5 Free Tools for Tracing an Email Address [OSINT]

[R2D2]

When trying to gather information on an email address, OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) tools can help you find data such as the email’s origin, related social profiles, or any previous leaks. From there you can gather additional information - for example, you might be able to find a phone number from an e-mail address or find the user's real name from their e-mail address, however this will all depend on the information that is publicly associated with the e-mail address.

Below are five free tools that can assist with this, along with links and details on their pricing structures.

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1. Have I Been Pwned

URL: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
Free version: Completely free.
Paid version: No paid version.

Description: Have I Been Pwned allows you to check if an email address has been part of a data breach. Simply enter the email, and the tool will show any breach history or leaked data associated with it.

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2. EmailRep

URL: https://emailrep.io/
Free version: Free tier available with limited queries.
Paid version: Offers a paid API version for higher query volumes and advanced features.

Description: EmailRep checks the reputation of an email address and provides details on its presence in spam lists, social media, or whether it's likely to be malicious. It’s useful for getting a quick overview of the email’s legitimacy.

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3. Hunter.io

URL: https://hunter.io/
Free version: Free version allows up to 25 searches per month.
Paid version: Offers paid plans for higher search limits and additional features.

Description: Hunter.io is primarily a tool for finding email addresses associated with domains, but it can also be used to verify an email address. The free tier provides limited monthly searches, but the service is accurate and well-regarded.

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4. EmailSherlock

URL: https://emailsherlock.com/
Free version: Completely free.
Paid version: No paid version.

Description: EmailSherlock allows you to look up the origins and related social profiles of an email address. It’s a simple, free service with no paid upgrade options, making it ideal for basic email investigations.

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5. OSINT.email

URL: https://osint.email/
Free version: Completely free.
Paid version: No paid version.

Description: OSINT.email provides a suite of free tools for analysing email addresses. It includes features like domain analysis, email verification, and MX record checks, all within a completely free package.

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Conclusion
These OSINT tools offer a great starting point for tracing email addresses, whether you're looking to check if an email is part of a breach, verify its legitimacy, or find more detailed information. While some have paid tiers, all of the tools listed here offer free versions that should be sufficient for basic investigative purposes.