What Is a People Search by Email?
A people search by email takes an email address and cross matches it with associated information regarding the owner of that email. Specialized people search sites offer this service, although some government databases also support finding people by email, especially sex offender registries. For wider public use, however, persons who wish to find persons of interest by email must perform a reverse email search.
The amount of details provided in a search depends on the size and comprehensiveness of the service provider's database. For the most comprehensive information, users typically must pay a service fee. Reverse email sites get the information on their databases from several sources, from data brokers to indexing web-based platforms. Concerned persons whose information appears on people search sites can request that the service provider delete the information or contract a third party for the data removal service.
People search engines are typically accessed through third-party sources. Third-party people search websites are straightforward to use, and results are not geographically limited. However, third-party people search sites are not government-sponsored. Therefore, agencies cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
What Can I Find With People Search by Email?
Persons who perform a reverse email lookup can expect to find basic information associated with an email address. The information obtained from a people search by email depends on the service provider. Dedicated databases offer access to additional information such as links to the email owner's social media profiles and public records. In general, a people search by email may provide to following information about an email owner:
- Full name
- Location including country, region, and city
- Phone number
- Photos and videos
Searching parties may have a particular interest in obtaining public records as a result of a reverse email search. The Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) states that all documents, records, and transcripts generated or maintained by government agencies be made accessible to the public. While it is possible to find public records on a subject using a reverse email lookup, it may incur fees and additional effort, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will typically apply.
How To Do a People Search by Email
Persons who wish to perform a people search by email must visit the service provider's website. There, the individual enters the email in the search field and clicks "Search" or "Submit." Upon providing this information and initiating the search, the system will cross-match the email with emails in its database and return associated information, if any.
Can I Do a Free People Search by Email?
Yes, it is possible to do a free people search by email. The website takes the email provided and scans the database for matching results. Then, it returns the associated information and public records. In most cases, only the person's biodata is available for free. Biodata, or biographical data, refers to an individual's general personal information like name, age, gender, physical descriptors, and contact information. Public records associated with the email owner's name are typically only available as add-on services, which cost a fee. .
Are People Searches by Email Legal?
Yes, performing a people search by email is entirely legal. However, searchers can only use the information obtained to satisfy personal curiosity and protect themselves from email scams. It is illegal to use the information obtained from email searches to harass, intimidate, threaten, or stalk the email owner. Concerned parties may incur civil liabilities and administrative sanctions from federal agencies like the Federal Communication Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
How Do People Search Sites by Email Get Your Information?
People search sites that provide a public reverse email lookup obtain information from several sources, from public records to data brokers that sell email listings. Many service providers, however, use advanced software to search social media platforms, blogs, and websites for information on a person and compile related results on their databases.
How To Remove My Email From the Internet
Persons who wish to remove their names and information from email websites must contact the service provider directly. State and local legislation compels people search service providers to include an option for data removal. Commonly known as the opt-out option, most sites have this option at the bottom of their sites or in their privacy policy.
However, because hundreds of sites offer reverse email lookups, removing personal information site-by-site is challenging. Instead, parties may hire data removal services specializing in removing personal data, including email addresses, from search websites. Pending the removal, parties may consider deleting their email from their social media profiles or using a burner email for all non-official forms.
