SadieOkate3@aol.com wrote: > As it seems there are those on this list who seem to have a > broad base of 'know how' re a variety of areas, I would like to ask > if anyone has any suggestions on the following: > > I am trying to find my sister, who has been missing for some > years now. Her last communication to me (which supposedly had > contact info) was lost before I could open it. I have over the > years contacted a couple of companies that advertised that they > could find anyone..... for only $30.00? . Most recently I was given > three addresses in CA - but I think they simply gave me addresses > for which the first initial, last name matched. I cannot affort a > private detective. I should think writing a snail-mail letter at 40c each to each of the addresses you were given might not hurt the cause much. It's certainly where I'd go next. Writing a letter will not blind-side her and shouldn't make her feel pressured as a phone call might. (And, chances are she'll even open a letter with a real stamp on; which you can't say about a phone call with all the solicitations going on.) And of course the SSA will forward a letter from you to her, as will the IRS I'm told. Cheryl singhals@erols.com