Is Finding A Phone Number The Right Thing To Do

In today’s high tech world, tracking down someone’s phone number is not that hard, it might even be free.  Do a search on your own name and find out what comes up, you might be shocked; I certainly was and saw my name, address and even a map to my house... scary.

There are times when finding a phone number is completely the right thing to do, it even helps both parties, an example might be reuniting with an old friend or loved one; other times you may be stretching the ethical limits.  This is an issue that has many concerned and some up in arms; it’s not a black and white issue, rather it has many shades of gray.

Point in case; a happily married man with two lovely children receives a phone call at home from a former lover, worse still if the wife answer the phone.  And while the former lover may have only wanted to say hello, she may have caused problems that continued long after her innocent phone call.  On the one hand, and old friend is simply saying hello, on the other hand a person’s privacy has been invaded... gray issue for sure.  I’m not sure what the exact laws are concerning stalking, and certainly the above wouldn’t have crossed that line, but those are interpretations, not hard line yes and no answer.

Moving slow and carefully might be the best course of action.  For instance, say you do find a best friend from high school; someone you’ve not see in multiple years, you both have new lives and while you might have been best buddies in high school, who knows what twists and turns, may have happened in their lives.  Finding an unlisted number is a wonderful thing, but tread carefully possibly sending a note or email to reawaken the friendship.

The technology of finding phone numbers, even unlisted phone number via reverse phone lookup is prevalent on the net and each person must make their own decision concerning whether or not this is a wise and ethical move to make.  Put yourself in the shoes of your friend (or former lover) would you want to receive a phone call out of the blue, saying “Hi... how ya been”.  It might be completely innocent, or there may be some other reason, that even you’re not sure about.  Examine your own motives, move slowly, put yourself in your friend’s situation, then make your own decision about finding an unlisted phone number.