Guerrilla snooping

Try these unofficial search tools, handy for finding out what's been written online by or about your search subject, or for tracking down old addresses. A word of caution, though: These aren't official government records but a collection of private Web sites with information that may or may not be accurate.

• Google.com: Don't just Google someone's name. You can also Google everything associated with that person -- including a phone number, home address or e-mail address.

• Zoominfo.com: Useful in learning about someone's professional background or employer.

• Zabasearch.com: This site may help you find a person's current and previous addresses and birthdate.

• Social networking sites: Search MySpace.com, LinkedIn.com or other social-networking sites (registration may be required). Also check out Technorati.com, which can lead you to blogs and online postings linked to your search subject.

• Classmates.com: If you know when and where the person attended high school or college, you can check to see whether there's an online profile posted.

• Fundrace.org: Dated but still interesting, this Web site lets you search by address or name for donors to the 2004 presidential election. Neighbor search lets you type in an address and see a list of neighbors (and sometimes their employers).

• Isawyournanny.blogspot.com: Anonymous posters rat on mean/clueless/ hapless nannies they see in public. New York-centric, but there are a few postings from the Seattle area (including an Eastside nanny possibly drinking on the job).

• Need professional help? For more information about hiring an investigator, check the Washington Association of Legal Investigators -- www.wali.org -- for a list of members and tips on how to hire a private investigator.

Sources: Linda Montgomery Investigations, Christine Beck, Seattle Times staff