People Search Options

• People search online. Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

  The Web is a helpful resource for trying to find a person's contact information, as there are a wide variety of people search engines to use. Many of these services are free and provide basic information; others require a fee but usually contain more detailed knowledge. Using the better known people search options most likely will give you the best and most current results.

WhitePages

• WhitePages is somewhat similar to the people directory found in phone books. It is free and offers the basics such as phone, address, age and who lives in the household. This site also includes links to other people search directories that offer more detailed information, but those may require a fee and/or membership registration.

PeopleSmart

• PeopleSmart is a fee-based service, wherein people reports can be purchased individually or after signing up for a monthly or yearly membership. Included with a report is a background verification, recent contact information and unrestricted searches of email, phone and social networking information. An application for your computer lets you view reports.

MyLife

• MyLife claims to be the No. 1 people search directory on the Web. Previously known as Reunion.com, this site offers much of the same information that can be found on sites such as PeekYou.com and offers you the ability to contact other members. Despite what the ads for this site say, it is not free. To join, you will need a credit card.

PeekYou

• PeekYou offers minimal basic information for free and includes links to additional sites that will provide added personal information, such as public records and links to personal social networking sites. This site also offers a messaging service.

Pipl

• Pipl searches the deep Web and pulls all information onto one site. Outside links are divided into categories and symbols are placed on links that require payment to view information; all other links are free. This site is free to use and acts mainly as a search engine that brings all sources to one site.