. Also, on a subscriber agreement online, it quite literally says searches are "unlimited." I literally sent him everything he was looking for and agreed to the screen share that he so "claims" is part of his screen share and still no response.
  6. Failure to Provide Timely Responses
  Despite multiple attempts to communicate and set up a resolution, Forewarn ignored my emails and calls for extended periods. Only when their relationship with my managing broker was at risk did ***** respond. Now since then even, I have been trying to get in contact and have yet to seek a response.
  Resolution Sought
  I am seeking the following:
  A formal apology for the unprofessional behavior and the disrespectful treatment I experienced. I want to know why ***** ******* has an agenda against me. 
  Restoration of my access to the Forewarn program, in alignment with the terms of the agreement.
  A transparent and detailed audit of my account activity to address the discrepancies in search counts.
  Enclosed with this complaint are screenshots of communications and other supporting evidence. I hope the BBB will assist in resolving this matter fairly and promptly.
  Thank you for your attention. I am happy to provide additional information or documentation as needed.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/23/2025

  The original didn't allow me to include the zip file and still won't. I have tons of screenshots I wanted to send over.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/31/2025

  Here are the screenshots of some of our conversations. I also want to add that ***** ******* at Forewarn has stopped all communications with me, doesnt respond to my emails at all, and has told me to never contact him in my life ever again.
  
  
  

  ******** **** ****** Real Estate Broker,Realty ********* Excel ************|www.***************** *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** *************************************************

  Business Response

  Date: 01/31/2025

  FOREWARN,a subsidiary of red violet, disagrees with this individuals contentions. The contract this individuals business executed on behalf of all users operating under their account allowed them to use FOREWARNs service solely for identity verification, fraud prevention, and safety purposes in the conduct of their business (and not for background searches, marketing purposes or for any other purposes).  The contract allowed FOREWARN to monitor all search activity and audit the account to ensure compliance with the contract as well as applicable laws and regulations governing the services.  The contract required that the customer provide reasonable cooperation and all documentation reasonably requested by FOREWARN in connection with such audits.  The contract also permitted FOREWARN to suspend or terminate the account in the event of any breach.
  
  As permitted by the contract, FOREWARN did monitor the customers search activity and determined that this users search volume may have been indicative of the user accessing the service for unpermitted uses.  FOREWARN issued several warnings to the user prior to suspending their account and invoking its audit rights.  The user refused to cooperate with the audit or provide the documentation reasonably requested by FOREWARN.  Consequently, FOREWARN determined that the users account should not be reactivated.  
  
  Our communications with this individual were professional.  The individual chose to involve his manager, and we did attempt to work with his manager in good faith to resolve the issue.  Since posting this complaint, this individual has since apologized to FOREWARN in writing.     

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/11/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I don't know where to begin. I am seeking legal action against Forewarn because the service provided is grossly inaccurate for judging ones character. This service is being misused by the subscribers and there is no way to ensure this service is being used on a professional level witch led to a very embarrassing situation. This service shows ONLY the charges and NOT the dispositions of cases. What is even worse Forewarn users need only a phone number to do so. This company has exposed expunged court files that aren't supposed to be seen but is visible for the world to see. They will not remove them without proof witch is going to take months to do so when I shouldn't even have to!. I have requested to OPT OUT option without ANY response. I want my information permanently removed from there website.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/16/2024

  FOREWARN wholly disagrees with this individuals contentions but has nonetheless removed his information as he has requested.
  
  FOREWARN is an information solution provided solely to its credentialed business customers for purposes of identity verification, fraud prevention/detection,and the protection of their individual safety in the conduct of their business,which may involve meeting new or unknown prospects at potentially isolated locations.  FOREWARNs customers contractually represent and warrant that they will use FOREWARN solely for those purposes, and no others. FOREWARNs customers also contractually represent and warrant that they will never share the information derived from FOREWARN with any third party and will apply information security safeguards to the information.  FOREWARN enforces its customers contractual commitments.  If this individual has any information suggesting that any FOREWARN customer has misused **********************, we encourage him to bring that information to our attention to review and redress it.   FOREWARN does not provide any data, to anyone, for purposes of judging anyones general character or reputation.  Likewise, FOREWARN does not provide any data to the general public.
  
  This individual first contacted FOREWARN on December 8, 2024 (i.e., a mere three days before he submitted this complaint), and we were in the process of addressing his requests before he submitted this complaint.  FOREWARN is predominantly based on public records information and other third-party records lawfully acquired by FOREWARN.  We endeavor to include dispositions where such information is available.  However, dispositions are not always made available to FOREWARN.  Likewise, where we receive information establishing that a criminal record has been sealed or expunged, we take efforts to promptly remove it from our database.  Again, however, this information is not always made available to FOREWARN, which is why we request that an individual claiming that their record has been sealed or expunged provide the relevant court order sealing or expunging the record to FOREWARN.  We request this information solely to process the individuals request and find that the individual submitting the request usually has this information at hand and can provide it easily.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/18/2024

  The company stated removal of my information. Upon calling and asking FOREWARN staff it was discovered that they in fact DID NOT remove my information as stated. I was told they are looking into this but the legal team is NOT RESPONDING. Will not be accepting this offer ONLY BECAUSE they did not take my information off as they stated in their response. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/20/2024

   
  Complaint: 22672330
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  They stated removal of my information! However, after calling several times to verify I was told by FOREWARN staff that it HAS NOT. They state that there members don't use the software for ANY other reason besides home purchases. We'll, how did I get access to my file then! I'm not buying a house. Attached is a screenshot of some of the records from there website. They are lying. They are not removing my information as they stated. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ************

  Business Response

  Date: 12/30/2024

  This individuals statement is inaccurate.  He was told on 12/23 that his information no longer appears in our system.  The original opt-out took longer to process than we anticipated, and for this, we apologize. However, there was never any intention to mislead him, and as of the date of this response his request has been processed.  The only way this individual was able to obtain the information was through our own staff, who were trying to be helpful by providing the information (directly to the consumer to which the information pertained, and to no one else).  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/01/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/04/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company is a data broker providing a paid service, of selling one's personal info. I followed the instructions on Forewarn's (a subsidiary of Red Violet) website for my removal on 8.9.2024. They are a foreign/for-profit data broker, registered in the state of ********, operating out of **********. The website says they require up to 90 days for removal, at which point they will tell you the results of "their investigation" as to whether or not one "qualifies for removal". This is against FL Statutes Section 501.701-722 the Digital Bill of Rights. Today is the 85th day, and my info remains. This includes my current address, all addresses for the last 30+ years, all phone numbers I have or have ever had, any and all vehicles, any and all aliases, and criminal history inclusive of speeding tickets. I called them today to follow up and was given the complete run around by ****** **************. He told me he would pass my request on to "them". Won't tell me who "them" is? There is no manager to speak to, I said I could swing by but they aren't open to the public, the only people at the office to speak to is the legal team who also conveniently doesn't interface with the public. He said they needed to complete their "investigation" as to whether or not I qualify for removal from their website. Why do these folks have "police power" over my private info they are making money off of? Are they the *** in disguise? When I advised they were not following FL Statutes, the response I received was "if we weren't following the law, we wouldn't be a company". So there's the company sentiment about removing people. They also claim that what they sell is readily available on the internet. False! There is no website I can enter my cell phone and find out every car I've ever driven, nor does the *** release that? No website tells one where I lived for the past 30 years, etc. Seems like my credit report, minus the banking info. Very disturbing company.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/05/2024

  FOREWARN,LLC (a red violet company) wholly disagrees with this individuals contentions. 
  
  The law cited by this individual only applies to data controllers who make in excess of $1 billion in global gross annual revenues.  FOREWARN is not such an entity and therefore, is not legally obligated to afford individuals any rights under FL Statutes Section 501.701-722.  The type of data FOREWARN maintains is also wholly exempt or excluded by FL Statutes Section 501.701-722.
  
  FOREWARN is only made available to FOREWARNs credentialed business customers, for purposes of identity verification, fraud prevention, and the protection of their safety in the conduct of their business, which may involve meeting new or unknown prospects at potentially isolated locations.  Subscribers contractually agree to use the service for no other purpose.  Subscribers also contractually agree never to share information derived from FOREWARN with any third party, and never to search themselves other than for initial training purposes.  Finally, Subscribers contractually agree that FOREWARN is not a consumer reporting agency and its services do not constitute a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), or any similar state statute;consequently, Subscribers contractually agree never to use FOREWARN, in whole or in part, for any eligibility purpose under the FCRA.  FOREWARN is not made available to the general public.  We comply with rigorous controls to help keep information safe, in keeping with our mission to assist our Subscribers with critical identity verification, fraud prevention, and safety purposes.  Our service, and all information contained within our service,is licensed in keeping with all applicable laws.  We have never sold any information we collected from this individual, to anyone.   
  
  This individual is a FOREWARN Subscriber and would have agreed to the foregoing provisions (among others) prior to receiving any access to our service. FOREWARN takes all commercially reasonable steps to enforce its Subscriberscontracts.  
  
  FOREWARN does make commercially reasonable efforts to provide a superior service. Consequently, we do offer individuals at a serious risk of serious bodily harm and/or who possess a legal right to opt out, a mechanism for notifying us of their circumstances and requesting to opt out of our services.  We review these requests on a case-by-case basis, and we are still in the process of reviewing this individuals request.  Subscribers (such as this individual) are also offered dedicated assistance by our Support team, if they have any questions or concerns about the accuracy of information in our database.  In this case, our Support team conveyed that the Subscribers request would be relayed to other teams/departments better able to assist them.  We disagree that any Subscriber has ever been dismissed or given a run around by our Support team. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 22512120
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The company has put a lot of effort into fighting for their perceived right to solicit my personal statistics, for their personal gain.  Where in the statute does the law say it only applies to businesses that make a certain amount of profit?  ******** brokers really making close to a billion dollars off of selling people's personal life stories?  **************************** have specific complaint options for issues just like this, so the spirit of the law is to protect the consumer.  The irony of compromising one's safety for the "safety" of another seems unethical at face value, particularly if one if making a profit off of doing so.  After all this verbiage; aka: a run around, no where would they concede to simply removing my information.  Why fight me so hard?  This request would cost the company $0 to simply act in the spirit of a neighborly, local, community business.  My information is in fact for sale, as this service was initially offered to all Realtors for a fee.  So it's a paid service.  I personally have not paid out of pocket, rather it came as a paid subscription with my membership to *****************  I would have never "known of" or used this service otherwise, and honestly feel dirty doing so; I shouldn't know these things about people!  Incidentally, I've consulted the Florida legal hotline, and they agreed that Forewarn should simply remove my information if I so request, and that we as Realtors, don't need any additional negative connotations about our industry.  I've had complaints from clients who are aware Realtors are "stalking" their customers via this service.  Someone apparently slipped and knew things about a client that were never told them.  When they told me the story, I mentioned that their prior Realtor probably looked them up on Forewarn.  Sure, I looked myself up; (who wouldn't) and agree with the general public's perception.  We all sat in our local broker's office and looked ourselves up, with jaws dropped to the floor.  Incidentally, about 75% of the phone numbers I entered aren't even listed; only chumps like us are on their website.  The spammers and scammers know how to hide who they are better they us.  The statement of we don't sell information, as we only offer the service to paid subscribers, is contradictory.  If one is paying, they one is selling.  I was not put through any scrutiny to become a user of this site?  Last statistic I heard, was there are just under ******* licensed Realtors in the state of *******, so at a minimum, my information is available to half a million folks.  Of course we all know that a Realtor would never do anything unethical.  I really didn't anticipate such a fight, for such a simple request.  The more people I tell this story to, the more people understand.  This strikes me as a manipulation the law, for financial gain.  Big guy fighting the little guy.  I will happily forfeit my use as a subscriber and hold firm on my request that I be removed from their database.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******

  Business Response

  Date: 11/12/2024

  FOREWARN complies with all applicable legal and other requirements in making it service available.  As previously stated, FOREWARN is only made available to Subscribers who satisfy its rigorous credentialing standards, and who attest to using the service solely for identity verification, fraud prevention, and safety purposes in the context of their business.  FOREWARN takes substantial efforts to safeguard its service, as well as the information contained in its service, and does not compromise any persons safety in exchange for the safety of any other person.  We have sent this individual the contact information of our legal counsel, who remains available to explain our processes to this individual so that they may better understand the nature of our service and our substantial compliance efforts.  To the extent that this individual possesses credible information suggesting that a Subscriber has misused our service, we encourage them to come forward with such information so that we may investigate it and redress it appropriately.  We take all such allegations seriously; we do not permit Subscribers to use our service to cause harm or substantial inconvenience to anyone.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22512120
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  This is tiresome.  I'm not interested in the legitimacy of this business.  I just want my information removed from their profile.  They seem to continue to reference how I found this information out, rather then acknowledge my request to be removed.  At this point, the damage is already done.  Thanks so much for providing safety to the community.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/20/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up as an individual Realtor for Forewarn's services to be billed monthly while using their services as my brokerage does not include this option for free to Realtors as other brokerages do. My charge was to be $20 per month while using the services. My credit card on file expired and I stopped using the services and have not accessed my account and have since deleted the app. I received an invoice after my credit card on file expired and advised that I was no longer using the service and requested that my account be cancelled and no further involves be sent. After much back and forth, I was credited for months when I did not use the service. However my account was not cancelled as requested and I continued to be invoiced. I reiterated my previous request for cancelation of my account but the company refuses to do so and is insisting I owe a current and future invoice. I have emailed many times, two different support emails and have not received a resolution. The only outcome I want is for my account to be cancelled and to not be invoiced for two months of services I have not used. I do not understand why some months were approved to be written off/charged off and not others when I have repeatedly requested, in writing, that my account be closed and no further invoices be sent as I have not used the company services in 6 months or so. I hope that now the company will understand the effort I have put in to my communications for a satisfactory resolution. Based on my personal experience I cannot in good faith recommend this service to other Realtors.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/21/2024

  FOREWARN,a red violet company, disagrees with this customers contentions. 
  
  The customer executed a written agreement with FOREWARN containing a fixed term through October 31, 2024 and a monthly fee of $20.00 per month, which was required to be paid for the entirety of the term (i.e., through October 31,2024).  The contract also required the customer to maintain a valid credit card on file with FOREWARN.  Like many subscription services containing a flat monthly fee, this contract did not afford the customer any early termination rights, and the fee would not vary depending on how often the customer used the service. 
  
  The customers credit card was declined, starting in June 2024.  FOREWARN notified the customer each month that their account could not be charged, from June 2024 through September 2024.  In September 2024, we reminded the customer that, due to their failure to keep a current credit card on file, $80 in fees had accrued and were considered past due.
  
  The customer failed to respond at our attempts at outreach until October 3rd,at which point the customer demanded their account be cleared and cancelled.  In response, we reminded the customer that they were under contract through October 31, 2024. 
  
  The customer continued to refuse to provide a valid payment method for the monthly fee they were contractually obligated to pay.
  
  Solely as a gesture of good will, and not due to any legal or contractual obligation on our part, we agreed to waive the $80 in past due charges and allow the customer to terminate the contract early but informed them they would need to pay a total of $30 (one month of fees plus a one-time early termination charge of $10).  This would still have resulted in the customer saving $50 that the customer was otherwise contractually obligated to pay.
  
  The customer refused our fair offer at compromise, and filed this complaint.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 22448824
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Here is the timeline I have, including snippets of emails between myself and Forewarn: 

  July 11: Forewarn emailed me: "The credit card on file for your FOREWARN auto pay account has declined."
  
  August 9: Forewarn emailed me: "If payment is not received, your account will be suspended within the next 72 hours."

  I have been trying to suspend my account this whole time but Forewarn has refused to do so despite saying differently in writing.
  
  August 23: Forewarn emailed me: "Failure to remit payment immediately will result in your account being forwarded to third-party collection attorneys."
  
  There is nothing in Forewarn's one page contract stating that accounts may be sent to collections.
  
  August 23: I emailed Forewarn: "Please cancel my account."
  
  September 12: Forewarn emailed me: "If payment for invoice #IN702970 dated 06/30/2024 is not received within twenty-four (24) hours, our collection attorneys will be instructed to proceed with all remedies available to collect on the outstanding balance, including legal action."
  
  September 12: I replied to Forewarn: "I have already asked that my account be cancelled and you have refused. Please write this amount off."
  
  September 16: Forewarn emailed me: "We have credited your account for the balance due in the amount of $80.00. Please note you have a $0.00 balance."

  This led me to believe that no further invoices would be sent.
  
  October 3: Forewarn sent me an invoice for $20.
  
  October 3: I emailed Forewarn "Please stop sending me invoices. Per your previous email to me on 09/16/24 with subject line "Account *******", my account should be both cleared and cancelled. Please confirm that my account has been cancelled."
  
  October 4: Forewarn emailed me: "We will accept this email, as notice of your intent to cancel service upon expiration of the contract and will not auto renew service."
  
  October 9: Forewarn emailed me again: "The credit card on file for your FOREWARN auto pay account has declined."

  Per the above convos, Forewarn was aware of my credit card on file being expired so I believe there was a lack of communication on their end resulting in this message.

  October 9: I emailed Forewarn: "Please write off any final pending charges on my account and cancel it once and for all."
  
  October 9: Forewarn emailed me: "You are not eligible for cancellation. We issued you a credit on 9/18/24 in the amount of $80.00 for the months that you didnt use it."
  

  Why was I credited for some months that I did not use the service but not others? This makes no logical sense.

  October 9: I emailed Forewarn: "Please write off any pending charges on my account as I have not been using your services and as you mentioned in your previous email, previous charges were written off when I was not using your services. I still am not."
  
  October 10: Forewarn emailed me: "That credit issued to you for $80.00 was a onetime courtesy credit to you for time you didnt use the app. Your account is still active and is not billed based on usage, but on contract. Your contract ends 10/31/24 and will not be cancelled before then. Your balance is $20.00, and you will receive one more invoice for the month of October."

  Per the above, Forewarn chose to credit me for some months when I did not use their services but not others. At one point they mention I will need to pay two future invoices and at another one $10 cancellation fee and one $20 amount that I am not clear what it is for.

  I am requesting that Forewarn bring this conflict to an end by closing my account, voiding any current and pending charges, whether they are $30 or $40 or otherwise, and discontinue contacting me. I have deleted the app and have no intention of using it again. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********

  Business Response

  Date: 10/29/2024

  The customer claims to contest our response but does not actually disagree with the substance of our response.  Again, solely as a gesture of good will, and not due to any legal or contractual obligation on our part, we agreed to waive the $80 in past due charges and allow the customer to terminate the contract early but informed them they would need to pay a total of $30 (one month of fees plus a one-time early termination charge of $10).  This would still have resulted in the customer saving $50 that the customer was otherwise contractually obligated to pay.
  
  The customer was under a fixed, ******** term commitment (not variable based upon actual usage) and their failure to maintain a valid credit card on file does not negate their obligation to fulfill their contractual commitment. 
  
  We are sorry that the customer was not satisfied by our service, but do not agree that they are entitled to any further remedy from FOREWARN.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/02/2024

   
  Complaint: 22448824
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I will be filing a complaint with the **** over Forewarn's inconsistent practices, so BBB involvement is no longer needed.

  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/02/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Red Violet (FOREWARN) is reporting inaccurate criminal background information on me. Through my attorney ************************* we have provided this firm with court verified paperwork disputing the validity of the information they are databasing. They are posting information that is inaccurate and harmful to my reputation.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/07/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company just gave free access to everyone in our ******************* so all realtors (and countless others) have access to this database. When I checked my own record, it is showing traffic tickets from 5-7 years ago and a bankruptcy from **** that is not accurate. None of these things should be shown on any legitimate and complaint credit report and this false information will negatively affect my business and reputation. I want to opt out of this database and intend to file a complaint with the ************************ and hire an attorney if necessary.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/22/2024

  This Compliant contains false or inaccurate information.
  
  FOREWARN is only made available to our credentialed business subscribers who contractually attest that they will use our service solely for purposes of identity verification, fraud prevention,and protection of their safety in connection with their business. FOREWARNs subscribers are contractually prohibited from making any information pertaining to FOREWARNs business available to any third party. FOREWARN is not made available to individual consumers or to anyone for their personal, family or household use, or to the general public. FOREWARN is not properly used to make any assessments about any persons reputation, or as a factor in establishing an individuals eligibility for credit, insurance, or employment.
  
  When this subscriber contacted us,we courteously responded to her and explained that the information she is complaining of was substantiated by the court of record and constitutes publicly available information.  It is not false, and she has submitted no information to FOREWARN indicating that it is false. 
  
  This subscriber previously certified to her understanding and agreement that: FOREWARN is not a consumer reporting agency, FOREWARNs service does not constitute consumer reports,and FOREWARNs services may not be used for any eligibility purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  FOREWARN strictly enforces its prohibition on using the service for FCRA eligibility purposes.
  
  FOREWARN makes its Privacy Policy and Opt-Out Policy publicly available via its website.  This subscriber never made any request to opt out consistent with our policy.  Based on the information available to FOREWARN, this subscriber is not eligible to opt out of our services.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 21107288
  
  I am rejecting this response because the information is false. I am awaiting confirmation that it has been deleted from my rec ord.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/23/2024

  Please withdraw as I am pursuing outside of BBB

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/08/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I, an individual payee have been attempting to cancel my subscription that began in 2020. Said subscription began as a "12 months term" and "shall automatically renew for additional successive 12-months terms." I am no longer certified as per their policies to have access to *** information, or want said services. I wrote to the reps multiple times via email and also by phone to cancel this subscription. It is being refused because their definition in their mind is that the 12 months term never expires. This was a 24 month max ********* This should be cancelled. IDI Core is also permitting unauthorized users access to confidential personal information. They are authorizing people who have no clearances to Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and more.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/14/2023

  *** disagrees with this complaint,for the following reasons.
  
  On December 17, 2020, the complainant executed a written and signed amendment to its contract with IDI (Amendment 1).  Amendment 1 provided for a twelve month Initial Termrunning from December 17, 2020 through December 17, 2021.  Amendment 1 also provided that the agreement would automatically renew for additional,consecutive Additional Terms unless one party provided prior, written notice of its intention not to renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.   There was never any 24-month cap placed on the contract.  Instead, it would continue until either party terminated it, by providing written notice 60 days prior to expiration of the then-current term.
  
  Since neither party notified the other of its intention not to renew the agreement at least sixty days prior the end of the Initial Term, the agreement automatically renewed for the first Additional Term of December 17, 2021 through December 16, 2022.
  
  Again, since neither party notified the other of its intention not to renew the agreement at least sixty days prior to the end of the first Renewal Term, the agreement automatically renewed for the second Additional Term of December 17, 2022 through December 16, 2023.
  
  On January 18, 2023, the complainant requested a temporary change in their IDI plan, which was not permissible under the contract as amended.  To the extent that the customer intended this to constitute a notice of its intention not to renew, it would only take effect as of the next Additional Term (i.e., the agreement would expire on December 16, 2023 and not renew for a third Additional Term).
  
  IDI only provides services to its credentialed business users.  While the complainant was a user of IDIs service, the contract required the complainant to certify that it possessed a permitted use for services.  Complainant was required to recertify its adherence to the contract, and its adherence to the permitted use requirements,every time it accessed the services.  Therefore, it is completely and utterly false to say that IDI ever permitted an unauthorized user to access any confidential personal information.  Should complainant have accessed the services without a permitted use, the complainant would be liable to IDI for breach of contract. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/14/2023

   
  Complaint: 20033403
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I spoke directly with your management on the phone. He stated that the service would be cancelled but I would finish paying that month since it was already in play. Your own manager said I was not allowed to use your service due to me changing professions. I would not be eligible to your information due to being out of Law Enforcement. It was said I would not be charged after that said month.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business Response

  Date: 10/17/2023

  This issue has been resolved.  Although the customer was under a longer contractual commitment (please see our earlier response), IDI agreed to terminate the customer's agreement as a courtesy effective April 30, 2023.  IDI acknowledges that, due to a error with our billing software, the customer received invoices through July 31, 2023.  However, the customer made no payments under those invoices, and IDI has made no effort to collect any amounts set forth in those invoices.  As such, neither party owes the other party any amounts.