What Is a People Search by Phone Number?
A people search by phone number, also known as a reverse phone lookup or phone number search, is a way of using a phone number to find publicly available information on the owner of that phone number.Reverse phone lookup websites collect public telephone numbers and the details of the people they belong to. While typical phone directories require searchers to input the name of the subject to find the number, a reverse phone lookup requires users to submit the phone number to access the subject's personal details.
Reverse phone lookup service providers maintain online databases where users can perform a phone number search. Generally, the choice of resource depends on the information sought by the searcher. The information available on reverse phone lookup is not restricted by geographical location or area code. While it is possible to perform a free reverse phone lookup, searchers who need detailed information have to pay a service fee.
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 Phone Number?
Typically, the information obtained from a people search by phone number depends on the specific resource used. Reverse phone lookups offer the same type of information as seen in physical phonebooks. Some providers offer more comprehensive information about the phone number owner:
- Full name
- Physical address (general location or complete address)
- Links to social media profiles
- Mobile carrier
- Type of phone number (landline or mobile)
Besides the aforementioned information, it is also possible to obtain public records linked to a phone number owner, including arrest records, criminal records, court records, and vital records. The records are publicly available for viewing via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Phone number search services that provide this level of comprehensive information use advanced software to match phone numbers and names to the public records with high accuracy. Then, the result is indexed and stored on a database until an individual performs a search. It should be noted that the scope of public records searches by phone number may be restricted for specific purposes, and the searcher may be required to pay a fee to access each record. Rules dictated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will generally apply to public records searches.
How To Do a People Search by Phone Number
Persons who wish to perform a people search by phone number must visit the service provider's website. There, the individual enters the phone number in the search field, starting with the three-digit area code and following up with the three-digit prefix code and four-digit line number. Then, the searcher clicks "Search" or "Submit." Upon providing this information and initiating the reverse phone lookup, the system will cross-match the phone number with phone numbers in its database and return associated information if there is a match.
How To Do a Free People Search by Phone Number
Parties can perform a free people search by phone number using online reverse phone lookups. In the former, physical phonebooks are available at local convenience stores and contain information about the residents of that neighborhood or town. Likewise, online phone number searches also have free searches that provide the name and contact information of the owners of unknown phone numbers.
While the information obtained from free reverse phone lookups is limited, searchers can access the information from the comfort of their home. Furthermore, phone search websites can keep up with changes in the number of phone number owners and even the owner of a specific phone number. Advantages like comprehensive data listing detailed addresses, social media profiles, and public records are typically possible upon payment of a small fee.
Is a People Search by Phone Number Legal?
Yes, performing a people search by phone number is legal. However, searchers must only use the information obtained to satisfy personal curiosity and protect themselves from phone scams. Searchers cannot use the information obtained from phone number searches to harass, intimidate, threaten, or stalk the phone number owner. Parties who are not in compliance with the laws may incur civil liabilities and administrative sanctions from federal agencies such as the Federal Communication Commission and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
How Do People Search by Phone Number Sites Get Your Information?
Phone number sites obtain people's information from several sources, usually from data brokers and telephone company directories. Many service providers, however, use advanced software to search social media platforms, blogs, and websites for information on a person and compile related results.
How To Remove My Phone Number From the Internet
Persons who wish to remove their names and information from phone number websites must contact the service provider directly. Phone number sites are required to provide concerned persons with an option to remove their phone numbers and associated information from the site's databases. Given the number of phone number sites, it is arduous but possible to remove a phone number from the internet. Many people hire specialized data removal services to get this removal done efficiently.
In the meantime, parties might consider removing public instances of the phone number from social media profiles. Also, use a burner phone number for non-official forms requesting contact information and list the private phone number on the Do Not Call Registry. Listing the number on the registry prevents legit telemarketers from calling the number, but it does not deter phone scammers. In such cases, consider using the phone's call blocking feature or installing a call blocking app.
