In the information age, everyone leaves a digital trace. However, if the person you're looking for doesn't seem to have one, it means you'll need to dig deeper. Thanks to Google, Facebook, Tumblr, LinkedIn, and countless other social media sites, in all likelihood, the person you're looking for has probably shared some of their information somewhere. While it can be a little creepy at times, it's not difficult to trace a person by following this track of information.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Look for Someone Online
Step 1. Write down all the information you know about this person
Searching for someone using their name alone will be almost impossible. Refine your search by including information such as:
- Full name and nickname
- Age and date of birth
- Schools attended
- Hobbies, preferences, team sports (especially at a professional level)
- Workplaces
- Addresses and telephone numbers
- Friends, family and neighbors
Step 2. Look for variations in the person's name and nickname
Whenever you find a page or clue that suggests other parts of the profile, write down that information. For example, you might find a "Sandra Rossi" mentioned in a Milan newspaper and an "Alessandra Rossi" on an ad in Rome. Write both of these locations in the profile with question marks. If you find other indications that the person with that name is in that location, put a tick next to that location for each indication.
- To get only exact search results, enclose the text in quotation marks. If you're not sure about the spelling, don't use quotes. Enter the name in the main search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.); the more variations of the name and the more search engines you are able to try, the more results you will have at your disposal.
- If you suspect that the person has moved to another country, especially one where they speak a different language, try a foreign search engine. Many search engines have different versions for foreign countries (Australia, United States, China, etc.).
- When looking for a woman who may have married and changed her name, try adding "nee" in the search box with each variation. Nor is a word used to indicate that the person is using the maiden name.
Step 3. Modify your searches on the network to include other details about the other person
After doing some thorough research on the person's name and nickname, add some small changes such as hometown, age, schools attended, companies they worked for, etc. Repeat as needed.
If you know that this person may be associated with a specific website, search the site using Google, and type "site: stanford.edu Beatrice Harrington" for example
Step 4. Use a search engine that specializes in finding people
These sites allow everyone to search for people. Try ZabaSearch.com or Pipl.com, for example. Use filters to narrow your search results.
Lost Trekkers is another place where you can find a person. Choose the country, mode of transport or other options and leave the various details in the relevant forum. You need to register to post a message. You can search through the various posts to see who is looking for you or to locate the person you are looking for
Step 5. Look up the person's last known mobile number
Since it is possible to request the portability of a mobile number from a different operator, people are less and less likely to change their mobile number, while they may decide to change their landline number more easily. While tracing a cell phone number can often cost money, you might get lucky and locate it with a simple search engine search. If the person posted their phone number on the internet, you will likely see it appear. Type the entire phone number in quotes and try using hyphens, periods, and parentheses to separate the numbers.
In the United States, a cell phone's three-digit area code can lead you to where the phone was issued, giving you an important clue. The next three digits of the number indicate the swap area. Most trading areas cover a small city, or a section within a larger city. Try contacting the telephone companies in the identified area, or obtain an area telephone directory; if you have the person's zip code, you may be even closer to finding them
Step 6. Use online white pages
Write the person's name and any other relevant details. If you don't specify a location name, you'll get country-wide results - useful in case the person has moved.
- Sometimes, searching by surname only, you may come across a known family member of the person. If the blank pages show a list of associated people, you may be able to see the name you are looking for.
- Search the person's zip code. If you have the person's five-digit zip code, you can find out what fraction they belong to. This way you can limit your search to the highlighted area. Call the subscriber list information service, it may have information on any numbers that do not appear in normal telephone directories.
Step 7. Search on social networks
Some people choose not to have their profiles appear in search engines; in this case you will have to go directly to the source. Try searching on sites like MySpace, Facebook, Linkedin and Google profiles. If you have the opportunity to do so, be sure to narrow your search by specifying a hometown, a school, etc. To search all major social networks at the same time, use a search engine like Wink.com.
Step 8. Consider using less traditional searches
Sometimes Facebook and Google are unable to provide you with the exact information you are looking for. If there is a possible scenario attributable to the person you are looking for, focus your search accordingly.
- Some states have court search websites where all you have to do is (after recognizing the terms and agreements, of course) to enter a person's first and last name - all occurrences will show up in a nice list.
- If you haven't heard from this person in a while, you may want to consider searching the list of the deceased at this address.
- A quick Google search will tell you which is the official site to search for dead people in your city.
- If you think that the person in question may have embarked on a military career, may be detained in a prison, or may even be no longer alive, try focusing your research in this direction.
Step 9. Post an ad
If you know where this person is, post an ad in local newspapers. Explain who you are looking for and why. Leave your contact information if you are not afraid of receiving spam messages and replies from malicious people.
- If you want to create a long-term ad, build a simple website that uses the name of the person being searched for as a keyword. If she searched for her name online herself, she would find your site.
- If you don't know where the person is, but you know what school he attended, what job he does or what his interests are, try writing a few posts on forums or mailing lists. However, remember to respect privacy; do not share incriminating information that you are aware of.
Step 10. Consider leaving a post on a friend search forum
The friend search forums are moderated by "search angels" or volunteers who will use special tools to search for people. However, this person is unlikely to want their personal information to be shared with strangers on the network, especially if they have tried their best to disappear without a trace.
Part 2 of 3: Finding Someone Using Alternative Means
Step 1. Ask around
Connect with those who know the person you're looking for (or who can put you in touch with someone who knows them). Ask questions about the last place they saw her, the last time they spoke to her, or other personal information, such as email address or phone number.
Explain why you are looking for this person. They may choose not to answer you to protect their privacy, but they may let them know that you are looking for them and they may decide to contact you themselves. Always leave your name and phone number for this eventuality
Step 2. Look for organizations that the person is (or has been) a part of
Search about his hobbies, the church he attends, or the charitable or professional organizations he was a member of. Whenever possible, ask for a copy of the member list and search for the person's name.
Again, you may come across people who can give you more details. While they may not be able to tell you exactly where the person you are looking for is, they may help you get closer to your destination
Step 3. Consider spending money
If you really want to find this person, a small outlay could help you achieve your goal. Websites such as www.intelius.com (used by zabasearch.com) often have comprehensive documents available for a fee.
If the internet isn't the right tool for your research, or if you choose not to use it, consider hiring a private investigator. If you can't find the person in question, or if you don't have enough time to research, a professional can do it for you
Step 4. Make phone calls
While it may seem uncomfortable, the best way to 'trap' a person is to use his or her own web. Use the latest news at your disposal to contact people in his 'circles'. Whether it's a former boss, partner, or neighbor, call him on the phone. It will certainly be more comfortable than driving for hours.
It is important to be friendly and sensible. The world is full of negative news and, in our day, being questioned by a stranger about a friend could be perceived as shady behavior. Be prepared for some rude answers, but continue your search with confidence and courtesy
Step 5. Go to the court
While an online search can also give you similar results, sometimes a trip to the local court will produce important new information. Be nice to the clerk in the public records office, maybe he could point you on the right path.
Attention, the information you are looking for may be subject to a fee
Part 3 of 3: Finding a Missing Person
Step 1. Call the police
After making sure this person is really missing, alert local law enforcement. Unfortunately, people are constantly disappearing and a routine is in place for these cases.
Provide all the information you have: age, height, weight, hair and eye color, skin tone, particular signs, clothing worn, etc. Add a recent photo and fingerprints if you have one
Step 2. In some countries of the world there is an extensive web-based search system for missing persons (eg NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Persons System - in the United States)
If possible, enter the missing person's details in the archives of one of these systems. Create an online appeal for anyone to have access to information needed to find the missing person, including the authorities. You will be able to update them progressively and receive any additional details.
Although in Italy there are no national centers to find missing children, there are various associations (such as the Telefono Azzurro) that deal with the issue, as well as the site of the popular TV show "Chi Ha saw?"
Step 3. Thoroughly check the person's social media profiles
Whatever the age of the missing person, check their Facebook, Twitter, etc. profiles for clues as to what happened. They may have posted information that could lead you to a hitherto unknown trail.
Also look at the profile of friends, the information you are looking for may be there. If you wish, contact the people closest to the subject and ask for information. Sometimes people seek help from those they don't have to face face to face
Step 4. Post signs around town
In the hope that the person is still in the area, post their photos on the walls to alert the community you live in. In this way you will not be the only one looking for it and you can be contacted in case of need.
Include all important information as you did with the police and add several phone numbers where you can be contacted. At least include your first name and emphasize that you can be contacted at any time of the day or night
Step 5. Search your home, neighborhood and local hospitals
In cases like these, it is not possible to sit at home and let others take care of everything. After you have exhausted the searches in every corner of the missing person's home, move around the neighborhood and contact the hospitals if necessary. It's definitely not the best guess, but it needs to be checked.
When contacting hospitals, be sure to detail the person you are looking for. She might be hospitalized with a fictitious name. Bring a recent photo with you to speed identification
Step 6. Warn friends, family and neighbors
The greater the number of people on call, the better! Don't just alert your social network pages, alert theirs too! Whether it's the bartender from whom the person drank coffee every day or the gym buddy, inform them!
If possible, get in touch with these people with photos and useful information. People who have a simple bond of acquaintance with the missing person may need an image to recall them
Step 7. Alert the media
After having detailed your area, notify the media. The best way to reach a large number of people is through local TV, newspapers and other publications. With any luck someone will have seen something.
Remember that you have everyone's support. You won't need to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty about the situation. You are doing everything in your power for this person to return home safely
Advice
- Be honest, if you find the person you have been looking for so much. If you can track it down, don't pretend you stumbled upon it by accident. Be clear and explain the efforts you have had to make. It might be embarrassing, but the person in question might feel flattered. If you make her uncomfortable, be understanding and don't contact her again. In a worst case scenario, after reconnecting with this person, they may find that you lied and learn the truth, worry and fear, and then stop believing you are trustworthy.
- Remember that the person you are looking for may prove to be different from the person you knew. His appearance, tastes, lifestyle and habits may have changed dramatically, even in a short period of time. Or the information you have may be too out of date. Don't discard the new information by thinking "It would never move there" or "It would never do that." You will also need to be prepared for the eventuality that this person is dead or held in prison.
- Get help from a trusted person if you feel that finding this person is really important and be aware of the pros and cons of conducting this search all by yourself.
Warnings
- Don't lie to people for information. Not only is it immoral, you could get caught and force them to take legal action against you.
- Always remember that this person may not want to meet you.
- Persecuting a person can result in you being subjected to a precautionary order and arrest.
- If you do not want to be tracked, do not enter your personal information on the web; Most of the time, you don't need to enter your home address, so avoid doing that.
- To publish your ads you will have to incur costs.
- Another person may follow these steps to find you.
