When most people think of telephone directories and the 411 system, they think of calling 411 to get a phone number for another person or business. Maybe they need the number of their coworker or the pizzeria on Main St. Whatever the reason, they have a name and location but they don't have a phone number. The 411 information system is in place so they can get the telephone number they need.

But what if you already have the phone number but you need to know the name and address of the owner? The traditional 411 system won't work for you at all. I bet if you tried calling 411 and giving them a phone number they'd think you are nuts!

This is when a reverse 411 search comes in handy. Reverse 411 services are sites that allow you to run a
backwards search on a telephone number. You simply enter the area code and number and click on the search button and in less than a minute you'll have a full report on the owner including name, address, and all sorts of other details.

I recently used a reverse 411 system to find out who owned a number that kept calling my house. They always seemed to call when I wasn't home and they never left any messages. It turned out to be my uncle from Toronto. He had moved and wanted to share his new phone number with me. Of course, he could have just left a message on my voicemail and saved us both some trouble!

Now there's one important thing to keep in mind before using a reverse 411: Canada is not always included in the search. Some sites have access to Canadian numbers and some don't. You'll want to make sure yours does before you sign up and pay the small access fee.