Do you wonder why certain public records are not free via the internet?
The answer is simple:
Anything that is not considered a "Public
Record" is not usually free. For example, if you want to find out someone's social security number "for free" on the internet, you can't!
Social security numbers are not considered "a public record." You can, however, find online companies that charge a fee for this service.
Regarding locating people for free:
The free databases mostly have old information gathered from "public records" such as the telephone book and real property records.
Sometimes you can get lucky and find someone online for free using sites like ZabaSearch or social media sites such as Facebook or LinkedIn or even classmates.com. If the Subject is not found through any of the online "fee based" companies
that charge $20-$50, then the only way you are going to find that
person is by hiring an investigator. An investigator will only take
a case if there is a legitimate reason to find that person. For
example, wanting to find your high school sweetheart is NOT a
legitimate reason. Most PI's will tell the client that they will
locate him or her and let them know you are trying to contact them. The PI
will ask permission to give that person your contact information. This procedure will protect their privacy.
Regarding getting all of this information free:
The confidential databases are not free. Investigators, government officials,
insurance carriers, etc. all have access to these databases. These databases deliver up-to-date name and address information. The information provided consists of data from data bureau files, the national change of address database, telephone directories, and proprietary databases which are continuously updated. There is a high probability
a person is found using these databases. The cost for these agencies to obtain
this information is minimal. However, you are paying for their
expertise. The cost to the public to locate someone using these
methods usually range from $75 to $250 depending on what information
you provide.
All in all, I suggest that you continue to use the free public
records searches first and then you may have to pay for the services
that are not free online.
