To find out the owner or source of a cell phone number, then this is "alternative" strategy is very powerful, but it requires a more active involvement on your part.

However - before proceeding any further, I need to make it clear that this particular technique may not be realistic in many cases, and there are serious legal and ethical issues to be considered if done improperly - or perhaps at all (see more details below)...

So here's how to conduct a reverse cell phone trace, on your own, for free:

Call the number yourself and "obtain" the information like a professional detective.

Here are some examples of how this might be accomplished:

1. Pretend You're Trying to Reach Someone Else

Pretend that you're trying to reach a friend - let's say their name is Bruce. When the call is answered, ask for Bruce. When they say "wrong number", or "Bruce who?", say "Bruce Reynolds - who's number is this?"

Hopefully they'll disclose their information without even stopping to think about it.

*Note: Don't call from your your own number - additionally, don't call from a blocked number (they won't answer it). Rather, dial them from a pay phone or a public place such as a coffee shop, hotel, library, etc.

2. Use a "Pretext"

"Pretexting" is what investigators, detectives and other agents often use as an implied disguise when they pretend to be something that they're not. Such as a narcotics officer pretending to be a drug user, and so on.

To recover information about a certain cell phone number, for example, you can dial the number pretending to be calling from an agency or company that keeps track of client account details or customer address info - such as a car insurance company, a bank, etc. It should be one that the caller is almost certainly using in some capacity. Most people drive a car, so your state or provincial auto insurance company would be an obvious "source".

You would say something like: "Hi, this is [whoever] calling from 123 Insurance. We've had some returned mail and we wanted to confirm the name and address we had on file for you..."

Or something to that effect.

IMPORTANT Disclaimer: Pretending to be someone or something falsely is a controversial investigation technique known as "pretexting". In most cases, it is fraudulent and illegal. This article and site does NOT recommend that you carry through with this technique. It merely explains what "can" be done, and what others do in situations where hard-to-get information is obtained. We highly recommend that you speak with an attorney prior to engaging in any kind of controversial "pretexting" activity in order to gain a clear understanding of what you can or cannot do legally.

You must be aware that the consequences of fraud are very serious.

3. Just Ask

That's correct - just ask. This final suggestion is also the simplest.

Depending on the circumstances, you might have the best results by simply calling the number and asking who it is. It might be worth a try...

That's a sneak-peek into the world of being a professional investigator, using advanced detective strategies.

However, if these methods prove to be ineffective - or if you need to be as discreet as possible - then it's well worth the small entry fee to access our premium cell phone records database, with unlimited searches. It contains data on most cell phone numbers, and our provider guarantees their results.

For more information, read our FAQ - or to begin your reverse cell phone lookup, click here >>