How to Find a Person in Any Part of the World

Many people travel to various countries for different reasons. They may lose contact and cause loved-ones to worry, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything sinister has befallen them. You can find a person in any part of the world with time, patience and a little preparation, too. It'll save you a lot of effort while you're pounding the proverbial "pavement." Just follow a few basic guidelines to find a person in any part of the world.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Internet
• Wireless Access

Find a Person in Any Part of the World

1. File a missing person's report. Agencies in any part of the world will allow people access to help. This is especially true if a person goes missing. Go to a local police station, embassy or contact the U.S. Department of State. You can also speak with any Department of Public Safety, too. In areas outside the U.S., go to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Canvas the area you want to look. Read a police sheet in a newspaper or go to hospitals, jailhouses, and talk with a county clerk (or foreign affairs equivalent). In the United States, county clerks have to tell you if someone has been arrested; it is a matter of public record in many areas. County clerks also have access to records regarding active warrants. If a person has an active arrest warrant, the police are obligated to help you in your search.

3. Speak with relatives and employers. Find a person in any part of the world by getting personal information about your subject. You need names, phone numbers, and addresses, too. Get a Social Security number from a person's spouse. Talk with a spouse about a person's intimate personal habits, if you can. It will give you some much needed insight.

4. Call credit card company. Many married couples have joint bank accounts or other financial relationships. With a Social Security number, bank account, and credit card data, you can find a person in any part of the world. Have wives and husbands call their credit card companies and ask company representatives to track spending. Unmarried couples, siblings or even a family lawyer may allow you access to credit card information at their discretion.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wireless laptop to help you remain mobile. It reduces time you spend having to travel back and forth to an office or central location.
• Know Spanish and French as these two languages are spoken in many areas both in and out of the United States. If you don't speak them, find someone who does to help you.
• Avoid being alone with a person who has active warrants.
• Adhere to local customs when you want to find a person. In any part of the world, people will have their own ways of dealing with things. Make a great effort to show respect, especially in countries outside the United States.
• Contact Amnesty International if you find a person in any part of the world who has been subject human rights abuses.

References

• Department of State
• Foreign Affairs International: Canada
• Amnesty International

Resources

• United Nations: Human Rights