The internet makes it much easier and more convenient to look up unfamiliar numbers. One option that is available free of charge is to use a search engine. Simply type the number into the search box; if the number is listed in the phone book, the search engine will locate it and provide you with the name and address associated with the phone number. In some cases, you can even find a map with directions to the address. This is extremely handy for numbers that are listed in the phone book. An example of when it would be appropriate to use this service is when you get hung up on and dial *69. That will tell you the number. With that information, you can find the rest out with a search engine.

Another free method of determining who has called you is to use an online white page directory. These directories offer people and business searches, as well as reverse phone searches. Again, if you miss a call, you can find a directory online and enter in the number. If it is a landline phone, it will provide you with the name and address associated with the number. If it is a cell phone, it often tells you the name of the service provider and the general area in which the cell phone is used.

There are also sites devoted to reverse phone searches that allow you to find information connected with numbers that call your phone. These sites will typically provide you with the city and state in which the phone is listed. For cell phones and unlisted numbers particularly, these sites are useful. Cell phone numbers are not stored and organized the same way as landline numbers, making it harder to get user information. If you want to take your curiosity one step further and find the name and location of whomever is calling you, you can opt to purchase the full report for the number. This will tell you a number of things, including the owner's name and address, the phone location and service provider, and more.