I agree, you have to be careful. The market seems to have heated up since this time last year. For visitors, I can imagine that its gotten a lot harder to determine just what to expect from this type of service.
That's where, I think, the confusion has set in about whether or not they can obtain a
free reverse cell phone lookup or not -- and, relatedly, questions about the depth of the information, for free searches.
I won't try and lead you. I think the wisest advice in regard to free reverse cell phone lookup services is to just consider the value of whatever you might get for free . . . and, if you're really interested in obtaining such services, don't be surprised that your service provider asks a few dollars in return.
Happy New Year!