You dig into your pockets or the pocket of your partner and pull out a slightly crumpled and slightly faded piece of paper with a phone number on it. There’s no name. What do you do? Whether it’s a number you found in your own pocket or a phone number you found in someone else’s pocket, your curiosity will haunt you if you don’t figure out whose phone number that is. You could try blocking your number and calling but will you recognize the voice on the other end of the line? Or will you just be riddled with more questions than answers? Don’t let doubt steal your joy. Instead, look up that phone number using a reverse phone lookup search to uncover the person’s name, their location, and other details, including their photographs.
Reverse phone lookup is a fast and reliable service that allows you to quickly type in the phone number that you’re curious about and get answers right away.
If it’s a simple mix-up and you recognize the person whose phone number that is, then you can rest easy. However, if you did find a random phone number in your partner’s pocket and you find out that it’s connected to someone from their past, then you have a whole other set of issues to deal with.
Knowing upfront which phone numbers belong to who can help you better navigate the decisions you make in your relationship. And if there’s nothing fishy going on, at least you know and have clarity on who is in your social circle and who your partner is conversing with. Below, we share our top four favorite services for reverse phone lookups and give you a sneak peek into what makes each reverse lookup service so coveted.
Top 4 Summary
- Intelius – Editor’s Choice
- Spokeo – Runner Up
- Peoplefinders – Honorable Mention
- BeenVerified
How Did We Choose These 4 Reverse Lookup Services?
We put this list together after conducting extensive research. There are several aspects of each reverse lookup service that we looked at to make sure that we only recommend reverse phone number lookup companies that are easy to use, that provide you with accurate information, and that have a good reputation. Here’s what we considered.
- Customer Feedback
Customers always have a lot to say about the services they use. We reviewed customer reviews and testimonials to understand what they love about the reverse lookup service, what the areas for improvement are, and whether or not they recommend the service overall.
- Website Interface
Outdated websites or those with too many pop-ups can make your search unnecessarily difficult. We selected websites that are intuitive and easy to use, so that you can quickly get the results you need without any hassle.
- Turnaround Times
Sometimes, the information you need has to come through quickly. It could be because it’s a dangerous situation or because you are working with a certain timeline. We chose services that have quick turnaround times so you don’t have to sit around waiting for the information you need.
- Cost
Cost is another important consideration. We want to make sure that you glean significant value from the fees you pay, so we focused on companies that overdeliver—every time.
Reviews of the 4 Best Reverse Phone Lookup Options
1. Intelius – Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Look up any cell phone number
- Reports generated right away
- Unlimited cell phone number searches
- Your privacy is always protected
Cons:
- Services beyond phone number search available for additional fees
Features of the Service
With Intelius, you can search for as many cell phone numbers as you wish. When you reach the Intelius website, you’re immediately prompted to enter the phone number that you’re looking to uncover more details about. If you’re in a hurry, they have a fast pass option that lets you skip the line and get your results in seconds. The service operates with an algorithm that’s quick and efficient, so that you can get all the information you need quickly, without hassle, and all in one comprehensive report.
Aside from providing basic data like full names, addresses, and any other known contact information, you can also dive deeper to look up the criminal record of the person who has been trying to contact you. If that weren’t enough, Intelius also makes it easy for you to uncover any possible relationships that person has, which is helpful when you’re trying to figure out who is sending unwanted texts and making unwanted phone calls.
About the Company
Intelius is all about intelligent searches. They use a variety of different sources to discover information about the phone number you input. Not only do they provide you with the personal information of the person who owns that number, but they also go the extra mile to provide you with other information found via public records.
This can range anywhere from their background information to their criminal record and even to any possible relatives or other relationships that person may have. Instead of just pinpointing a single person, they give you a full picture of that person’s social environment and social circle, so that you can figure out if it’s someone you know or someone who is somehow connected to your group of friends and acquaintances. They do all of this research on your behalf while also protecting your privacy. They value confidentiality above all else and are always happy to deliver comprehensive reports while making sure that no one knows you have conducted a search.
Why We Chose Intelius
We chose Intelius because they have a fantastic reputation with their customers. Their website is easy to navigate, and user-friendliness is of high importance to us. When you’re on a search to uncover who is sneaking into your life via your phone, you should be able to quickly find the information you need without having to sort through pop-up advertisements and other service offerings. With Intelius, it’s a straightforward service that you can use at any time. They work efficiently to deliver full reports, so you don’t have to wait for days or weeks on end before knowing exactly who is trying to get in touch with you. For all these reasons, Intelius makes it to the number one spot on our list of best reverse phone lookup sites.
2. Spokeo – Runner Up
Pros:
- Find out who is calling you
- Hassle-free service
- Advanced filtering
- Fast cell phone number turnaround time
Cons:
- Some information, like criminal history, is limited
Features of the Service
Spokeo is all about making your search efficient. As soon as you visit their website, you can begin your search by entering the phone number you’re inquiring about in the search bar and clicking on the search button. Within seconds, Spokeo starts to work their magic. They scour through millions of phone records to identify the owner of that phone number. Plus, they give you a quick preview of the information found. Once you confirm that it’s the correct person, you can go ahead and request a full report.
About the Company
Spokeo knows that their customers have a wide variety of reasons for seeking out their service. They know that it could be a friendly encounter with a long lost friend who has recently reached out and they also know that it could be a call from someone who poses a threat in some way. This is why they focus on people intelligence; that means they make sure that you’re provided with all the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision on how to deal with the caller. They use their access to well over 10 million records and they serve millions of people on a regular basis. They’re also all about customer feedback. Their customers have given them plenty of information over the years that has helped them further refine their service, which is why we include them in the runner-up position.
Why We Chose Spokeo
Aside from the efficiency with which they work and their dedication to customer satisfaction, Spokeo has an easy to navigate website that’s easy to use even if you’re not regularly searching the web. The best part is they are extremely attentive to their customer base, making sure that they provide available services and that they follow through with cancellation procedures should a customer request an end to services. They’re there to help and that’s made obvious by their dedication and the way customers express their satisfaction.
3. PeopleFinders – Honorable Mention
Pros:
- Investigate unknown callers
- Comprehensive reports
- Access to millions of records
- Search via any device
Cons:
- Membership cancellation requires you contact customer service
Features of the Service
PeopleFinders uses technology that quickly uncovers the information of the person who owns the phone number trying to get in contact with you. They focus primarily on convenience, so you always have a service return when you’re looking to find someone. You’ll get information that includes their full name, their background information, and any other details that help you create a full picture of the person who is on your call log. Their service quickly accesses thousands of different data sources and then spits out the information for you in a neat and comprehensive report.
About the Company
PeopleFinders has been helping their customers for decades. Because of their long-term expertise, they’re well-connected with a variety of different sources; this means you benefit from their years of experience. While some other services may only provide pieces of outdated information, with PeopleFinders, you get the most up-to-date information. When you have a question regarding the service or the results received from a phone number lookup, you can connect with their world class customer service team to get any of your questions answered. They’ll provide you with the guidance you need to make sense out of your report and to gain access to additional pieces of information.
Why We Chose PeopleFinders
We included PeopleFinders in this list because of their strong reputation. They’ve been at it for over 20 years, and they’ve only gotten more thorough and more efficient. They are straightforward with their service offerings, and they follow through, so you never have to second-guess what you’re getting.
Learn more at PeopleFinders.com
4. BeenVerified
Pros:
- User friendly web interface
- Easy cancellation process
- Mobile app for on the go searches
- Social media data provided
Cons:
- Restrictions on report usage
Features of the Service
BeenVerified is extremely detailed in the reports they provide. For example, you’ll get the first and last name of the person who owns the phone number and you’ll also be provided with any of their known aliases. This means that if somebody has been pretending to be someone they’re not, you’ll be able to uncover the truth of who they are right away. You could also learn about the person’s social media history along with their age, and even their current and past addresses. BeenVerified takes it a step further by providing you with a list of other phone numbers that you can explore which are associated with the original phone number you entered.
About the Company
Founded in 2007, Been Verified has been working to help customers use public data in a way that’s beneficial. They recognized that it shouldn’t just be large companies that have access to well-rounded data, but that they should also make access available to anyone who needs it. Their website is extremely easy to use, and you can pull a report within just a couple of minutes. They pull all of their information from a wide variety of different data sources. Be sure to check this website often, because they offer a selection of different deals and discounts for both their new and their loyal customers.
Why We Chose Been Verified
BeenVerified had to make it onto our list of the top four best companies because they have a long-standing reputation and a long list of satisfied customers. This service is versatile and can be used for people who are just looking to learn more about a person they’re interested in or somebody who is looking to track down a potentially dangerous or predatory individual. It’s also helpful for those looking to understand if it’s a creditor or a collector calling them or if it’s a long lost friend. They designed their service to be easy to use and is ideal for not just a specific person; rather, they make it easy for you to get what you need – no matter what it is.
What to Consider When Deciding on a Reverse Phone Lookup Service?
When deciding on a reverse lookup service, there are several items you can consider to make sure you find the service worthwhile. Some of the items for you to look into include:
Fast Results
When you are dealing with a sticky situation involving an unknown phone number and unwanted phone calls, time is of the essence. If it’s harassment, you need to get the information right away to contact the police and file a report. Make sure that you are selecting a service that can easily turn around and provide you with the details you need to move forward with any actions you need to take.
Happy Customers
Just like you wouldn’t visit a restaurant or purchase from an online store without reading reviews, you should also do the same when trying out a reverse phone search. Happy customers are a good sign, no matter what the product or service you’re looking into is. When you read a service description directly on the website, it’s always designed to be favorable for the company. However, customer reviews can get more honest and provide you with the details that aren’t advertised on the website. Here, you can discover If customers found the service worthwhile. With this information, you can make a better decision.
Ease of Use
A lookup service should be really easy to use – you can uncover cell phone number data in the blink of an eye. You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to get the information you need. Rather, you should just be able to quickly type in the phone number you’re curious about, click on a single search button, and instantly get the results you need. A website interface that’s intuitive is your best bet, that way you’re not scrolling through different pages trying to figure out how to use the phone lookup service. With the way websites are designed nowadays, ease of use is a top priority.
Why Do People Use Reverse Phone Lookup Services?
Reverse phone number lookup is a popular service for a variety of reasons. You can look up cell phone numbers and landline phone numbers to understand who’s on the other side of the line. Below, we share some of the most popular reasons that people use services for reverse phone lookups.
Harassment
If you continuously get calls from unknown cell phones, you can use reverse phone number lookup to identify the person attempting to get a hold of you. Harassment is when you get calls at all times of the day, including during your quiet hours. If the person is not leaving you a voice message where they identify themselves, you could be the victim of harassment. To discover who is bothering you, you can use a lookup service and see if it’s someone you know or if it’s a stranger. If it’s a stranger, you can follow up with a background check report and you can also notify the police of the harassment activities.
Curiosity and Suspicion
If a certain phone number has been showing up in your call log or in the call log of your partner or child, you can use lookups to figure out who is in communication with your loved ones. Sometimes, you may have a suspicion in a relationship that your partner may be speaking with someone else. In these instances, a lookup service provides you with the clarity you need. Sometimes the truth hurts, but when you know what’s really going on, you can make well-informed decisions for your well-being.
Creditors and Collectors
Whether it was a bill you forgot to pay or an account that went into collections during a difficult financial time, creditors and collectors can make you fearful of answering your phone. To make sure that you are only answering phone calls from people you want to speak with, you can use a lookup service to determine where each call is originating from. This way, you can feel more comfortable when your phone rings and know when to answer it – and when to ignore it.
What Info Can You Expect from a Reverse Phone Lookup?
Depending on the phone lookup service provider, you may uncover several pieces of information when you perform a search on phone numbers. Some of the information you can expect on a phone number lookup report includes:
Owner of Phone Number
The first piece of information you can expect when you run a search is the person who owns the line’s full name, their gender, and their age. Sometimes this is all the information you need to understand who has been trying to get in touch with you. However, many phone lookup reports also include additional information.
Contact Information
Contact information includes additional phone numbers aside from the one that you have looked up, any email addresses associated with the person who owns that line, and any social profiles available through a public records search.
Social Media Data
It’s common practice for people to vet one another online using social media accounts. Social media is like a glimpse into a person’s life; you can see who their friends are and what kind of hobbies they have. With a phone lookup report, you may also uncover these social media profiles, any dating profiles, and photographs of the person who owns that phone number. If you don’t recognize the name, these pieces of information can help you understand if the person trying to contact you is in any way familiar.
Location Information
A phone lookup report also identifies the phone number owner’s current address. Additionally, you’ll gain access to their past addresses along with co-residents, which are people who have lived with them at some point or who currently live with them. This is extremely helpful if, say, a person is using their roommate’s phone to contact you – when you see their name listed, you may realize you know the co-resident who is trying to get in touch with you.
Possible Family
Some phone lookup reports also include possible relatives, which would mean you can find out their names, their contact information, and where they are located.
Personal Details
Finally, you may get additional personal details like the person’s estimated income, property ownership details, and any of their personal interests as well. Although the Fair Credit Reporting Act prohibits people from using personal information received from lookup services for making employment decisions, approving apartment leases and certain other purposes, there are plenty of other reasons why knowing these details would be beneficial.
Are There Any Privacy Concerns for Me?
Reverse phone lookup services prioritize your privacy. Every search you conduct using one of the websites listed in this article is confidential. The person who you are looking into is not notified that you have run their phone number through a reverse phone search.
Not only is it convenient for you, but it’s also a protective feature. For example, if you’re dealing with harassment, it’s better that you are able to conduct your research quietly and privately. Similarly, privacy is crucial if you suspect your partner is speaking with someone else. You can look up any phone numbers without the other person knowing you’re onto them.
Why Pay Instead of Using Free Reverse Phone Lookup Sites?
There are free reverse phone lookup services that you can find online but the problem with them is that the information isn’t always accurate. You’re likely to find out the location of the phone number but if you do a quick search for the zip code, you can come up with that information yourself. Free reverse phone lookups are also a way to entice you toward a paid service.
It’s dishonest advertising, really. When you use a free reverse phone lookup service, you’ll be provided with maybe the location and maybe the name with the rest of the information blurred out. You’ll likely then be prompted to pay for the service that they advertise as being free. When you’re really interested in uncovering cell phone numbers and looking into a reverse phone service, go for the services that have a strong reputation – those are the trustworthy providers you can count on.
Conclusion
Free reverse phone lookup services can be fun, and they can also be extremely beneficial, saving not just your relationships, but potentially your life. Cell phones are a reality of current life and reverse cell phone lookup keeps you ahead of the game. Whenever you spot an unusual number, don’t hesitate to use any one of the services we listed above.