One of the most common questions people have is whether or not a free reverse cell phone directory actually exists out there somewhere on the Internet. Unfortunately, the answer is no. If you're looking for a complete, accurate guaranteed reverse cell phone directory, you need PhoneDetective.com.
In your search for a free reverse cell phone directory, you will find some pseudo-directories promising to allow free cell phone lookups, but they're usually just websites that allow you to lookup the carrier or issuing location of a phone number (not the owner).
Why Isn't There a Free Reverse Cell Phone Directory?
Once people realize there's no such thing as a free reverse cell phone directory, the big question is - why not? After all, there are plenty of free reverse lookup sites for land line numbers. What's the difference?
Well, the difference is the classification of the information. Your home telephone number is considered public domain information and has been for decades. That's why no one has to ask your permission to publish your number in the telephone book. In fact, sometimes you have to pay a fee to keep your name OUT of those phone books (i.e., to get it unlisted or non-published).
Cell phone numbers are generally more private, since you're charged for every call you receive, including telemarketers you don't want to talk to (although it's illegal for them to call your cell phone without permission!). That's why cell phone numbers are typically harder to track down.
Wireless 411 Directory
A few years back, there was some talk about putting together a reverse cell phone directory. All of the different cell phone service providers would contribute their numbers, and the directory would be made available. However, the concern about telemarketers and privacy caused the idea to be abandoned (for now).
That doesn't mean that putting together a reverse cell phone directory is impossible. The truth is it can be done- and has been done-- but it requires plenty of effort, since the information has to be compiled manually from millions of different records. Because it takes so much work, no one is able to offer this service for free. In addition, most reverse cell phone directory providers who charge simply don't have access to a complete database of information.
Phone Detective
Phone Detective stands out as having one of the most comprehensive and accurate reverse phone search databases on the Internet. Just run a few Google searches and you'll quickly discover they're often the top-ranked reverse cell phone site online.
