Type in the name of a person on a regular search engine, and you are likely to find at least one document containing a reference to that name. However, if you are looking for a specific person, there is a strong possibility that this reference is about someone of the same name. Plus, many online references fail to provide contact information.

How to Find a Person Online Through a Database Search Engine

Finding a person online requires more than just one bit of information regarding the individual. The process can also take a lot of research time unless the right database search engine is used. The best kinds of search engines are designed to sift through all the hundreds of millions of online documents (web pages, php and database files) and arrive at a list of possible hits.

The first thing to do when finding a person online is to list as much information you know about him or her. Ask friends and family members who once knew this person to provide as many details as they remember, and jot down any known names, married names, nicknames, past areas of employment and residential addresses, phone numbers, and social security number information (if known). It is also a good idea to brainstorm about the person's family as well (spouses, brothers, sisters, parents, cousins) in case you can contact them through an immediate family member.

Once this is collected, find a website company that specializes in providing person-finding services online. You can either type in as much information as one can into the blank fields provided, or contact an employee in the company to perform the search for you. Most companies will not charge a cent until positive and accurate data is collected, and most offer a free search or trial period to use their service.