| Welcome to 2009. Our society is more connected | | | | The Problem with Free Phone Searches |
| than ever, anyone is reachable at any time. And one | | | | Unfortunately, these databases are the exception |
| major problem with this not only still exists - but its | | | | rather than the rule. Most websites on the Internet |
| worse than ever! Bad phone calls. You know, the ones | | | | offering 'free' lookups are actually only providing what |
| you get nearly every day - telemarketers, pranksters, | | | | is already available in the phone book. You can waste |
| harassing calls, etc. So what to do? Cell phone | | | | hours trying to search for a cell phone number or |
| numbers are private, aren't they? And what about | | | | something with strange caller ID. The only exceptions |
| those strange caller ID displays? | | | | are a few forums specifically for reporting problem |
| Cell Phone Reverse Search Databases | | | | numbers - and a quick search reveals whether the |
| It's true - cell phone numbers are protected by federal | | | | number you're looking for is available in this case. It |
| privacy laws from being listed in public phone books. | | | | usually isn't. |
| But this doesn't mean you can't find them. Private | | | | Identifying Incoming Callers with Strange Caller ID |
| investigators and even police are using new tools | | | | Displays |
| available on the Internet. These are called reverse | | | | Reverse phone directories can quickly reveal numbers |
| phone directories. The basic premises is based upon | | | | which have limited or strange caller ID information. A |
| storing the millions of cphone numbers collected by | | | | few examples include 'Incoming Call', 'Inbound Call', |
| business, government, and organizations into one | | | | 'State Call', 'Caller', 'Toll-Free Call', or any cell phone |
| centralized database. This database is then | | | | without properly registered caller ID info. Simply type |
| search-able for a small fee. They commonly list over | | | | the number into the reverse phone directory to identify |
| 98% of all phone numbers, including cellular, VOIP, | | | | it. Then either click the button to report to the FCC or - |
| Satellite, and land-line. Once the search is performed, | | | | if it's desirable - mark it in your phone book for next |
| results are available instantly. | | | | time. |