When you get a call from a number you do not recognize, you can decide to ignore it, but you may also choose to find out the source of the number. This is particularly so if the message sent is very important or if it is threatening. Another option is to use a phone lookup service to find out more about where the message or call is coming from. Unfortunately, there are several myths that are linked to phone lookup services that need to be debunked.

1. Using the phone lookup is for tech geniuses. Most people imagine that it will be a feat of engineering to find such information. Since most people do not consider themselves techies, they tend to turn away from carrying out this simple search. In truth, looking up a number is very straightforward and easy according to CBS News, and even with little knowhow, you can quickly and easily trace it to lead to the address and the name of the person. The only thing you need to do is to find the right service.
2. It is expensive to use a phone lookup service. Even though the service is specialized, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The service usually references the number you have typed in against various databases with many phone numbers. There is information you can get for free such as the location from which the number originated, but if you want to find out more, you need to pay a little bit of money for the service. Most times, the difference in cost is based on just how much information you are looking for.
3. It is free to look up a number. The truth is that there is information that you can get for free, but you will need to pay a nominal fee if you need to get more information about the person who owns that number. This is a onetime fee and is based on how much and what type of information you want to get. In today’s world, information has become a commodity that is considered valuable and is traded by just about everybody. One of the most important things is to find a reliable company that offers reverse phone lookup services.
4. Looking up a number is a violation of the person’s rights. Most people worry that looking up the person’s number may be illegal and that they can be cited for violating their rights. However, searching for this information is legal and the search is usually confidential. The information you bring up will only be shown to you and not shared with others. Additionally, any information provided to you is actually public information that can be viewed by anyone.
5. This service is a reverse phonebook. Most people imagine that this service is like a yellow pages book just printed in reverse. In truth, this information has been purchased from various telecommunications companies but goes further to provide you with even more information than you would find in a regular phonebook. You may be able to find additional information that includes the person’s birth date, names of other family members, the age of the person and even criminal information.

If you have been having a variety of misconceptions about looking up phone numbers, then this article debunks those myths so that you can have a better understanding of this invaluable service. If you have an unknown number calling your phone, or if you are threatened or pranked, or if you have textual harassment going on, you should utilize the technology that is available to you to bring an end to the same.