How to Search for Public Information Online on Anyone
The days of endlessly thumbing through the Yellow Pages or uncovering information about individuals by visiting libraries, are quickly becoming obsolete. The Internet makes it possible to locate data on just about anyone online. Now, from the convenience of your desktop, laptop or even a mobile phone, you can search and explore a variety of resources to view an individual's public information.
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Instructions
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Visit social-networking websites and input the person's first and last names into the site's search engine. Millions of people utilize social-networking websites to network and keep in contact with family members, friends and co-workers. When registering for these sites, you are usually required to input personal contact information, which can be viewed by other users on the site, as well as the general public. One site offers a "People Finder" search feature that allows users to both find people and view their personal data, by email address, school association, social group and other search tools.
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Try free locator sites, such as The USGenWeb Project or USA.gov. Both sites provide access to vital records, such as marriage, birth, divorce and death certificates, military records and other documents. View these records to locate information about both living and deceased individuals and families. Some website links, within these respective websites, might charge a fee to view more detailed information. These websites are also very useful when trying to create family trees and uncover family lineage data.
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Browse people-search websites. Input the person's first and last names and city and state of residence, if applicable. Most of these websites require that you, at least, input the person's last name. Enter the person's current state of residence to yield higher search results. Some websites will allow you to view basic identifying information such as the person's first and last names, age or address history. Other sites require a paid subscription or fee to view the person's full record.
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Access school websites. Community colleges, universities and even some public schools maintain public staff and student databases. For example, if you were looking for a college professor, you would simply visit the respective school's website and input the person's first and last names into the site's search engine or use the staff directory. Some websites list the individual's email address, Web page, business address and other identifying information.
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Tips & Warnings
When performing Internet searches, you might be required to purchase a membership to access more detailed records. This usually requires you to disclose your credit or debit card information.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
