Permitted Uses — The Dos and Don'ts
Last updated: April 1, 2026. ReverseScope is a public-data search tool — not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). That difference matters: it defines exactly what you may and may not do with the information in our reports. By using ReverseScope you agree to these rules.
✓ What You MAY Use ReverseScope For
- Identifying Unknown Callers — find out who is behind a missed call, robocall, or suspicious text.
- Verifying Online Contacts — check that a dating match, marketplace seller, or new acquaintance is who they claim to be.
- Protecting Yourself From Scams — research a phone number, email, or photo before you reply, click, or pay.
- Reconnecting With People — find current contact details for old friends, classmates, and relatives.
- Researching a Used Vehicle — decode a VIN and review vehicle history before a private purchase.
- Satisfying Personal Curiosity — learn more about the people in your personal life using public information.
✗ What You May NOT Use ReverseScope For
Because ReverseScope is not a consumer reporting agency, you may not use our reports for any purpose covered by the FCRA, including:
Read the full text of the Fair Credit Reporting Act at the FTC →
- Employment — decisions about hiring, promoting, reassigning, or retaining any employee, contractor, volunteer, or household worker (including nannies and caregivers);
- Housing — decisions about renting, leasing, or selling a residential property to any person, including tenant screening;
- Credit — decisions about lending money or extending, monitoring, or collecting credit;
- Insurance — underwriting, rating, or any insurance eligibility decision;
- Eligibility Determinations — decisions about a person's eligibility for licenses, benefits, or government services;
- Any Other FCRA Purpose — any use that would require compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act;
- Stalking or Harassment — locating or monitoring a person to harass, intimidate, stalk, or harm them. We cooperate with law enforcement on any misuse of this kind.
If you need a background check for employment, tenant screening, or credit purposes, use an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency instead. ReverseScope reports are for personal, non-FCRA use only — full detail in our Terms & Conditions.
Your Data, Your Choices
Want your own information out of our results? Use Remove My Information. California residents can also exercise privacy rights at Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.