
Modern technology has allowed us to access a plethora of information with just a few clicks in a matter of seconds. In the past, you had to go through the hassle of looking up phone directories and digging through public records to verify someone’s identity. Today, however, all you need is a reverse phone number lookup tool to find what you need.
Using a reverse phone lookup tool, you can get access to key information, such as the full name of the person associated with the number, their social media profiles, public records, and additional contact information. This can be quite beneficial for reconnecting with long-lost contacts, performing background checks for personal purposes, and verifying the identity of an unknown caller.
Our article tells you how to conduct a background check by phone number.
How Does a Reverse Phone Lookup Tool Work?
PublicRecord’s reverse phone number lookup tool allows you to find information about a person using only their phone number. Once you enter the phone number on the site, it performs an extensive search across multiple databases for any potential matches.
These databases are typically comprised of public records, such as criminal records, arrest reports, social media profiles, bankruptcy records, marriage and divorce records, birth and death certificates, lawsuits, civil records, and other online data repositories.
It’s worth noting that these tools don’t have access to any private or confidential information; all the data they compile is available for public use, and these records can be accessed by anyone.
Once a match is found, the lookup tool compiles all major data points in a report for you. Typically, these tools require you to agree to their terms and conditions before viewing the report to make sure that the information they have provided will not be misused in any case.
What Information Is Provided by a Reverse Phone Lookup Tool?
A reverse phone lookup tool usually provides the following details:
- Name: The full name of the person, business, or institution attached to the phone number in question. Any previous names that have since been changed might also crop up.
- Age and Date of Birth: The age and date of birth of the person associated with the phone number, something that provides a clearer picture of their identity.
- Address: Any current and previous addresses linked to the phone number.
- Educational Background: Details about the person’s schools, colleges, degrees earned, and graduation dates.
- Social Media Profiles: Links to any social media accounts associated with that number, such as Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, etc.
- Criminal Records: Information about any criminal history that the person is involved in, if available.
- Public Records: Details from public records, such as marriage or divorce records, property records, civil records, and more.
- Other Contact Information: Additional phone numbers or email addresses associated with the person.
Factors That Influence Search Results
The quality and quantity of the information provided by a reverse phone lookup tool depend on several factors, including the following:
Size of the Database
Different tools have access to databases of different sizes and diverse sources, such as social media, public records, and commercial documentation. A tool that extracts information from larger and more diverse databases is likely to yield more accurate results that will give you a clearer picture of the person or group’s identity.
Frequency of Updates
A database that regularly updates its information will provide more current and relevant information that you can use. For example, if a person moves to a new location or changes their phone number, an up-to-date database will reflect these changes more promptly so that you can have access to their most recent contact information.
User Privacy Settings
The privacy settings chosen by a person or business can also impact the kind of data that you’re able to retrieve from a reverse phone lookup tool. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, offer tons of privacy options that can allow people to control who can see their profile details, statuses, contact information, and posts.
Opting out of online directories and using privacy features provided by search engines can also remove data from public search results, making it more challenging for reverse phone lookup services to do their research.
Level of Subscription
Depending on the tool you’re using, you might be faced with different tiers of service. You might be able to retrieve basic information such as names and addresses with a free trial or a basic subscription.
However, if you’re on the lookout for more detailed reports, such as thorough background checks and past history of the person or group, you might have to pay a one-time fee.
Why Should You Use a Reverse Phone Lookup Tool?
Now that you’re well acquainted with the workings of a reverse phone lookup tool, let’s examine the key benefits that you can get with its use.
Identify Unknown Callers
The most popular use of a reverse phone lookup tool is to identify unknown callers. If you’ve been getting persistent calls from an unknown number, you can use a reverse phone lookup to identify the caller and get more information about them.
With the rise of scam calls and spam marketing, a reverse phone lookup tool is incredibly helpful. If the number you look up appears to be associated with any sort of fraudulent activity, you can block or report the caller for your safety and peace of mind and to protect others from being targeted.
Verify Contact Information
The use of digital media makes it incredibly easy for people to hide their actual identity behind fake names and personas. A reverse phone lookup tool can go a long way in making sure that the contact information you have is accurate and updated for both your personal and professional interactions.
Whether you’re networking with potential business collaborators and clients or you’re conversing with an online friend, verifying their information can make sure that the person is who they’re claiming to be.
Conduct Background Checks
Along the same lines, using a reverse phone lookup tool can allow you to perform a preliminary background check on people of your interest. In business, employers can verify the identity and contact information of job applicants to assess the credibility of the candidate for the job. However, it’s important to note that employers cannot use a reverse background check search tool to perform employment screenings without written consent from the applicant and following both state and federal background checking laws.
Similarly, entrepreneurs can make more informed decisions and mitigate the risk of a scam when signing business deals or entering into partnerships by confirming the other party’s identity and history.
Enhance Online Dating Safety
Given the convenience of identifying authentic contact information and verifying identities, a reverse phone lookup tool makes it easier to navigate the complex realm of online dating. If you’re looking for a partner online, it’s vital for you to have updated and accurate data about their character.
Doing a reverse search can help you find important details about your date, such as their actual relationship or marital status, their factual age, any criminal records they might have, or if they are on a sex offender registry. Addressing these concerns before your relationship gets serious can go a long way in preserving your physical and mental safety.
Reconnect With Old Contacts
It’s quite easy to lose touch with friends or family members if they have moved places or changed their phone numbers. Using a reverse phone lookup tool, you can find their new details to make it easier to stay in touch and engage in heartfelt reunions.
Reconnecting with old colleagues and business associates who have transitioned between jobs or relocated can also help rebuild your professional network.
Finding Background Information Responsibly
Using a reverse phone lookup tool is a fantastic way to maintain personal safety and expand your social network. However, it’s essential to use such tools responsibly – by respecting the privacy of the individuals you’re researching and not misusing their information for any unethical or illegal purposes.
It is your responsibility to thoroughly research the privacy laws and guidelines that are established by your jurisdiction. While the information available on reverse lookup sites is extracted from public records and is hence legal, there might be certain limitations on how it can be used; mishandling or inappropriate use of this data can result in mild to severe legal penalties if you’re not careful.
By upholding good standards, you can protect your personal information and foster positive connections that can benefit your personal and professional life.