Would you like to contact your friend via the telephone but don’t know their new number? Thanks to fantastic technology like the Internet, you have a greater chance at finding the information you seek by trying a few different online search methods.

You may think that the first place you should start hunting for your friend’s number on the web is a search engine. Although this is definitely one of your options, it’s a good idea to save it for later and begin with a more fast and convenient service, such as a forward lookup. Many websites offer forward searches, including the White Pages. 

To use a forward search, fill in as many of the search fields provided as possible. Entering your friend’s surname is mandatory, but you will also want to include their first name, as well as the city, state or zip code associated with their current location, or the last one you can remember. If your friend is the owner of a phone number that is listed in the public phone directory, a forward lookup will provide you with their phone number and address. However, if he or she only has a cell phone or other private number, this service will not work.

The next step is to try a broad Internet search with a search engine. Enter your friend’s full name in quotations into the query box, as well as another relevant detail such as the city and state where they live.   If the results returned are vague, try looking up other information aside from their location including: name of workplace, high school, college, career field, favorite interest, etc.

Another great place to try and find friends numbers is with a social networking site, such as Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, etc. These networks service millions and millions of World Wide Web consumers. Thus, there is a good chance the friend you are looking for has created a profile, and it is possible they posted their phone number and/or other contact information. There are different ways you can search for members on these sites, so choose the option you believe will help you achieve the best results. Just remember that usually in order to access a member’s profile you will have to create your own free membership.

Last, but not least, you can also search a phone number with a reverse phone lookup if you happen to still have an old number your friend gave you. You may discover that they still own the same one, or if it belongs to their parents or another relative, they may be able to help you find them.