My Search for Free Alternatives to Zabasearch — That Helped Me Find My Lost Mentor

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Life can pull you away from those who matter most, but the right tools can bring them back. As a software engineer who rose from humble beginnings, I owe much to my University of Houston professor, Jonathan. This is my story of tracking him down using people finder tools after years apart, focusing on free or low-cost alternatives to Zabasearch. If you’re searching for “zabasearch alternative free,” I’ll share what worked for me, based on my own efforts, Reddit discussions, and website reviews.

My Background: Gratitude for Support

I grew up in a small Texas town, facing hardship after my father died of cancer when I was 10. My mother, a maid, made endless sacrifices—skipping meals to buy my school supplies. At the University of Houston, Jonathan, my computer science professor, became a guiding light. He shared books, covered meals, and even loaned me money during tough times. “Newman, knowledge is your way forward,” he’d say. His support, alongside my mother’s sacrifices, pushed me to become a successful software engineer in Austin. But success felt incomplete without thanking Jonathan.

Losing Contact: The Search Begins

After graduation, Jonathan and I kept in touch briefly, but he moved cities, and his phone number stopped working. He avoided social media, so Facebook and LinkedIn searches turned up nothing. Google queries with his name and old number led nowhere. Old classmates had no clues. Then, a YouTube episode of Catfish showed how people finder tools track down lost connections. That sparked hope. I dove into Reddit threads on r/OSINT and r/personalfinance, plus reviews on TechRadar and SecureBlitz, to find free ways to locate addresses and phone numbers.

Trying Zabasearch: A False Start

Zabasearch was praised as a free people search engine, so I tried it first. Entering Jonathan’s old phone number showed a name match, but clicking for details redirected to Intelius, which charged $34.95 a month after a trial. That was too pricey for a one-time search. I needed a cheaper or truly free alternative, so I searched “zabasearch alternative free” and found three promising options: TruthFinder, BeenVerified, and Spokeo, recommended for their accuracy with public records like court documents and social profiles.

Testing Alternatives: The Costly Trap

I started with TruthFinder, hoping it was budget-friendly. Consumer Affairs reviews called it reliable, but it cost around $28 monthly, or $23 if prepaid for two months—too much for my needs. Next, BeenVerified, lauded on Slashdot for address and criminal record searches, hit me with $36.89 post-trial. Again, not affordable. Then I found Spokeo. Reddit users praised its low-cost trial and strong reverse phone lookup. For just 95 cents on a 7-day trial (then $19.95 monthly if not canceled), it was far cheaper than the others.

Success with Spokeo: Finding Jonathan

I tried Spokeo’s reverse phone lookup. using Jonathan’s old number Results poured in: a new phone number, relative names, a hidden Facebook profile (he’d finally joined!), and his current New York address. My heart pounded—this was it. I dialed his new number, heard his voice, but hung up, planning a surprise. A week later, I flew to New York, knocked on his door, and saw his face light up. “Newman? You made it!” We hugged, sipped coffee, and reminisced about college. He was retired, proud of my success. That moment honored my mother’s struggles and Jonathan’s kindness.

Why Spokeo Wins: Affordable and Effective

Spokeo stood out as the best Zabasearch alternative. Its 95-cent trial was nearly free compared to Intelius or TruthFinder’s steep subscriptions. For truly free options, That’s Them or FastPeopleSearch offer basic phone and address lookups, though they’re less detailed. Always double-check results, as these tools pull from public data and aren’t perfect. Spokeo’s mix of affordability and depth made it my go-to.

Tips for Your Search: Stay Smart

Research before you commit—read reviews and test trials. Protect your privacy by opting out of data sharing on these sites. My journey wasn’t just about tools; it was about reconnecting with someone who believed in me. Thanks to Spokeo, I found Jonathan and closed a meaningful chapter.

Conclusion: Gratitude and Connection

Success means little without thanking those who helped you get there. My mother and Jonathan gave me everything; finding him was my way of giving back. If you’re hunting for a “zabasearch alternative free,” try Spokeo’s trial or free sites like That’s Them. Your story matters—let these tools help you write the next chapter.