The Do’s and Don’ts of Searching for a Subject:
A good search requires strategy, patience, and the right tools.

If you’ve ever searched for someone—whether for an investigation, legal case, or collections—you know it’s not as simple as typing a name into Google. A good search requires strategy, patience, and the right tools. To help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best results, here are the do’s and don’ts of conducting a person search.

✅ Do’s: How to Efficiently Find a Subject

1. Use Reliable Data Sources

Not all search tools are created equal. Free websites and social media might give you a lead, but they often contain outdated or inaccurate information. If you’re serious about finding the right person, use trusted sources like IRBsearch, which provide verified public records, court filings, criminal history data, and more.

2. Start with the Basics

Before you go deep, begin with what you know:

• Full name (and possible variations/aliases)
• Last known address
• Past phone numbers

Even if you only have partial information, it’s a starting point. Small details can lead to big discoveries.

3. Cross-Check Your Information

Never trust a single data point. Just because you find an address or phone number doesn’t mean it’s current. Cross-referencing property records, business affiliations, and criminal histories can confirm whether you’re looking at the right person.

4. Get Creative with Your Search

Sometimes, less is more. If a full name search isn’t working, try:

• Using middle initials or alternative spellings
• Search past addresses
• Look up known relatives or associates

A little flexibility can go a long way.

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❌ Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Rely on Google Alone

Sure, Google is great for general research, but it won’t give you verified addresses, employment records, or criminal histories. Free people-search websites often pull outdated or inaccurate data, leading you down the wrong path.

2. Don’t Ignore Name Variations

If your subject’s name is common, small details matter. Searching for "Mike Smith" might give you hundreds of results, but "Michael A. Smith" could narrow it down significantly. Always check for:

• Middle initials
• Nicknames or aliases
• Maiden names or former surnames

A simple tweak can mean the difference between finding the right person or chasing the wrong lead.

3. Don’t Overlook Old Addresses

People move all the time, and their past locations can be just as important as their current one. If you’re struggling to track someone down, check:

• Property records to see if they still own an old home
• Phone records that might be linked to past addresses
• Family members—they may still be in the area

4. Don’t Assume All Records Are Current

Just because a database lists a subject’s phone number or job doesn’t mean it’s still accurate. Always verify when the data was last updated. If an address hasn’t changed in 10 years, you might need to dig deeper.

Finding the right person takes more than luck—it requires the right tools, techniques, and know-how. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll save time, avoid mistakes, and get the most accurate results.

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