As technology evolves, the amount of information stored on the Internet continues to increase. With so much freely available information, many of us now have a higher chance of finding long-lost family members and making new relationships. Ancestry.com, for example, connects millions of users through billions of records. These records cover two billion alleys, 10 million cemeteries, and 30 million state censuses.
However, searching for your long-lost family in an increasingly connected world can be difficult. It might be a good idea to enlist the assistance of professionals in private investigation los angeles ca (or wherever you live) as they are likely to have the necessary expertise to track down individuals much faster.
That said, searching for a family is a lot like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s impossible to find anyone unless you know where to start.
Here Are Some Examples on Where to Start Searching for Your Long-Lost Family:
- Start With Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for finding loved ones. It can help you find people on social media who are near you, who were born in the town you grew up in, or who went to the same high school as you. But it also can help you locate people who are from the other side of the country or the world. Not forgetting that the platforms can also help you to find people you once knew. So, don’t be afraid to make an account if you want to try and locate people you once knew and loved.
- Google Search
Although Google hasn’t perfected a way to reunite you with long-lost family members yet, the company still offers ways to find where you came from. Google’s Family Search is a free tool that helps you trace your family history. While Family Search is designed specifically for tracing your roots, you can also use it to find long-lost relatives too.
- Person Lookup Tools
There are times when you might feel exasperated because you’re not finding any concrete results while looking for your family through search engines and social media. This is because search engines and social media platforms are not tailor-made to serve that specific purpose. But there is a viable alternative you could take to find the person you want – online person lookup tools. There are portals such as information.com that you could use to find an individual in a specific city.
- Family Tree
Your ancestors are your family, but for some reason, you’ve lost track of them. Maybe you’ve lost touch over the years or simply forgot about the first time you met your great great grandmother. While it’s never too late to find your relatives, where do you start? You can start by looking for your family tree. An ancestry DNA test will help you determine who your ancestors were, but unless you have an ancestor who immigrated to the U.S., you’ll likely need other resources for your search. So, use the internet to give you a helping hand.
- Last Known Location
If your family has moved away and you want to catch up with them, start by searching for their last known address. They may have moved a lot since the last time you saw each other, or maybe their contact information has changed. Either way, the last time you saw them is probably a good indication of where you should start your search, so you can get a ballpark idea of where to look.
- Phone Number
When you’re searching for your long-lost family, the first thing you should do is look for a phone number. While it may seem that there’s no point in diving into a complex genealogical tree when you don’t know who you’re searching for, starting at the beginning of your family tree ensures you have all the information necessary to go back.
- Research for events
The information collected on genealogy sites can be a goldmine for anyone looking to learn more about their family history. But besides learning more about your heritage, genealogy research can help someone reconnect with a lost family member. Using the research you collect, create a timeline of important events in your family member’s life, and then search for leads on how they have made contact with you.
- Check the Background
Private investigators play a crucial role in various scenarios, whether it’s locating long-lost family members or investigating complex issues in a marriage. One valuable tool at their disposal is conducting comprehensive background checks, typically utilized for employment purposes, but equally beneficial in other situations. Through meticulous research, private investigators, like those at this Bond Rees investigations firm, can unveil a person’s past, shedding light on their whereabouts, acquaintances, and past activities. These background checks prove to be an invaluable starting point for any search, providing essential information that can aid in resolving a wide range of personal and professional matters.
By following these tips, you have an increased chance of being able to search for, and locate, long lost family members.