Trying to find someone online can seem overwhelming. This is particularly true when you’re trying to locate someone that has virtually disappeared or hasn’t been around or in contact for a long time. While it isn’t always the most straightforward task, tracking down a lost or missing relative can be done, especially if you’re determined. If you’re committed to finding a missing relative, follow these tips to get started:
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Always Start by Gathering Information on the Missing Person
Before trying to find someone, you need to have a solid understanding of the person you’re trying to locate. Grab a piece of paper and a pen; write down any details you remember about the person. This can include the last known location and first and last names (including maiden names or aliases). Try to recall any family members attached to this person, whether siblings, parents, or children. Concrete details will help you in your search.
Likewise, you’ll want to recall any unique hobbies or interests the individual might have. Were they avid sports enthusiasts? Do you remember any personality traits that made them stand out? The more information you have about the person, the better your chances will be of reconnecting.
Ask Family Members About the Person
While your family may not know the specific location, they may have a few details for your search. Ask individuals about the lost family member, whether the date of birth or the last known location. Try to find out whether anyone has contacted this person or has any form of communication (phone number, email, address, or social media accounts). Continue extending your inquiry to distant family members or close family friends.
Start Your Search
When trying to find people online, a search engine is your best friend. Start by entering your missing relative’s first and last name, along with the previous known city. Skim through the results, paying attention to any news articles, obituaries, or press releases with the name. If they have a common name, you’ll want to extend the search to include a middle initial or other identifying detail. Add any additional information to your file.
Uncover Social Media Accounts
With billions of registered users online, there’s a chance your relative is on a social media platform. When searching, always start with the first and last name. You’ll want to stick with platforms that list names on the account (such as LinkedIn). Any profiles that match your relative’s names should be carefully reviewed for compatibility. Look at the date of birth and any listed connections on the account. If the individual seems to match your relative, reach out through instant messaging. Explain who you are and the family connection you both have. Don’t be offended if they don’t respond; some people don’t view social media accounts often, or it may be a dormant account.
Consider Paid Services
Although some services will cost money to pull the results, they may be worth the investment. Many platforms will search through public databases and records to complete comprehensive records online. This information might include personal data, known relatives, addresses, and social media accounts. You’ll need to have the proper spelling of the individual, along with any additional details that could narrow down the results. This might include known city of residence, date of birth, or maiden names.
Try Different Search Engines and Terms
Although Google is arguably the most popular search engine, plenty of others might bring in different results. Consider branching out to other search engines to see if you get differing results. This might include Yahoo, Bing, Yandex, or Baidu. Each search engine will compile pages differently, putting higher importance on specific terms or relevancy. Try mixing up the search terms you’ve entered into the search engine, including variations of the names and city locations. For example, instead of the specific city in Texas, consider using the state for your search location.
Continue Checking Back
The first few search terms may not result in finding your relative. Whether they have a limited online presence or aren’t found online, staying on top of your search is essential. Continuously search for the individual throughout the year. Search engines always index websites regularly, meaning there’s a chance it may turn up in the near future. If you’re active on social media, consider posting a photo of the missing relative, along with any identifying details you know. Include the approximate age, location, and any physical description you have. Identifying yourself can also improve your chances of finding your relative.
