In the computer age, everyone leaves a digital trail. And if the person doesn't have one, well, let's dig a little deeper. It’s not hard to know how to trace back to the person you are looking for.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find someone online
Step 1. Write down all the essential information about that person
Trying to find someone using just their name is likely to cause a too broad search. Target your search further by including information such as:
- name and pseudonym
- age and date of birth
- schools attended
- hobbies, preferences, sports teams (especially at school)
- The places of work
- old addresses and phone numbers
- friends, family and neighbors
Step 2. Look for variations of the person's name or pseudonym
Whenever you find a page or index that offers another part of the profile, write it down in the profile. For example, you might find an “Albert Dupont” mentioned in a newspaper in Île-de-France and a “Béatrice Lamont” in a brochure from Nantes. Note these two places in the profile with question marks. If you find another indication that the person with that name is in one of these places, put a cross next to that place each time.
- To trace exact matches only, put quotes in each version of its name (if you're not sure how to spell it, don't use quotes). Use the major search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.). The more possibilities and engines you try, the more likely you are to find information.
- If you think the person has moved to another country, especially a country where another language is spoken, try a foreign search engine. Most of the major search engines have different versions for different countries (Australia, China, etc.). Try them out.
- When looking for a woman who might have married and changed her name, try adding "born" to each variant in the search criteria (née is the word used to indicate that the person is using her maiden name).
Step 3. Vary your online searches to include other details
After doing a full search with the person's name and pseudonym, do a second with a slight modification of their hometown, age, high school, previous workplace, etc. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary.
If you know of a website that this person could be associated with, you can search for that site on Google by putting something like “site: stanford.edu Béatrice Lamont” to refocus the search on those results
Step 4. Use a search engine designed specifically to find people
They allow anyone to research people. Try Pipl.com or 123people.com, for example. Use filters to refine your results where appropriate.
You can also search for a person from the Lost Trekkers site. Select a country, means of transport or other information in the forum that best suits your search. You can browse the existing advertisements and if you wish to place an advertisement, you must create an account
Step 5. Find the person's last known cell phone number
Since there are cell phones and numbers can be transferred to new phones or carriers, people's cell phone numbers are less likely to change than their home phone number. Although reverse lookup for a cell phone number is usually chargeable, you might get lucky by simply searching for the number in different search engines. If the person has indicated or posted their phone number somewhere on the internet, it is likely to appear. Put the entire number in quotes and try using hyphens, periods, and parentheses to separate the numbers.
In the United States, a phone's three-digit area code can be traced back to where the cell phone was first released, which could help you identify another location the person has lived in. or work. The next three digits of the number indicate the interchange area, most interchange areas cover a small town or neighborhood within the city, such as a ten out of ten block area. You can contact the phone companies in that area or get a directory of that area and make a map of the exchange area, based on exchanges like in the directory. If you have a phone number and zip code, you can still cross-match the maps and narrow the search area on the map
Step 6. Search the White Pages online
Type the person's name and any other details you find relevant. However, if you don't specify the location, you will get results nationwide, which is useful if the person has moved.
- Sometimes searching by last name alone can bring up a family member you know. If the white pages show a list of related people, you might find the name of the person mentioned there. This can be useful in cases where the person you are looking for has changed their last name after getting married, for example.
- Look up the person's zip code if you know it. If you know the exact postcode, you can trace it back to the exact neighborhood within a city or town. From then on, you can search for that person in the directory for that neighborhood. If it is not in the directory, call the information for that area. Often people will have a unlisted number, which, without being in the directory, is often known information.
Step 7. Search social networking sites
Some people specify that they do not want their public profile to appear in search engine results, in which case you will need to go straight to the source. Try a search on MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google profiles. If you can, be sure to narrow down the results by specifying a hometown or school, etc. To search all the major social networking sites simultaneously, use a search engine like Wink.com.
Step 8. Think about less usual searches
Sometimes Facebook and Google don't give you exactly the information you're looking for. If there are any particular scenarios that may have happened to this person, you can focus on those rather than on all of the information that any site will guarantee you. This information may be used in particular if you are looking for someone in the United States.
- Most states have forensic research websites where all you have to do is (after approving the terms and conditions, of course) enter a person's name, to get all of their background in a nice list.. At the very least, it's crisp and can give you where it is (if it's in the state).
- If it's been a while since you've seen this person, consider looking on the SSDI. This is the file listing the deceased from social security.
- Although there is no national website, most states have records of their detainees. A quick internet query will bring up the site for your state (make sure it ends in.gov).
- For example, the National Personnel Record Center has a fairly comprehensive list of military records.
Step 9. Post a classified ad
If you know where the person is, post an ad in the local online newsletter (eg leboncoin.fr). Explain who you are looking for and why. Leave a way to be contacted where you wouldn't mind receiving spam (eg an email address you set up specifically for this purpose).
- If you want a long-term ad, create a simple website that uses its name as a keyword. If he ever searches for his own name, your site may appear.
- If you don't know the person's whereabouts, but you know what school they attended, what profession they engaged in, hobbies or interests try posting reviews on forums and electronic mail lists ("mailing lists"). Keep the person's privacy in mind, don't reveal compromising information you know about them.
Step 10. Think Before You Post on Friend Finder Forums
Friend search forums exist and are run by "search angels" or volunteers who use specific people search tools. However, it is unlikely that the person you are looking for will appreciate having their personal information disclosed to strangers on the internet and especially the kind of person who has managed not to leave a paper trail to date.
Method 2 of 3: Find someone by other means
Step 1. Ask around
Connect with others who know the person you're looking for (or who can put you in touch with someone who knows them). Ask them when they last saw or spoke to him or any other personal information like last known email addresses or phone numbers.
Explain the reasons why you are looking for this person. People may not say anything to protect their privacy, but they will likely tell the person looking for them, and that person might want to get in touch with you. Leave your name and telephone number for this purpose
Step 2. Broaden the scope of your research
Look for organizations that the person might have joined, or that they might have been associated with. It could be a hobby, church, professional or non-profit organization. Request a copy of their membership file, if applicable, and try to find the person's name there.
It's also a good place to find people who might know something. If they can't tell you exactly where the person is, they may be able to take you a step further
Step 3. Agree to spend some money
If you're really having trouble finding that person, spending a little money can get you the information you're looking for. Sites like Intelius.com (which is actually used by ZabaSearch) often have more detailed files, but charge for accessing the data. If you want, it might solve your problems.
If the internet isn't working and bodes well, consider hiring a private investigator. If you're out of luck or don't have enough time to track down that person, it might be best to pay a professional to do it
Step 4. Make phone calls
Although it can be a bit awkward, the best way to access the person is through their network. Whatever last information you have from him, contact the people in those circles by phone. Whether it's a boss, ex-girlfriend, or neighbor, give them a call. It is surely better than to move around everywhere.
Make sure you are kind and sound sane. The world is so filled with negative media these days that a stranger asking us for information about a friend will come across as very shady. You might get some nasty answers, but you can also find gold
Step 5. Go to the courthouse
Although an online search could guarantee similar results, sometimes walking to the nearest courthouse (or any other courthouse in the vicinity of where the person may be) can multiply. new news. Find the public records office and meet the teller. Who knows ? Maybe there is something out there that could put you on the right track.
Just to warn you, there may be a charge. It should be pretty trivial. However, rejoice that they do not also deliver your personal files like treats
Method 3 of 3: Find a missing person
Step 1. Call the police
Once you are fully convinced that this person is indeed missing, alert the local law enforcement authorities. Unfortunately, people go missing every day and this type of event is routine.
Make sure you give them all the information about the person: age, height, weight, hair color, eye color, skin color, special signs, what he was wearing when he was disappeared, etc. Also give them a recent photo and their fingerprints (if you have them)
Step 2. Submit an online search notice
NamUs (The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) is America's largest network for missing persons. Do an online search notice so that everyone, including the police, can access the information. You will be able to update it and see if anyone else has posted more information.
There are also organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and National Health Care for the Homeless Council (the health system for the Homeless Council). If your person falls into one of these categories, consider filling out a form on their respective sites
Step 3. Carefully search their social media profiles
Whether it's a child, teenager or a real adult, search their social profiles (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for clues as to what happened. He may have posted something that leads to something you weren't aware of.
Also look at the profiles of his friends, the information may be there. If you feel like it, you may want to contact these friends to ask if they've heard anything. Sometimes people seek refuge with other people whom they do not have to see face to face
Step 4. Post photos in the city
Hopefully that person is still in the area and if they are, posting photos around town is the only way you can use to alert people in your neighborhood. Other people will be able to open their eyes and contact you if they see anything.
Include all essential information (like what you gave to the police) and don't forget to include multiple contact phone numbers. At least give your first name and insist that you can be called day and night
Step 5. Do local investigations
Search your home, the surrounding area and hospitals near you. In cases like this, it's impossible to stay home and wait for someone else to take care of everything. Once you've exhausted every nook and cranny of your home (or hers), expand your search to neighborhood, city, and finally contact hospitals. It's not the nicest thing to do, but it is necessary.
When contacting hospitals, be sure to describe the person you are looking for. They may not have entered under their real name. Bring a recent photo to make the process faster
Step 6. Alert friends, family and neighbors
The more people who can be on the lookout, the better. Not only do you have to browse your entire social network, but also his. From the Starbucks bartender he sees Monday through Friday morning to the person doing traffic outside schools in the afternoon, let them know.
If possible, contact these people with the information and a photo. Those who know people may need a picture to refresh their memory
Step 7. Alert the media
Once you've done all the groundwork for your area, alert the media. The best way to reach large numbers of people is to do so through local television stations, newspapers and other publications. Hopefully someone saw something somewhere.
Remember that everyone is by your side. There is no need to be embarrassed, ashamed or guilty about this situation. You do what you can to make sure that person gets home safely
Advice
- Seek help from someone you trust if you feel it's important enough to get other people involved. Also be aware of the pros and cons of doing research alone.
- Be honest if you find the person. If you can trace it back to that person, don't just pretend you're in this town by chance. Be upfront about your research efforts. It can be embarrassing, but the person can be flattered. If this makes her uncomfortable, be understanding and stop contacting her. The worst thing will be if you reconnect with that person and they later find out that you have moved heaven and earth to find them. This can be very alarming and disturbing, especially since you have something hidden.
- Change the way you think. She may not be the person you once knew. His appearance, his tastes, his lifestyle, his habits may have changed drastically, even in a short period of time. All the information you have may be out of date. Don't rule out new information because "she never would have moved there" or "he never would have done that." You must accept the possibility that the person is dead or in prison.
Warnings
- Doing this with the intention of tracking someone down (and simply observing them) can result in a restraining order and possibly an arrest warrant.
- Be prepared to pay for online services that help you find someone.
- Don't lie to people in order to get information from them. Not only is this unethical, but also the person you are looking for may find out what you are doing and become suspicious of you and sue you.
- Always remember that this person may not want to see or meet you.
- These same steps can also be used by someone to find you.