How to Search Using a Telephone Number
Searching for contact information using a telephone number can be a simple process, courtesy of the Internet. Land line telephone numbers are relatively easy to use as search tools unless the telephone number is unpublished. Using a telephone number, you can often determine the service provider and the name and address of the telephone subscriber. Internet directories, search engines and search-for-free services are an uncomplicated and prompt means of obtaining information.
Instructions
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Reverse Directories
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Start your search with reverse Internet telephone directories. If the telephone number is a published land line, you can obtain a name and address for the registered subscriber. If the telephone number is unpublished or a cellular telephone, further searching is required. Cellular telephone numbers are not public information.
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Input the telephone number into Google or other search engines to obtain results that you won't find on reverse directories. For instance, if someone has placed an ad on a site such as Craigslist or Kijiji, or posted their resume on LinkedIn, you might find a name, address or other details on those sites.
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Sites that charge a fee often have money back guarantees. A number of online companies provide reverse cellular or unpublished telephone number information for a fee. Some of these sites provide limited free information, such as the service provider's name and a general location where the cellular number is located. For a fee, which is usually paid by credit card, they can provide the name and billing address of the registered owner.
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If all else fails, call the number. Ask the person who answers the phone whether you've reached a company or residence. If you need to find out discreetly who the telephone number belongs to, use a service like Spooftel. With Spooftel you can hide your caller ID, change the gender of your voice, even record the conversation. Never pretend to be a member of the government or law enforcement, and never steal someone's identity -- which is illegal. You can usually obtain information simply by being polite.
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A private investigator uses the same resources available to you. If you are unable to perform the above searches or do not feel comfortable making inquiries, a private investigator can obtain this information. Using an investigator is more expensive than performing searches on your own, but consider it a final measure if you aren't successful and the information is important.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have a credit card to conduct paid searches or do not wish to use your own, you can purchase credit cards with small balances, such as $25, at convenience stores and grocery markets.
Do not use any information you have obtained for illegal activities, such as stalking or harassing a person.
Some countries, such as Canada and Germany, may have stricter privacy laws, and information may be more difficult to obtain.
Many fee-based sites are only effective in the United States.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit telephone image by Aditia Patria Warman from Fotolia.com lupe image by mangia from Fotolia.com
