How to Trace an SMS Number

1. Save the SMS number on your phone. You can also write it down on a piece of paper.
2. Choose a reverse phone look-up services. A few that you can consider using include PeopleEngine, BestPeopleSearch and Numberway. You will get some free information on these sited. But you will have to pay a fee for more detailed info like the person's name, address and service provider attached to the number you want to look up. As of 2010 these services usually cost $14 to $29, depending on whether you just want information on one number or a series of numbers.
3. Type in the number of the SMS you received and click on the 'Search' button. Wait for it to tell you what information is available. Again, you will get some free information such as the city that the number is registered, but for more details you will need to pay for it. You will be told beforehand what details are available. Many of these services come with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the information that you get. Once you have entered your payment information, a report will be emailed to you.