Whether you’re hoping to reconnect with an old friend, classmate, or coworker, or looking for a family member, the internet has made it easier than ever to find someone. In this article, we’ll share some of the different tools you can use to find people. Keep reading to learn more.
Search Engines
There are two different types of search engines for finding people online: People search engines and conventional search engines. GoLookUp is a people search website that allows users to search for people by name, address, or phone number. The website has a database of over 600 million records and is updated daily. Users can search for people in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. GoLookUp is free to use and—unlike some people search websites—does not require registration.
You can also try searching for someone using a traditional search engine like Google. Simply type in the first name and last name of the person you are looking for and any further information you have, such as their last known address or the city and state where they live.
Social Media Platforms
Social media is a term used to describe the various online platforms and tools that people use to communicate and interact with one another. These platforms can include websites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as mobile apps like Snapchat and Instagram.
The best way to find people on social media platforms is to use the search bar. Type the person’s first and last name into the search bar and hit enter. If the person is on the platform, their profile will show up in the results. You can filter the results on Facebook and LinkedIn by including the person’s location, their graduating high school or college, or the name of a current or previous employer.
Public Records
Public records searches are one of the best ways to find someone, whether you’re trying to track down an old friend or locate a long-lost relative. Records typically considered “public” may include marriage records, property records, and—depending on the jurisdiction—criminal records and arrest records.
There are several ways to find public records about someone. The most common way is to search online databases. You can also search government agency websites or contact the agency to request information. You may be required to pay a small fee for certain public records requests.
Genealogy Resources
Genealogy websites can be a great way to find someone online, especially if you are trying to locate a family member. Ancestry.com is a family tree website that allows you to search for people by name. You can also search for people by their address, date of birth, or place of birth.
DNA companies like 23andMe are an increasingly popular way to connect with relatives or discover relations you didn’t know you had. After purchasing a kit online, customers send a DNA sample to the company, which analyzes and uploads the DNA profile to their database. You can choose how much of your information you wish to share with others, and receive updates when new relatives upload their DNA to the service.
Reverse Phone Lookup
Another tool for finding people is a reverse phone lookup database. Many reverse phone lookup websites allow you to use a phone number to find contact information, free of charge. If you have the person’s current or last known phone number, simply enter it into the search bar and hit enter.
With a reverse phone lookup, you can find the name and address of the person connected to a specific phone number. However, this tool is not helpful if the person you are looking for changed their phone number in the time since you last spoke.
Overall, there are many different tools you can use to find people online. These tools include social media platforms, search engines, and public directories. Most search tools are free to use, but it’s important to take note of any fees or subscriptions that may be required.