How to Do a Reverse Email Lookup: Identify a Spammer’s Name, Number, Address & More

But what exactly is a reverse email lookup?

It’s simply verifying the identity of whoever sent you those spam emails in your inbox. Reports range from basic to detailed, depending on the platform you’re using.

And we’ve done our job for you!

We’ve listed the platforms (free and premium) you might want to use to unearth the identity of your target. Let’s unwrap the package!

How to Do a Reverse Email Lookup for Free, Step by Step

Step 1: Do a Quick Google Search

When it comes to stuff we know little (or nothing) about, we tend to “take refuge” in Google, right? Well, looking up someone’s email address is no exception.

Simply type the email address into Google's search bar. The giant search engine will do what it does best, turning up sites (with info) associated with that email address, possibly revealing their name, social media accounts, etc.

This can be time-consuming, though, especially if the info you want isn’t sitting on the first page. You might have to scour several pages, sometimes going beyond the 10th page.

And sometimes, let's be honest, the info you’re seeking may be totally unavailable!

Step 2: Research Product or Service Offered (If Any)

Many spam emails are linked to a product or service.

In such instances, you could research the product or service, which could yield reliable info about the company behind the product or service, such as background details, location, contact details, social media accounts, etc.

Such searches can turn up employee names, photos, and even employment history.

That’s a quick but effective way to look up sales emails. After all, no business owner would want to conceal information about their business.

Step 3: Search on Popular Social Media Sites

Other free tools you might want to employ are the leading social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, etc.

Of course, it’s not uncommon for people to share their personal information on social media platforms. You might find their full name, age, date of birth, employment history, etc.

Instagram and LinkedIn can be helpful in unearthing their photos and employment history, respectively.

You have to do only one thing: enter their email address and hit the search button.

Note that this might be effective only if their accounts are set to public.

Step 4: Research the Domain Name

This is where you have to separate the wheat from the chaff: custom email accounts versus complimentary email accounts. So, this method won’t work for free email addresses.

What are we saying?

Before trying to search the domain name associated with an email address, make sure it’s not Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail.

You get the point.

So, if their email address is customized, you can look up the domain name associated with it. It’s not uncommon to run into handy info, such as their name, age, employment history, etc.

Step 5: Use a Browser Extension

Browser extensions can help you identify your unknown email senders. And there’s a ton of these plug-ins (add-ons): LinkedIn Sales Navigator, FullContact for Gmail, etc. They’re supported by most browsers, too, like Mozilla, Google Chrome, etc.

As if that’s not enough, browser extensions are compatible with most email clients, including Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc. And custom domain email addresses are no exception.

Easy to use and install, browser extensions help turn up info associated with a spam email’s sender. This includes name, age, social media profiles, etc. You only have to click on the email. LinkedIn Sales Navigator, for instance, gives you someone’s info right next to their email address.

However, not all browser extensions come with complimentary reverse lookup plans. You might have to shed some $$$ before using some of them.

When Free Methods Don’t Deliver Results

Just like a free background check, a free reverse email lookup might not work for everyone you’re interested in. So here are our options, just in case.

1. Truthfinder: All-Round Best Reverse Email Lookup

Pros

• Unlimited email lookups
• Comprehensive reports
• Mobile app

Cons

• Unnecessary emphasis on horoscopes

Truthfinder has earned a name for itself in the people-search industry thanks to its, comparatively, accurate info. 

To do a reverse email search, you only have to enter an email address in their search bar. Next, the site’s search engines will dig into public and private databases in the hunt for reliable info.

It won’t be long before they turn up possible profiles. Hit on those that seem right and read the report, which includes your target’s name, age, social media accounts, and more. The platform puts a needless emphasis on horoscopes, though.

This email lookup tool isn’t limited to email lookups, interestingly. It offers a whole load of other services, including address and phone number lookups. Plus, it boasts quite a variety of search parameters (criminal record, driving record, drug record, etc.), so you can do a deeper search if you want.

2. Intelius: Best Affordable Email Lookup

Pros

• Affordable
• Detailed reports
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Some inaccurate info

Another reverse email lookup tool you might want to check out is Intelius. The platform provides affordable and detailed results for your email searches.

To do a reverse email lookup, just enter their email address and hit the search button. Intelius will do its “magic,” scouring online databases for potential info. Then, it’ll list possible profiles for your search, with name, social media accounts, etc.

Click on a relevant profile to read the report.

This people-search site lets you do a lot more than look up emails. You can search by their phone number and physical address too. And if you want to dig deeper into their background, feel free to use Intelius’s different parameters. These include criminal, drug, and civil records, and more.

While some users have been given inaccurate records, the vast majority of folks have had a great experience using Intelius, based on verified reviews.

3. Instant Checkmate: Best Reverse Email Lookup App

Pros

• Detailed reports
• Mobile app
• Phone number lookup

Cons

• A somewhat incompetent customer desk

Instant Checkmate excels at unearthing criminal info, which could indicate whether their email is a fraudster, of course, only if they’ve ever been caught. Plus, the platform boasts a mobile app, which couldn’t be more convenient if you want to browse on the go.

To do a reverse email search, the procedure is the same: enter their email address and Instant Checkmate’s search engines will get to work, turning up possible profiles. As usual, hit on the one that seems right.

One of the best spots to unearth someone’s identity using their email address, Instant Checkmate lets you search using their physical address and phone number too, if you have those. The platform’s search intel lets you dig deeper into their history.

While the site’s customer desk responds to concerns a bit slower than we’d liked, you could have your issues tackled in time if you air them beforehand. So, it’s not a dealbreaker, really.

FAQ Questions and Tips

What Information Can a Reverse Email Lookup Reveal?

An email search can yield a whole load of info, including:

• Name
• Age
• Date of birth
• Marital status
• Employment history
• Education background

The leading sites tack on additional intel that you can use for a deeper search. These include:

• Criminal record
• Drug record
• License record
• Civil record

How Does a Reverse Email Search Work?

Well, they work just like other reverse lookups, whether that’s a reverse phone search or address lookup. 

You need to have only an email address. After you’ve keyed it into a site’s search box, the platform’s search engines will delve into countless online databases, both public and private.

This should turn up several possible profiles that match that email address. Hit on any profiles that seem relevant and read the report.

If you need to do some further digging, use their name (from the report) to unearth their criminal, drug, and civil information, among other key info.

Are Free Reverse Email Lookups Reliable?

You probably already know that free stuff is just what it is: free (and mediocre). Which explains why complimentary sites are likely to turn up inaccurate information.

If you want detailed reports that are accurate most of the time, you may prefer to use the paid resources.

When Should I Do a Reverse Email Lookup?

There are various reasons you might want to do a reverse email lookup. 

If You’re Concerned About a Suspicious Email

Today, the online crime scene is “on another level.” New fraudsters are emerging by the minute, devising novel ways to prey on innocent folks. Spamming your inbox is just one of these.

So, if you suspect that such an email is sitting in your inbox (or spam folder, especially), don’t hesitate to look it up. You might want to take appropriate action, too, if possible.

If You’re Interested in the Person Registered to the Email Address

Some emails, including promotional ones, are spammy. If you’re receiving such emails, you may want to identify the people behind them.

And that’s okay, as it helps to create a sense of relief.

If You Want to Verify the Accuracy of Your Personal Data

Sometimes, it's good to see how your personal information is displayed to the “world.” It could be inaccurate. Who knows?

And the easiest way to find it (and help ensure its accuracy) can be to run a reverse email lookup on your own email address.

Can I Look up Information Associated with My Own Email Address?

Sure thing. If you can look up info associated with other peoples’ email addresses, you certainly can do the same with your own.

Plus, it lets you find out what information (about you) is available to the public. Moreover, if you find it’s inaccurate (your date of birth, for instance), you can take appropriate steps to ensure accuracy.

Reverse Email Lookup: The Takeaway

There you have it. There are various methods you can use for a reverse email lookup. For effective results, though, you may want to go with the paid options.

These sites (Truthfinder, Intelius, and Instant Checkmate) offer detailed accurate reports. Plus, they're faster and more reliable than DIY methods.

So, don’t just sit there and ignore emails from unknown senders, especially if you have any reason to worry. Look up the identities of the folks behind them, hassle-free.

Good luck!