Reverse Searches for Cell Phone Numbers

Reverse Phone Lookup

Have you ever received a call from an unknown number? How do you know if it’s a call you should answer or ignore? One of the easiest ways to identify an unknown number is to use a reverse phone search. The search will identify the name and location of the owner, whether it is an individual or business. The searches are easy, and usually free. However, if the caller is using a cell phone, the search is a little more difficult.

Search Engines

If you want to search for a phone number, you can do it in one of two ways. The first way is to go online and type the information into a search engine like Google. You can also choose to use a website devoted to searches, such as WhitePages.com.

You must type the phone number in with the area code and select “search.” The results will show you the name of the caller. Users prefer websites that are free, however, that’s not always possible. The hosts must pay to get information and keep it up to date. This is especially true when it comes to cell phones.

Why It Isn’t Free

Websites collect data from various sources and then use it to do the searches. The sources include other websites, phone directories, social media, reverse phone directories, and more. While there are free services, the information is often outdated. There isn’t a single source that records and maintains data for cell phones.

Cell Phone Numbers

People can’t get cell phone numbers easily because cell phone companies issue the numbers. Therefore, there isn’t a single directory for cell phone numbers. Traditional phone companies have to interface with other companies which is why it’s possible to have a phone directory of landlines. Companies would have difficulty in maintaining a directory because people change phone numbers frequently. Internet phone numbers make the task more difficult. Intelius, Inc. tried to make a cell phone directory in 2008, but people complained about an invasion of privacy, plus a wireless company threatened to sue.

Cell Phone Look Up

Users can do a search on cell phone numbers, but it is rarely free. First, type “reverse cell phone lookup” into a search engine. You’ll get a list of sites that have the information. Second, pick a site and type in the phone number. You’ll be asked to pay a fee for the search, or you can subscribe to the service. Some sites don’t charge for searches if they are unable to get the information.

Fake Numbers

Some telemarketers and scammers use fake numbers to trick you into answering the phone. To keep from getting repeat calls, you can use an app or the settings on your phone to block the number. If you get repeat calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency, report the activity to the agency and to the Federal Communications Commission.

 

Why Use A Reverse Phone Number Lookup?

Looking up phone numbers online

Cell phone users can find many reasons to use an iPhone reverse cell phone lookup app. Unknown numbers top the list. People want to know if the person calling is a neighbor, friend, their child’s school, or a telemarketer. Using a reverse lookup app can tell you the person’s name and address, allowing you to decide whether to answer the phone, let it go to voicemail or block it when the call arrives.

These are a few reasons to use a reverse phone number lookup app:

  • You notice a missed call from Fred Jones at 813-555-1234. Who is Fred Jones and where is the 813 area code?
  • You find a piece of paper or Post-it Note with a phone number written on it and no other information. It’s obviously an important number but you can’t remember why you wrote it down. You can call the number to find out who it belongs to, or much less embarrassing, do a reverse phone number search.
  • You receive a phone call from an unknown number. Should you call back?
  • Your doctor refers you to a specialist and only have his phone number. Use a reverse number search to find the doctor’s location.
  • There are calls on your phone bill that you don’t recognize.

Landlines vs. Cell Phones

Although there are many online services that allow you to lookup landline and business phone numbers, mobile phone numbers can be trickier and are almost never free. Why? Most cell phone users choose not to have their numbers published. Many are private and want to stay that way. Individual phone companies issue phone numbers rather than interlocking phone systems which issue landline numbers, so tracing them becomes more difficult.

Cell Phone Directory

Statistics show that there were more than 225 million cell phones in use in the U.S. in 2018. Compiling a directory for all those numbers – many of which change frequently – would be nearly impossible or outdated as soon as it was published. Additionally, the use of VoIP phone numbers has exploded over the past couple of years.

Google allows you to enter cell phone numbers, but you will be routed to another service that requires a fee or membership in their service. The fees can be a one-time fee or a monthly or yearly membership. Some websites will offer free results.

Invasion of Privacy

Cell phone directories have been a hot topic over the past decade. In 2008, Intelius announced the publication of a cell phone directory containing 90 million phone numbers. The response was not positive. Intelius faced consumer complaints claiming an invasion of privacy in addition to the threat of a lawsuit by a wireless phone company. As a result, Intelius discontinued the service. Therefore, a true cell phone directory with all cell phone listings won’t be created anytime soon, if ever.