How to Cross-Reference Phone Numbers

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How to Reverse Search Phone Numbers

Sometimes it’s handy to reverse search a phone number, which means to find information associated with that number, such as a name or address. You can reverse search a number through reverse telephone directories (also called cross-cross directories) as well as online through various search engines and online databases.  Let’s look at a few free searches: reverse directories and some cool databases.

Look-up the Number in a Reverse/Criss-Cross Directory: You can find these at your local library. Instead of listing numbers by surnames, these books list information by categories, such as the number’s prefixes, street addresses, sometimes professions, and more.  If you’re unsure where reverse directories are maintained at the library, ask a reference librarian for help.

Run a reverse phone number in Google. We love Google.  It’s becoming our first, quick search for just about anything because it’s the most comprehensive, public search engine currently available.  Just type the number into the browser, press the “Google Search” button, and view the results.  Everywhere Google finds that number will display (for example, in websites, online resumes, social networking sites, and so on).

Run a reverse phone number search in Pipl.  Another free, comprehensive reverse search can be done using Pipl, a deep web search engine.  Go to Pipl.com, click the “Phone” link, enter the phone number and press the “Search” button. The results display where Pipl found that phone number in web pages, online phonebook listings, web pages, and more.

Have a great week, Writing PIs