Online information and social media have made finding people easier than it used to be. Newspapers and public records are moving their archives online. It's also easier now than ever before to hire someone in a foreign country to carry out primary research for you. With all these tools and luck, you can locate that long-lost friend, distant relative, or even a debtor.
Instructions
1. List all known details of the person you are looking for. This must include: full name, variations on the name (e.g. Richard Whitman, Dick Whitman), birthday, his specific hobbies and profession. Any additional details, like distinguishing physical characteristics, political affiliation, special skills, names of his friends and families, will also help.
2. Search for the name in search engines like Google and Bing. Search engines are a good way to start because they index most information, including real-time updates from social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Search for phrases including the name and the hobbies and associations you listed, such as "Richard Whitman calligraphy."
3. Look for the person in social networks. He is more likely to use his nickname there. Don't limit yourself to the big sites like MySpace and Facebook. There are many social networking sites that are more popular in certain countries.
4. As an extension of the social network search, post advertisements and threads in websites like Craigslist and Reddit. Popular forums of specific countries might also help. Be sure to phrase your question in the tone of the site you're posting in. For example, you might post an offer of money in commerce-oriented sites like Craigslist, but this would not be necessary in most discussion forums.
5. By this time, your searches should have automatically covered English-language publications in the country you are searching. If you are still unsuccessful, take out advertisements in major native-language publications of that country. Describe your person as best as you can, including name, distinguishing characteristics, etc. Include your contact information. The promise of a reward might help your search.
6. Contact the local police in the country you are searching. Or you may hire a professional investigator in that country.
