Person Search in the UK: Can People-Finder Websites Actually Help You Locate Someone?
If you’ve ever tried to track down an old friend, a lost relative, or someone who owes you money, you’ve probably come across websites claiming to help you find a person’s address. These platforms, known as people search websites, are easy to access and widely used, but how accurate are they really? And what should you do if you need reliable results?
At Enigma Investigations, we often speak to clients who have tried using these websites and come away disappointed. So here’s a breakdown of what these services offer, where they fall short, and how a professional investigator can provide a more accurate and complete solution.
What are people search websites?
People search sites are online platforms that aim to help users find information about individuals living in the UK. The most well-known among them include services like 192.com, which pull information from the public electoral roll.
These sites gather publicly available data, primarily from voter registration records, and display them in a searchable format. If someone has registered to vote and not opted out of the public register, their name and past address might appear in the results.
Are these websites accurate?
They can be helpful in a limited way, but there are several reasons why the information might be outdated or incomplete:
- Voter records are only updated once a year, so if someone has moved recently, their new address may not appear
- People often forget or choose not to update their voter registration details
- Individuals can opt out of the public electoral roll, in which case their information will not show up at all
In other words, these platforms may return a result, but there’s no guarantee it’s current or even relevant. That makes them unreliable if you need to find someone now, or if your search involves something more sensitive.
Can Google or social media help?
Some people rely on basic web searches or social media platforms to track someone down. While this can occasionally provide a clue, especially if the person is active online, it’s usually hit-and-miss. Google might help you find a Facebook or LinkedIn profile, but it won’t provide verified addresses, contact details, or any in-depth information unless the person has made that public.
What does a professional person search involve?
When you come to Enigma Investigations for help locating someone, we take a far more thorough approach. Our team has access to specialist data sources and uses investigative techniques that go well beyond what’s publicly available. We combine digital research with traditional fieldwork where needed to locate individuals quickly and legally.
Depending on your needs, we can often provide:
- Verified current addresses
- Alternative contact methods such as phone numbers or emails
- Confirmation of employment or business associations
- Address history and potential known associates
Unlike automated websites, our searches are handled by experienced investigators who understand how to follow leads, cross-check data, and make sure the results are accurate.
When should you consider hiring an investigator?
If you need a current address for legal, personal, or financial reasons, it’s worth considering a professional investigation. Common scenarios include:
- Tracing someone who owes money or has disappeared without contact
- Finding a missing family member or biological parent
- Locating witnesses or former employees for legal purposes
- Reconnecting with a friend or former partner after losing touch
In these cases, getting it right matters. You want up-to-date, accurate information that you can rely on, and that’s what we’re here to provide.
Why choose Enigma Investigations?
At Enigma Investigations, we understand how important it is to find someone discreetly and efficiently. We carry out person searches across the UK and internationally, working with businesses, solicitors, and private clients who need answers.
We never rely solely on public databases. Instead, we take a case-by-case approach, using everything from specialist data to local enquiries, ensuring every investigation is handled with care, confidentiality, and legal compliance.
Need help locating someone now?
If you’ve tried search websites and come up short, or you want to avoid the guesswork altogether, we can help.
Contact Enigma Investigations to discuss your situation. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward address trace or a more detailed search, we’ll talk you through your options and explain how we can help you find the person you’re looking for, with professionalism and precision.