Free Online People Search

With the current explosion of online people search databases, it has become increasingly possible to locate information about an individual. There are many reasons a person may want to do so. Perhaps he or she is trying to locate a relative. Due to a move or deployment, an individual may lose contact with an old friend or military acquaintance. Some people seek a birth parent in order to solidify a sense of identity. Others seek information about childcare providers, coaches, or caregivers. Employers often use search services to conduct background checks on potential employees. The amount of information available is surprising, yet sometimes is a cause of concern for people who do not wish to be contacted, or fear that the information will be used to harass or harm innocent individuals.

How are people search databases collected, anyway? Perhaps surprisingly, often the individuals themselves are the ones who contributed the data into the public domain. Take a phone listing, for example. Unless a person specifically asks to remain unlisted, his or her phone number and address will be available through directory assistance. Once information has entered the system, it is nearly impossible to recall. Even if an individual later requests to have the number changed to an unlisted status, the original listing will already have been distributed.

If a person buys or sells property, a public record of the transaction will be made. These records may contain information which most people would prefer to keep private, such as maiden names or unlisted phone numbers. Voter registration documents are another resource which are available in some states. Because these documents contain the most recent address information, courts often use them to send jury notices. Filing a change of address form with the local post office may also land you in any number of marketing lists or into a free online people search system. Finally, filling out any type of sweepstakes cards or entry forms in order to win a car, vacation, or other gift is certain to make one a 'winner' in another venue: a person can be sure that his or her information will be distributed to a host of marketing companies. Information collecting and distribution is a lucrative career for many individuals.

Many companies which are involved in information processing are performing legitimate services. Businesses often use people search databases to obtain information (which is collected from the public domain) to conduct background checks on potential employees. Consumers request reports in order to research backgrounds of childcare providers or healthcare workers, or to reestablish contact with family and friends. Although free online people search services will provide general contact information, a fee is usually required for more complete reports. Some firms which offer these services also provide monitoring of data in an attempt to prevent identity theft.

There are quite a number of people search databases. One well-known site claims to have information on 4 out of 5 adults in the United States registered in its listings. This represented more than 80% coverage -- 180 million individuals! They also claimed to have over 1,000 partner sites. Other providers averaged about a 50% coverage. Sometimes the information from a major site is basically echoed in associated sites. One free online people search also added 'at work' listings. Instead of being contacted at home, many people prefer to take calls at work. The type of information available included place of employment, job title, address and work phone number. Some search databases feature a household listing, where house members' names are included. At times, other information, such as where a person went to college, is listed. This is helpful in that it can assist searchers to narrow down the possibility that they are contacting the right person. For example, if someone is searching for a person with a common surname, and is familiar with other family members, this can prevent wasted time and fruitless attempts. If one does not know family names, but remembers that this person went to a certain college, chances are greater that this is indeed the 'John Smith' for whom one is searching.

It is a bit disturbing to see that so much information is available from free online people search sites. Although people search databases are a great tool for genealogists and others who are trying to locate someone, there may be times when this information is used for less noble purposes. Some people worry that the information will be used by stalkers or angry former spouses, in order to find individuals who do not wish to be contacted, or who fear they will be harrassed or harmed in some way. Birth parents may not wish to become involved in the lives of children they have given up for adoption. In some instances, courts will agree to make provisions for an individual to acquire a post office box as a formal address when the person is in danger of incurring harm if his or her actual address is revealed. However, great care must be taken to avoid revealing information in other ways. When purchasing property, for example, special provisions may be required to have certain information removed from legal documents. No doubt it is extremely difficult to remain unlisted in this computer age, when registration is required for many activities. Fearful individuals can take comfort knowing that If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalms 139:9-10)

If the reader is the one who is trying to contact an individual, there are many avenues to explore. Try a free online people search. Check out online phone directories or reverse lookups by telephone number or email address. City directories are available from public libraries. Alumni associations and online classmate connection sites may be of assistance. Churches and synagogues may also be able to provide some clues or contact information.

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