Being contacted by an unknown number is always a cause for concern. That’s why knowing the best reverse phone lookup services is so valuable. With a comprehensive directory and access to billions of public records, these services can help you identify the person behind any unknown number.

Using a reverse phone lookup service is a smart move for those who receive frequent (or even infrequent) calls from unknown numbers or those looking for information on a person when all they have is a phone number. Good quality reverse phone lookup sites not only offer the name and address of a phone number’s owner, but they also provide valuable information about the person’s background and other public records.

There are numerous phone number lookup sites out there, so it’s essential to do your research and find one that best suits your needs. To help you get started, here are our choices for the three best reverse phone lookup services.

Top 3 Reverse Phone Lookup Services

1. Intelius - Overall Best Reverse Phone Lookup Service

2. Peoplefinders - Best for Fast Searches

3. Spokeo - Best for Fraud Detection

In-Depth Reviews: Best Reverse Phone Lookup Sites

1. Intelius - Overall Best Reverse Phone Lookup Service

Pros:

• Confidential searches
• Unlimited lookups
• Works for cell phones & landlines
• High accuracy reports

Cons:

• None

About Intelius

As the number one search engine for finding people, Intelius is the go-to reverse phone lookup service. Featuring fast, accurate results and an extensive database, Intelius is the perfect tool to help you identify unknown callers. All searches are confidential, so you can rest assured that your information is secure.

Sourcing its data from billions of public records and comprehensive directories, Intelius can provide detailed reports on almost any landline or cell phone number. It also offers unlimited lookups, so you'll never be left in the dark about an unknown caller again.

It is free to look up phone numbers on Intelius, and complete reports are available through the site's monthly membership plans. Ranging in benefits and costs, these plans are designed to meet any budget or need.

How Intelius Works

Using the Intelius platform to look up any unknown number is simple. All you need to do is enter the phone number into the search bar and hit “search”. From there, Intelius will search its extensive database for matches and provide you with a detailed preview report in about a minute.

The preview report offers free insight into the location of the caller. By clicking on the Owner Name link, users are redirected to a redacted full report, unlockable by providing a valid payment method and email address, as well as agreeing to adhere to the legal specifics (per the Fair Credit Reporting Act) related to reverse lookup services.

The full report contains valuable information to better identify the caller, such as their name, age, address, property records, criminal records, etc. In addition, Intelius also provides add-ons offering social media and relative searches to ensure you have all the information you need about the unknown caller.

Why We Picked Intelius

With access to public databases in every US state, Intelius is one of the best phone number lookup sites. It offers unlimited lookups on landlines and cell phones with fast, accurate results and extensive preview reports to help you identify any caller. Plus, the landline or cell phone lookup service is fast, meaning you won't have to wait to find out who's been blowing up your phone.

Learn more at Intelius

2. Peoplefinders - Best for Fast Searches

Pros:

• Database of over 250 million people
• Special offers on first-time orders
• Simple and advanced search functions
• Fast report generation

Cons:

• Some records may be related to previous number holders

About Peoplefinders

Since 1998 Peoplefinders has offered a detailed and reliable way to look up anyone’s phone number. The site has ever-growing databases with over 250 million people included, making it one of the most comprehensive reverse phone lookup sites available to the general public.

Adhering to every state’s privacy laws, Peoplefinders takes careful measures to ensure the privacy and security of its customers. These laws, especially the Fair Credit Reporting Act, protect the rights of the individual being searched, making sure the data is only used for intended purposes.

With simple and advanced search functions that provide detailed insight into the owner of any number, you’ll never have to worry about an unknown caller again. Plus, the Peoplefinders team is available 24/7 to provide extra support and customer service in case you need it.

How Peoplefinders Works

To use Peoplefinders reverse lookup for a phone number, all you need to do is enter the unknown number into the search bar and hit Search. Once you do, Peoplefinders will search its extensive databases for matching results and provide a detailed preview report in about a minute.

The free preview report offers insight into the caller’s city or state, carrier, and type of connection (mobile or landline). Advanced reports generate this information but in far greater detail. So for those wanting to know everything about an unknown caller, a new friend, or a potential love interest, these reports are a great option.

Complete reports are available for a nominal one-time fee or a regular monthly subscription. Subscription services come with a ton of other perks, including unlimited searches and access to the Peoplefinders database of more than 250 million people. The great thing about both offerings is that you can cancel anytime without penalty or additional fees.

Why We Picked Peoplefinders

Peoplefinders is on our list of the best reverse phone lookup services due to its extensive databases, special offers on first-time purchases, and access to advanced search functions. Plus, the site is fast and provides detailed report previews in just a few minutes - saving valuable time when trying to get information on the owner of the phone number.

Learn more at Peoplefinders.com

3. Spokeo - Best for Fraud Detection

Pros:

• User friendly-interface
• Featured in major media publications
• Multiple customer support channels
• Cross-references over 12 billion public records

Cons:

• Report generation takes longer than other sites on this list

About Spokeo

A favorite of leading media outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and Forbes, Spokeo is one of the most trusted phone number lookup sites. Their powerful search engine gathers over 12 billion public records and cross-references them to provide users with detailed background checks on anyone they need info on, including unknown callers.

Advancing transparency through technology, Spokeo's data-driven principles strive to ensure people get accurate information about others. Additionally, the company's user-friendly interface and multiple customer support channels make it easy to receive help whenever needed.

With numerous services regularly being added to their platform, like people search, background check, and reverse email lookup, Spokeo is an excellent choice for those seeking multiple verification services.

How Spokeo Works

Spokeo's paid and free reverse phone lookup serves to benefit in multiple ways with each search. By entering a ten-digit USA landline or cell phone number into the search bar, Spokeo will provide users with a detailed report that includes the owner's general location, service provider, and type of connection (mobile/landline). This service is entirely free and can be used as often as needed.

For an even more in-depth report, Spokeo offers a one-time fee or monthly subscription service that covers additional information such as the caller's age, full name, home address, social media profiles, relatives, and more. Additionally, this report can provide detailed insight into spam and fraud calls - with the ability to read (and comment) on the unknown caller's public reviews.

Trial memberships let users try out Spokeo's premium service before committing to a subscription. Features of this seven-day trial include full access to the premium report, unlimited searches, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every order. 

Why We Picked Spokeo 

Spokeo is a powerful tool for those who wish to verify known and unknown numbers. And with its featured appearances in major media publications, user-friendly interface, multiple customer support channels, and ability to cross-reference over 12 billion public records, it's easy to see why we included Spokeo on our list of best reverse phone lookup sites.

Learn more at Spokeo.com

How Did We Pick These Best Reverse Phone Lookup Services?

With a team of researchers who frequently get calls from unknown numbers themselves, we understand the need for reliable phone number lookup sites. Therefore, to determine the best picks on this list, we considered various factors such as:

• Ease of use - For a site to be the best, it has to be user-friendly. We only considered phone lookup sites that are intuitive, have helpful tutorials, and provide easy-to-understand results.

• Accuracy - Fake reports aren't helpful and can even be damaging. We only considered services that generate accurate reports with detailed information to help identify a number calling you.

• Variety of features - The best reverse phone lookup sites provide an assortment of services - from basic caller ID lookup to detailed background checks. We only included sites with extensive features tailored to users' needs.

• Customer service - If you have a problem, it's nice to know that someone will be there to help you. We only picked services with helpful customer support staff and multiple channels for contact.

These criteria allowed us to create the list of best reverse phone lookup services above to help anyone find out information on the owner of a phone number quickly and efficiently without spending too much money. 

What is a Reverse Phone Lookup?

Usually, you look up a landline or cell phone number for a business, client, or old friend so that you can connect with them to build a relationship. 

A reverse phone search is the opposite - you enter a number to find out the person to whom the phone number belongs, where they are located and more. Reverse phone number lookup sites help verify unknown numbers that show up on your call logs and protect yourself from spam, fraud, and other risks associated with strange incoming calls. 

These services have proven incredibly valuable to those receiving unknown calls or searching for new contact information based on outdated phone numbers. 

Types of Services Reverse Phone Lookup Sites Provide

Free reverse phone lookup services vary from site to site, but most offer basic information such as the owner's name and address. More advanced sites include additional details such as service provider, location, age, relatives, social media profiles, and public reviews.

Additionally, paid phone number lookup sites may also provide background checks. This can include arrest and criminal records, bankruptcy filings, sex offender registry information, and more.

What are the Benefits of Phone Number Lookup Sites?

The most well-known benefit of a reverse phone lookup site is, of course, getting more information about a person or entity that’s been calling you. With this information, you can find out who they are and whether or not you should trust them - keeping you safe from scam artists, collection agencies, and more.

Furthermore, the benefit of using an online reverse phone lookup is that it saves time traveling to each state to find records and information. With online lookup services, you can access the same information from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

But it isn't just protection from nefarious activity from unknown callers and a speedy way to gather the information that makes paid and free reverse phone lookup sites worthwhile. Many other benefits exist for users seeking to:

• Reconnect with loved ones using an old cell phone number

• Verify that new friends are who they say they are

• Establish social proof in new relationships

• Gain insight on potential dates

• Verify business services for potential customers

• Find out who your children are speaking with

Each of these scenarios can be handled much more easily when you have access to the comprehensive information provided by an online lookup service. From keeping your family safe to ensuring you don't miss out on important business opportunities, these services are a powerful tool for anyone who wants to make wise decisions about their contacts.

How to Choose a Reverse Phone Lookup Service

There are many ways to find out more about a phone number online. But the best way to get the most accurate and comprehensive information is to use a reverse phone lookup. To ensure you get the best value for your money, it's important to consider certain factors before choosing which service to use.

Record Database Size

Reverse phone lookups work by accessing public record databases. Unfortunately, some services only use the National Caller ID Database, which limits their accuracy significantly. Look for companies that offer access to public and proprietary databases to get the most up-to-date information on any USA landline or cell phone number.

If the sourcing is unclear, look for sites that review millions or billions of public records rather than just a few. This ensures that you get the most comprehensive, up-to-date results.

Cost

Free reverse phone lookup services offer a basic search for no cost, but you'll need to pay for full access to their records if you want comprehensive details. So when it comes to pricing, make sure that the service you're considering is both affordable and offers the best bang for your buck.

The best reverse phone lookup services usually come with unlimited searches, a wealth of information related to the number, and access to other site-specific features. Additionally, a high-quality membership program should always include some type of no-obligation period, money-back guarantees, and even discounts for extended use.

Privacy & Security

Just because a reverse phone search site is designed to be transparent about phone numbers doesn't mean it should forget about the privacy of its customers. Look for the best reverse phone lookup service using secure encryption technology to protect your personal information and search history.

Top-notch phone number lookup sites also have tough policies against spam and other forms of abuse. Make sure to look into how these companies keep your sensitive data safe before committing. Much of this information is available at the bottom of the service's website.

Report Generation Time & Format

With potentially billions of public records to sift through, it is important to choose a site that can complete a search within minutes. The best reverse phone lookup sites will usually provide you with full reports in under a minute, while the worst will make you wait hours or even days to get your results.

Furthermore, a detailed report should always be downloadable or accessible in an easy-to-read format. From clear category labels to widely used file types, it should be a breeze to analyze the provided insights about any reverse cell phone lookup quickly.

Features

With many of the best reverse phone lookup websites doubling as directory services, it is important that you choose a website with features that are useful to you. From email tracers and address history searches to fraud detection alerts, the best sites will offer additional features beyond just phone number lookups.

Most services will also provide a range of helpful tools for tracking down numbers. These could include a free reverse phone lookup by address, a reverse phone number search by name, or even searches related to an area code or cellular towers. Make sure to look into the features of any service you are considering before making your final decision.

Is it Legal to Use Reverse Lookup Sites?

Yes, it is entirely legal to perform a reverse phone number search. However, there are a few limits to use purposes to ensure the safety of individuals and protect their rights.

Most notably, details uncovered when using a lookup service cannot be used to stalk, harass, or otherwise harm people. If it is discovered that any of the data retrieved from a lookup is being used for malicious purposes, you could be subject to legal action.

Customers ordering detailed reports based on a reverse phone number lookup cannot use the information to determine credit, insurance, employment, or housing eligibility. This is because these consumer reporting agencies have their own separate protocols that are entirely distinct from - and illegal to use through - a reverse phone lookup (per the Fair Credit Reporting Act).

Outside of these use cases, other minor restrictions may be applicable such as not using the information to solicit goods or services and not publishing the results of a reverse phone lookup on any public platform.

Be aware that reputable reverse cell phone lookup services will require your consent and acknowledgment of these terms and conditions before giving you access to any data.

Is My Information Available on a Reverse Phone Lookup?

Your personal information can be found on a reverse lookup if you have previously submitted details such as your name, address, or other contact information to any public platform or directory service. 

So, that means that in the same way you look up someone else's information, someone can also look up yours.

This is another benefit of a subscription lookup service with unlimited searches: you can find out what information is publically available about you and take the necessary steps to protect your data.

Where Does the Information Come From in a Reverse Lookup?

The details of a full report can make anyone curious about where all the data comes from. And with that curiosity comes a fear that companies are collecting data through illegal means.

Fortunately, this is not the case with most reliable reverse phone lookup sites. Instead, the information provided in a report typically comes from sources available to the general public.

Court Records

Every court in the nation keeps a detailed record of cases, verdicts, and other related data - including phone numbers. By cross-referencing records, companies can create detailed reports of any given number.

Social Media Platforms and Directories

We share a lot of information on social media and directories without even realizing it. For example, when you enter your contact details in the 'about' section of a profile or provide your phone number for customer service inquiries, those details become available to people who search via reverse phone lookup services.

Public Records

There are a number of public records that companies use to compile their reports. These include things like property records, background checks, and more. These public records are often chock full of information related to any given phone number.

Third-Party Sources

Finally, many companies have access to third-party sources that help them in their research. This includes things like industry-specific directories and white pages etc. Not all of these records are publically accessible, but reliable services will pay for access as a way to ensure the highest quality data possible.

Do Reverse Phone Lookups Actually Work?

Yes. Millions of people have been able to access the data they need through reverse phone lookup services. Even with varying levels of details provided in each report, a reverse lookup can be heavily relied on to provide accurate and comprehensive information about any given number. 

But you should remember that the accuracy of a report will depend on factors such as:

• Number history. Is it a new number? Has it been logged into directories, court records, etc.?

• The sources used by the company to compile their reports. Do they use public records, third-party directories, etc.?

• Your subscription package. Depending on the scope of your plan, your report may include more or less data.

Ultimately, a reverse cell phone lookup can be relied upon to provide accurate and comprehensive information about any given number. If a site isn't giving you the information you want, it may not be an error - the information you're looking for might simply not be available.

Information Available from a Reverse Phone Search

Reverse phone searches provide insight into a whole lot more than the location, carrier, and line type of a caller. With premium membership to search service sites, you can get detailed reports that include the following information:

• Name and address of the phone owner

• Email addresses, other contact numbers, and social media accounts of the owner

• Background info, including any criminal records and property ownership records

• Ownership information for property and businesses

• Phone number and location history

• Details of any cases and court filings associated with the owner

• Information on family members, roommates, and business associates

• Previous aliases associated with the owner

• Relevant dates, including birthdate and driver's license info.

This information can be instrumental in identifying an unknown caller, verifying information you've received from a friend, locating a lost family member, or tracking down a prank caller.

How to Protect Personal Information from Being Found Through a Reverse Phone Lookup

It is a little unnerving for some to know that their personal information can be found with a simple phone number search online. But just because your information is out there to the public doesn't mean you can't protect yourself from being found.

The most effective way to ensure your information is kept private is to opt out of phone number directories and other public records. To do this, make sure you are not listed in the white pages, 411 directory assistance or any other online phonebook. You can also contact your phone service provider and ask them to remove your information from their public records.

If you don't have the time to contact each directory service, you can always use a reverse phone lookup website to opt out of directories. Acting like an identity theft protection service, these companies will scan the web to locate any public records related to your number. Once they have identified those records, they can remove them from their search engines and databases.

You can also take measures to protect yourself in the future by using a VoIP service instead of a regular landline phone. VoIP services provide more user privacy than traditional phone services, allowing you to anonymously choose which number you want. This way, your personal information is not freely available online. These VoIP numbers are perfect for online surveys, customer service inquiries, or other applications that require a phone number but don't necessarily need personal information to be attached.

Why Do Some Reverse Phone Lookup Searches Return Multiple People?

Recycled phone numbers aren't uncommon - especially those created during pay-as-you-go plans. For this reason, it is possible that multiple people have used the same phone number over the years. Therefore, doing a reverse phone lookup on that number could result in multiple people being found.

It is also possible for someone to list their personal phone numbers under multiple aliases or names - which can lead to more than one person appearing in the search results. In this case, take note of any information that might be listed along with the names, such as a company name or address. This can help you determine which person is the actual owner of the number.

Finally, if used for business purposes, there could be more than one account associated with a single phone number. For example, if a business has multiple employees who all use the same phone number, the results of a reverse phone lookup could include multiple people associated with that number.

Overall, it is important to consider all possibilities when using reverse phone number lookup sites, using all information provided to determine the true owner of the number. Doing so can help ensure accuracy in your search and protect you from mistakenly connecting with the wrong person or getting scammed.

How to Read a Reverse Phone Lookup Report

The amount of information provided in a reverse phone lookup report can be overwhelming to some. However, understanding how to read the report can make it much easier to interpret.

The first section of the report typically contains general information about the owner of the phone number, including their name, address, and any other contact information such as email addresses or social media accounts.

The report's second section usually contains more detailed information about the phone number itself. This can include its type (landline/cellular), carrier, line type (residential/business), and even previous locations of the device.

The third section of the report typically includes any public records associated with the number - such as court records, criminal histories, or bankruptcy filings. This information can be extremely useful when trying to track down a person or business.

There is usually a section dedicated entirely to relatives and known associates. This section is instrumental when you get a report with multiple aliases or names, helping narrow down the right information based on these associated individuals.

The final section of the report typically contains a summary or overview of all the information gathered. This is helpful when trying to quickly determine what the report says without having to read through every single detail.

By understanding how to read a reverse phone lookup report, you can easily gather accurate and comprehensive information about the owner of any phone number without feeling like you've wasted time or money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I use a reverse phone lookup service?

Any time you want to know more about a phone number, it is best to use phone number lookup sites. This can be helpful when trying to verify the identity of someone you have recently met, track down an old friend or family member, or find out who is behind prank calls or other unwanted calls.

2. How can I pay for a reverse phone lookup report?

Multiple payment methods are accepted when using a reverse phone lookup. Most companies accept major credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal and other online payment services.

3. Does a reverse phone lookup report cost money?

Yes, most reverse phone lookup reports require a fee for access to a full and detailed report containing the information you seek. There are some free services available, but they often have limited features or will only provide basic information about the phone number owner.

4. Can I trust a reverse phone lookup?

Yes, most reverse phone lookup services are reliable and trustworthy. They use sophisticated databases to search for public records related to the phone number you are looking up and can provide accurate, updated results.

5. What kind of information will I find on reverse phone number lookup sites?

A typical reverse phone lookup report includes the name, address, and other contact details associated with the phone number. Some services may also include additional information such as age range, email address, and employment history.

6. How do I view a paid report?

Once you've paid for the report and it is generated, you will be sent a link to view the full version. This link can be accessed on any device with an internet connection, so you don't have to worry about downloading or printing out any documents - though many sites offer this option as well.

Find Anyone with a Phone Number

For some, the benefits of a reverse phone lookup will help shed light on unknown callers. For others, it can help reunite old friends and family members that have lost contact with one another. Whatever your reason, a reverse phone lookup report can prove to be an invaluable asset when seeking accurate information about any phone number.

By using the real, comprehensive results from any of the best reverse phone lookup services on this list, you can get the information you need within minutes at a cost that's suitable for any budget. So stop wondering who's calling or where you can find them - use a reverse phone lookup and get the information you need fast.