Should you ever need to find out information on a phone consumer, you'll find that it helps to know what services you can use and what is available to you. For instance, while most people are aware of finding someone by using a forward search (looking up their full name), did you know that you can also locate a person and learn more about them through their actual phone number?

A reverse phone lookup, for those who don't know, is a type of people finder service that allows you to trace and identify a phone consumer by searching their telephone number. This is a very popular search tool and it appears on numerous websites throughout the net. Therefore, finding one will not be difficult.

How exactly does the service work? The following is a step-by-step layout:

Step 1- Access a website that has a free reverse phone trace that also allows you to search a cell phone number.

Step 2 - Enter the phone number you would like to investigate into the single query box on the webpage. You only need to enter in the number, but make sure you include all ten digits, as each are needed in order for this service to work.

Step 3 - Search for results. Data should be returned to you within seconds of searching the number. The outcome of the lookup will depend on if the telephone number being searched is the property of a landline or cell numbers. Those listed in the public phone directory will provide you with the name, full address and phone carrier for free, while the wireless ones will provide you with only basic geographical location (city/state) and the mobile carrier.

Step 4 - Determine if you will require the assistance of a paid cell phone lookup. This may be necessary if you need to know the identity or address of a wireless consumer.

As you can see, conducting a reverse number trace is a very easy process. The only decision you really have to make is whether you believe it is in your best interest to pay to find the info you need, or if you should try another free method, such as a search engine, to obtain the phone consumer data.