TechRadar Verdict
It’s possible to use Whitepages for a variety of purposes whether it’s looking up an old friend or investigating someone’s entire background, but those more advanced features come at a cost.
Pros
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Generally easy to use
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Lots of searchable data
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Data from reliable sources
Cons
- -
Costs can add up
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Only basic searches are free
Why you can trust TechRadar
Whitepages is a well-known online directory service that provides contact information for individuals and businesses. It boasts the largest database of resident contact information in the United States. Founded in 1997, Whitepages has established itself as a leading provider of online directory services, fraud screening, background checks, and identity verification.
The website allows users to search for people using their name, phone number, or address. Additionally, Whitepages offers a reverse phone lookup feature that enables users to identify the owner of a specific phone number. Beyond its directory services, Whitepages provides a range of other services, including background checks and identity verification.
Here’s a look at Whitepages to give you a better idea of whether you should use it.
- Want to try Whitepages? Check out the website here
Whitepages has proven to be extremely valuable during the coronavirus pandemic due to its extensive databases of information. However, the online service is useful for many other reasons as well. It offers features such as scam and fraud ratings, along with search statistics. Whitepages contains contact information for over 275 million people and continues to expand its database.
Whitepages: Pricing
Whitepages offers a tiered pricing structure that starts with free, limited searches providing basic contact information. For those interested in more extensive data and the ability to conduct higher volumes of searches, various premium subscription plans are available. Plans like Premium Contact Info and Premium Business provide access to complete contact details, including all associated phone numbers and addresses, as well as features like contact saving and exporting.
The business-oriented plan, Premium Business Enterprise, comes with additional tools such as batch searching and access to property data, along with a significantly higher monthly search allowance. In addition to subscription services, Whitepages offers individual background reports for a one-time fee, which can include in-depth information such as public records, criminal records, and property records.
Occasionally, Whitepages offers trial memberships for a nominal fee, allowing temporary access to premium features. It’s important to note that Whitepages' pricing and plan details are subject to change, and their services primarily focus on data from the U.S. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult their official website for the most current and accurate pricing information and to carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to a paid service, as customer feedback often highlights potential issues with subscriptions and billing.
As of now, the Premium Contact Info package is priced at $5.99 per month, while the Premium Business plan starts at $9.99 per month, depending on the number of monthly lookups you anticipate. The Premium Business Enterprise package begins at $109.99 for 500 lookups, and separate background checks are available for $11.99 each.
Whitepages: features
Whitepages is a comprehensive online resource designed to assist users in locating individuals, identifying unknown callers, and obtaining detailed background information. One of its standout features is the people search function, which enables users to search for individuals using a variety of criteria such as name, phone number, address, or email. This feature not only provides basic contact details but also reveals relatives, associated individuals, and even historical addresses, making it easier to connect with long-lost friends or family members.
For those puzzled by unfamiliar numbers, the reverse phone lookup feature is invaluable. It identifies unknown callers by displaying their name, address, and other pertinent details associated with the number, helping users avoid scams or unwanted calls.
In terms of background checks, Whitepages offers robust reporting options that include comprehensive details such as criminal records, arrest histories, property ownership information, and other public records. This makes it a useful tool for individuals looking to vet potential partners or calm concerns about new acquaintances or employees.
Another useful tool provided by Whitepages is the reverse email lookup, which allows users to trace the sender of an email back to their identity. This can be particularly useful for identifying potentially spam emails or verifying the legitimacy of a contact.
For businesses, Whitepages extends its services to include identity verification and fraud screening. These tools are critical in helping businesses confirm the identities of sales leads, ensuring that the data collected through forms is genuine and helping prevent fraud, thereby safeguarding company resources.
With these diverse offerings, Whitepages stands out as a go-to platform for anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of individuals and protect themselves from various risks associated with unknown contacts.
Whitepages: performance
The Whitepages website offers up a very speedy experience. At its most basic level you simply enter your search criteria into the dialog box and start your search. You’ll need to enter some basic information, such as names, possible location and so on in order to improve the odds of getting a correct return on your search. Considering how much data the Whitepages databases hold though the way it scans through this info and returns results is very good indeed.
Whitepages: ease of use
Customers of Whitepages can choose from using the online browser-based experience or opt for the Whitepages app. The latter is basically a tweaked version of the web edition, which lets users view current contact information.
Whitepages has aimed this primarily at people who want to get in touch with people quickly, or find out who’s calling them. The app experience, much like the desktop edition, is pretty straightforward as all you’re really doing is tapping into the might of the Whitepages information databases.
The Reverse Phone Lookup is a useful app for quick and easy phone number searches, serving as a convenient supplement to Whitepages. Although it is only available on iOS, it allows users to efficiently find information on phone numbers. If you identify a person and want to access a more detailed report, Whitepages provides the option to do so.
Additionally, we discovered that using this method gives you the choice to select an Enhanced Background Report. This report includes an instant background check and access to up-to-date criminal records.
White pages: support
If you need assistance while using this online service, Whitepages offers a preferred online Help Center as a starting point. The Help Center features a knowledge base that includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance specifically for Premium users, as well as support for customers accessing Whitepages on mobile devices. Additionally, if you have more complex questions that aren’t addressed in the knowledge base, or if you have inquiries about your account or billing procedures, there is an option to submit a request for further assistance.
White pages: final verdict
Whitepages continues to provide various valuable services, supported by substantial data that enhances its online experience and associated apps. However, this data comes from diverse sources, including phone companies and public records, raising concerns about the level of privacy individuals can and should expect.
Fortunately, Whitepages addresses this issue by allowing users to remove their information from the company’s database or correct and update any inaccuracies.
Overall, Whitepages leaves us with mixed feelings. It is a valuable tool serving a specific purpose, similar to general web searches and social media platforms. Nonetheless, how comfortable individuals feel about their personal information being so readily accessible varies. This does not deter people from using platforms like Facebook.
- We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection services
Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he's been all-digital he has run the Innovation channel during a few years at Microsoft as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he's not working he's usually out and about on one of numerous e-bikes in his collection.
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