Is There a Free Reverse Number Lookup?

If you're new to our site, please consider subscribing to our full RSS feed. Subscribe now, and you will get an offer that's only available to folks who read our feed!

photo credit: Unhindered by Talent

One of the most common questions I’ve been asked is whether or not a free reverse number lookup directory actually exists out there somewhere on the Internet. Dozens of so-called internet gurus would take such inquiries as an invitation for them to sell the Brooklyn Bridge. I won’t. The honest answer is no. If you’re looking for a complete, accurate guaranteed
reverse cell phone directory, you’ll need to spend a few dollars. Sorry, but it’s the truth.

Certainly, as you search for a free reverse number look up directory, you’ll find lots of pseudo-directories, promising to allow you a free reverse number lookup, but if you look at them closely, you’ll find they usually just allow you to lookup the carrier, or issuing location, of a phone number (not the owner’s name, address, or anything else that could be of value to you)…

Why Isn’t There a Free Reverse Number Lookup Directory?

Once people realize there’s no such thing as a free reverse number lookup directory, the big question is - why not? After all, there are plenty of free reverse number lookup sites for land line numbers. What’s the difference?

Well, the difference is the classification of the information. Your home telephone number is considered public domain information and has been for decades. That’s why no one has to ask your permission to publish your number in the telephone book. In fact, sometimes you have to pay a fee to keep your name OUT of those phone books (i.e., to get it unlisted or non-published).

cell phone numbers are generally more private, since you’re charged for every call you receive, including telemarketers you don’t want to talk to (although it’s illegal for them to call your cell phone without permission!). That’s why cell phone numbers are typically harder (though not impossible) to track down.

wireless 411 Directory

A few years back, there was some talk about putting together a reverse cell phone directory. All of the different cell phone service providers would contribute their numbers, and the directory would be made available. However, the concern about telemarketers and privacy caused the idea to be abandoned (at least for now).

That doesn’t mean that putting together a reverse cell phone directory for purposes of people search is impossible. The truth is it can be done- and has been done– but, that it requires plenty of effort, since the information has to be compiled manually from millions of different records. Because it takes so much work, no one is able to offer this service for free. In addition, most reverse cell phone directory providers who charge simply don’t have access to a complete database of information.

reverse phone Detective

reverse phone Detective stands out as having one of the most comprehensive and accurate reverse phone search databases on the Internet. Just run a few Google searches and you’ll quickly discover they’re often the top-ranked reverse cell phone site online.

Next Post: How to Conduct a Reverse Phone Look Up