Spokeo.com refuses to refund yearly payment for services no longer provided, Internet

Spokeo
1-800-699-4264

I signed up for Spokeo.com services Oct. 5, 2011. I paid $35.40 for one year. I thought it might prove helpful in my business. To some extent, it did. I fully intended to keep the service for at least a year.

When I signed up, I was able to get information on just about everyone I searched for. That information included their age, birthday, marital status, a photo of their home or area of business and considerable other information.

However, the last month or so, I've not been able to access any of this information. Not on any name, real or not. I did do a rather extensive test today and was able to access a limited amount of information on one or two made-up names in Texas. But the amount of information now available is minimal and worthless.

I am only able to get a list of names and various addresses. That information is available anywhere. The information for which I paid is not available. I asked Spokeo for a refund because the searches are now worthless.

Today, I got this email message in answer to that request:

"Spokeo Dispute Resolution Team (SJ), Feb 17 10:09 am (PST):

A Spokeo claims specialist has reviewed the case and determined that this case not meet the criteria for a refund.
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Dispute Customer ID: XXXXXX
Determination: Refund Not Approved
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Message from Claims Specialist:

Dear XYZ,

Normally, refunds are not awarded for a case in your category. In addition, there have been numerous comprehensive searches performed on the account since October, which have incurred costs for us. As such, we cannot offer you a refund of any kind. I do understand that you have been disappointed and apologize for the inconvenience you have been put through. Please keep in mind when submitting your transaction and clicking the small box you are agreeing to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Plan Specifications, and that our subscriptions are non-refundable. Without clicking that small box indicating that you agree, there would have been no way to charge your credit card to purchase a subscription.

I regret to inform you that Spokeo does have a no-refund policy. Our no-refund policy is stated our Terms of Use and clearly explains that subscriptions are non-refundable, and will remain active for auto-renewal until canceled. This was consented at the time of purchase. I apologize if this was unclear in any way.

Sincerely,
Cathy
Dispute Resolution Team
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About Your Claim Category:

Spokeo would like to remind all customers that all Spokeo's subscription model is based on monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually recurring increments. Our website and payment page clearly states our subscription costs. Displayed prices are broken down to the cost per month and deducted accordingly as one payment per subscription period. A screenshot of this payment page can be provided as proof if requested.

Spokeo's subscription terms and conditions are also displayed twice - the first on our payment page, and then again in a follow-up email confirming the subscription receipt ID as well as amount deducted. Our no-refund policy, which is on the "Terms of Use" page, explains clearly that payments are non-refundable, and subscriptions will remain active until deleted (which can be done at any time by users or through customer service).

It is also important to note all consumers have the responsibility of considering the suitability of the product in accordance to your needs, exercising careful judgment and in some cases, carrying out the necessary research before making the purchase. By clicking "Submit," users agree to abide to all Terms of Use."

I don't know why Spokeo.com no longer provides the searches it purports to provide. I only feel that I have been cheated out of both the service and my money.