How to Locate an Unpublished Phone Number for Free

1. Go to public utility companies such as electric, water or gas. Bring the address and name of the person whose number you wish to locate. If trying to find a number outside the region where the utilities are located, phone them and ask if they can provide the number that is attached to the name and address.
2. Present this information to the desk clerk. Ask if it is possible to get a phone number to go with the name and address. According to Chuck Chambers, author or 'The Private Investigator Handbook: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Protect Yourself, Get Justice, or Get Even,' municipal water-utilities are among the most lenient in giving out this information.
3. Employ the services of free online reverse-phone directories. Enter in the information you have, such as address or name attached to the number, and wait for the results. Not all reverse-directories are equal. Find one that does comprehensive searches through public utilities, former addresses and public records (see Resources).