They don't know the numbers. They don't live near you. Know how much you're paying, and shop around. Also, if you have Internet access, use the numerous free directory assistance Web sites available. You'll no longer have to sit idly by as you wait to hear from someone with whom you've lost contact.
Old college roommates, adoptees, and distant relatives can all find each other online.
Thanks to the Web, you can dig up contact information for almost anyone you seek as long as you know where to start looking. Unfortunately, many people are not listed in any online directory or are listed with outdated contact information. Unlisted numbers do not make it into online directories. Most online directories get their data from telephone companies, and it often takes a long time for the information to reach them. One of the problems is that somebody signs up for a new phone service and they want to be listed.