How to Use a Reverse Phone Directory Effectively

A reverse phone directory is an Internet-based tool that allows users to input a telephone number and locate the name and address of the person or business who owns that phone number. This service is only available to those with public phone numbers. Cellular phone numbers and restricted numbers can not usually be accessed by reverse number directories.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Obtain the telephone number and area code you need more information about.

2. Access the Internet using your computer. Open your Internet browser.

3. Try using Google.com to perform a reverse phone directory search. Google allows users to input the phone number into the search field without having to access an additional database. Simply enter the area code and phone number into the search query box. Click "Google Search." The resulting page lists "Phonebook Results" including the name and address linked to that phone number.

4. Use the White Pages website. Go to WhitePages.com and select the "Reverse Lookup" tab. Type in the area code and phone number into the "Reverse Phone Number" search query box. Click "Search." If the search is successful, the website provides the name and address associated with the phone number. White Pages also supplies an interactive map of the address.

5. Look up a cell phone number. Although free reverse phone directory searched do not provide cellular phone information, there are website that provide the information for a fee. Try entering the area code and phone number into the search query boxes on ReversePhoneDirectory.com or www.Intelius.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlisted numbers, certain cell phone companies and prepaid cell phone accounts are not searchable in reverse phone directories.
• The contact information provided by reverse phone directory searches is based on billing name and address information. It may not reflect the actual person or most current information for the given phone number.

Resources

• Use the Reverse Phone Directory website.
• Try using Google as your first stop for a reverse number search.