Dear EKulz,
Let me start by saying that all of these methods may not work, and in
any case, every method you shall apply to find a lost person should be
within the limits of worldwide privacy act. It is always possible,
that your friend doesn't want to be found, from one reason or another.
Therefore, it is quiet possible, that you'll hear about other ways
from other people, but I give you here only ways that are within the
limits of privacy acts, and I must say that I fully understand why a
woman might feel intimidated to be "found", as I heard of many
stalking cases.
If the only thing you did was an online search, maybe it's about time
to get back to the non-virtual world. After all, many of your
school-mates are 55-year-old or older, and might not use the computer
that often. You may not know her current last name, but you do know
where she studied or lived. Calling the school where you both went, or
talking with neighbours and common acquaintances in the area where she
lived might be a good way of finding out where she is. In any case, it
is always good not to ask for *her* details and try to intrude her
privacy if she doesn't want to, but to tell everyone who might be in
contact with her to give her your details - so she could call if she
wants to.
The next way, which is still within the limits of a budget, is to
advertise your searches in a newspaper. I mean, of course, either a
local newspaper from the area where you both have lived, or or more
national newspaper - which would cost more. Don't be satisfied with
one ad, one time, because she might miss it, and of couse, if you're
so dedicated, think of writing there something that would apply also
to friends of hers. Several radio programme offer also such a service
(sometimes for free): For example,
Radio 2 (BBC) <http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/stewart/where.shtml>
- Ed Stewart Show
Radio Gloucestershire
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/radiogloucestershire/content/action.shtml>
Devon Connection <http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/have_your_say/friends_family.shtml>
(Only a message board)
A third possible way, still within a budget but a bit moer expensive,
is to hire a private investigator, that would use their techniques to
locate her. Again, remember that it is her right to wish not to be
found.
There are several other ways - but they depend on you knowing her last
name. For example, to go through election registries
<http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/toolkit/index.cfm/faqs/211>
These are strategies that are cost effective and could be used also
when you only know her maiden name. However, I also added some sites
that could help you find her - for free or for a small fee.
Other sites (except for Friends Reunited) where she might be registered:
Towns Together <http://www.townstogether.com/> - find her or mutual
friends who are registered with the site.
Maiden Name.net <http://www.maidenname.net/> - finding women by their
maiden name, if they are registered with the site.
Gone Missing <http://www.davemiles.co.uk/index1.htm>
Lost School Friends <http://www.lostschoolfriends.co.uk/index.asp>
Services that cost a fee (sort of Internet-based private eyes):
People Trace <http://www.peopletrace.com/> - would look through
marriage records in England and Wales (to tell you the new name), etc.
Traceline <http://www.statistics.gov.uk/registration/traceline/default.asp>
- Governmental site that might have records. Costs a small fee.
UK People Finder <http://www.ukpeoplefinder.com/cgi/index.asp>
I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
further clarification on this answer before you rate it.
Search strategy:
finding a lost friend/relative/person (with site:uk when I wanted to
limit to UK results; with other terms when I wanted to limit to maiden
name search, etc.). |
