subject: Free Reverse Cell Phone Lookup: The Facts [print this page] When searching the internet for cell phone number searches, you will, undoubtedly, come across sites that claim to be able to offer 'free reverse cell phone lookup', but is the service really free or is it a simple marketing ploy to encourage you to visit the site?
What is Reverse Cell Phone Lookup?
Simply, reverse cell phone lookup is a service, which can be used by anybody, to retrieve the name of any cell phone user. Perhaps you have an old number and you cannot remember who it belongs to. Alternatively, you may be receiving persistent calls from an unrecognized number or you might be concerned about a number in your spouse's phone. In all these instances, reverse cell phone lookup can help you to solve the mystery.
Can I get Free Reverse Cell Phone Lookup?
As to whether you can ever obtain free reverse cell phone lookup, the simple answer is "maybe". Some times, searching for a cell phone number is free. However, some numbers are not listed in public directories and are therefore not available through free reverse cell phone lookup. So, if the number is not available through this channel, what do you do?
Fee Charging Cell Phone Searches
When a number is not listed in a public directory, which many cell phone numbers are not, the only way that cell phone information can be obtained legally is through a fee charging search service. These services pay cellular carriers to access their customers' information. Understandably, therefore, this service cannot be provided free of charge.
Companies that can access these databases are readily available on the internet and can be found with a simple search. Typically, you will pay approximately $15 to access the database once. Alternatively, you may prefer to pay an annual fee of approximately $40, which will provide you with unlimited access to the database for a year.
Beware of Scams
Often a site that claims to provide a free reverse cell phone lookup will either redirect you to a fee-charging site or will be a front for a scam. Therefore, it is strongly advised that customers never reveal any personal information, especially credit card details, to a company that claims to offer a free service.
If in any doubt, it is a good idea to go through a legitimate, fee-charging site. The small charge that you would pay to a reputable site is worth the security and peace of mind. Moreover, your personal information is treated confidentially with a fee-charging site. Therefore, the fact that you searched for the number will remain private, as will your personal details.
