WebVetted Beta
Recommendation
Caution
Overall Summary
Suspicious
Why we think so

23andMe.com is a well-established DNA testing service offering detailed ancestry and health insights. It ranks #8,817 globally with about 4.5 million monthly visits, mainly from the United States. The site uses various reputable technologies and security measures, and its WHOIS data shows registration since 2006 under 23andMe, Inc., based in California. Despite its long history and strong technical infrastructure, 23andMe has experienced significant challenges including a major data breach affecting millions of users, recent bankruptcy filings, and ongoing legal disputes regarding privacy and data sales. Customer reviews often highlight issues with support, refunds, and privacy concerns. Scam activity detected mainly involves phishing and fraud attempts exploiting these vulnerabilities around 23andMe, rather than the company itself being fraudulent.

Confidence Score
73%

Risk Insights

🛡️

Strong Brand and Domain History

Domain active since 2006 with consistent ownership
Multiple active US trademarks
Uses reputable security and analytics technologies
⚠️

Serious Legal and Privacy Challenges

2023 data breach exposed millions of profiles
Multiple class action settlements underway
2025 bankruptcy raising risk of data sale or misuse
⚠️

Mixed Customer Reputation

Common complaints about customer service and refunds
Privacy and data handling concerns
Scam and phishing activity exploiting data breach fears

Contradictory Signals

While 23andMe is a legitimate business, its recent operational and security issues reduce trust and raise risk for customers.

Signal A: Long-standing reputable genetics company with strong domain, trademarks, and tech

Signal B: Multiple serious user complaints, data breach, bankruptcy, and legal disputes

Category Scores

Identity 85/100
Reputation 40/100
Technical 80/100
Content 75/100
Legal 45/100
Business Validity 70/100

Red Flags & Warnings

  • Multiple reports of negative customer service experiences and denied refunds.
  • A major 2023 data breach exposed millions of user profiles with privacy risks.
  • Company bankruptcy in 2025 creates uncertainty about data handling and ownership.
  • Ongoing scams and phishing exploit the company’s breach and bankruptcy situation.

🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis

Domain and Ownership Verification

Score: 90/100
Passed

"The domain has stable registrar, valid SSL certificate, and proper DNS configuration."

Reason: The domain 23andme.com is registered since 2006 and owned by 23andMe, Inc., a recognized company with consistent WHOIS records.

Traffic, Technology, and Website Quality

Score: 85/100
Passed

"Technologies include Adobe Analytics, CloudFlare, and trusted payment systems like Stripe and PayPal."

Reason: The site ranks well globally with over 4.5 million monthly visits, uses reputable analytics and security technologies, and serves mostly US traffic.

Blacklist and Security Checks

Score: 90/100
Passed

"No blacklist or security warnings detected as of latest scan."

Reason: No signs of malware or phishing activity flagged by Google Safe Browsing or crypto scam databases.

Trademark and Brand Validity

Score: 95/100
Passed

"Multiple USPTO trademarks registered since 2007 support brand authenticity."

Reason: Active, live trademark registrations cover the 23andMe brand, confirming legitimate commercial use.

Customer Reputation and Complaints

Score: 30/100
Failed

"Several BBB and ConsumerAffairs reviews report rude support and refund issues."

Reason: Numerous negative reviews cite poor customer service, refund denials, delays, and privacy concerns.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Score: 25/100
Failed

"Active litigation and regulatory sanctions create risk for users."

Reason: The company faced major legal challenges including a data breach, class action lawsuits, regulatory fines, and bankruptcy filing raising concerns about data privacy and control.

Your Next Steps

  • 1
    If you have a 23andMe account, enable two-factor authentication and use a strong unique password.
  • 2
    Be cautious with emails or messages referencing 23andMe breaches or settlements to avoid phishing scams.
  • 3
    Review your privacy settings on 23andMe and consider limiting sharing of genetic data with relatives.
  • 4
    Monitor official settlement websites and avoid unofficial claim sites to protect from fraud.
  • 5
    Consider deleting your genetic data and account if concerned about long-term data security given bankruptcy risks.

Evidence & Citations