Trying To Find a Lost Relative: Where To Start

The internet has made finding a lost relative easier than ever before. There are now countless websites and online tools that can help you track down long-lost family members with just a few clicks of the mouse. Below, we’ll share some tips to help you get started.

Search Engines

One of the most popular tools for finding lost relatives is a free people finder, also known as a people search engine. These websites allow you to search through billions of public records to find information about people and their families. You can typically find contact information, addresses, and sometimes even photos.

To use a people finder, you’ll first need to create an account. Then, you can enter the person’s name and location into the search bar. The website will return results that include all matching records in its database. You can then browse through these results to see if you can find any information about your relative.

Traditional search engines are also a good place to start. Try entering the person’s first and last name, along with any other pertinent details (e.g., last known address or city) to get the most accurate results. You might find helpful articles, blog posts, or public announcements about your relative!

Social Media

Numerous social media websites can be used to help you find a lost relative or loved one. Two of the most popular social media platforms are Facebook and LinkedIn. Facebook is a great place to start—just enter your relative’s first and last name in the search bar and hit enter. If your relative has a common name, Facebook offers filters to narrow your search results by aspects such as their location or the high school they graduated from.

You can also search for the person’s name on LinkedIn to see if they have a profile. People use LinkedIn to create profiles based on their professional information and to find work. Like Facebook, LinkedIn has search filters to help you narrow your search results.

Genealogy Websites

Numerous genealogy websites offer free searches, such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. These databases have information on millions of people and can help you track down your family tree. It’s important to compile as much information as possible about the person you are looking for, including their full name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ full names, and any other known information. Once you have this information gathered, you can begin searching for them online.

You can also search public records databases, which typically have information such as birth certificates, court records, and property records. If you don’t have luck finding your relative through these methods, try reaching out to family members or friends who may be able to provide additional clues or leads on where they might be located.

Private Investigators

Finally, if you still haven’t had any luck finding your relative online, there are also many private agencies that offer or specialize in genealogy services. These agencies can help track down missing relatives and provide additional information about their lives and families.

One of the benefits of using a private genealogy agency is that they have access to resources that the general public does not. This can include vital records, church records, and census records. Private agencies can also help you track down living relatives.

Overall, trying to find a lost relative can be challenging, but your efforts can yield rewarding results. There are a few steps that can be taken to make the process easier, such as gathering as much personal information as possible and utilizing basic search engines. It is important to remember that there is no one right way to find a lost relative and that the best approach may vary depending on your personal situation.