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Do you keep getting unwanted calls from an unknown phone number? From vishing (voice phishing) attacks to random marketing calls, unexpected and unwanted calls can be frustrating for many.
However, if you receive multiple calls from the same unknown number, you may want to identify the caller to take further action. Here we show you how to use third party services and the internet to find out who is on the other end of the phone.
Table of Contents
1. Dial *69 to use the callback service
*69 is a special callback service that automatically calls you back to the last number that called you. This is useful for finding the phone number when you receive a call from a private number.
To use the service, dial *69 and listen to the recording to find the phone number. Once you have the number, you can call them back or use reverse phone lookup services to find more details about the caller.
This service may be subject to a fee and is only available in the United States. While it’s available for mobile and landlines, it only works for local calls.
2. Use a search engine to identify the phone number
An easy way to find and block spam calls is to search for the phone number in a search engine like Google. Several websites track fraud and spam counts reported by individuals through community reports.
To perform a phone number lookup, enter the phone number in Google search. Google searches websites on the Internet to try to find traces of the given number. Especially websites that log fraudulent numbers with their spam statistics. It also shows any social media or other publicly available user profiles associated with the phone number.
3. Use reverse phone lookup sites
A reverse phone lookup site has access to a larger database than a search engine. It searches data from publicly available records, search engines, white and yellow pages, and social media databases.
Paid phone tracers can even get their data from the dark web and private records of business partners. This is also the reason why free phone search services may not always bring you the results you want.
If you use a reverse phone lookup service, be aware of the information you are asked to provide. For example, if you need to sign up with a phone number, name, and other details, you’re probably posing so that others can identify you with your phone number on a reverse lookup site.
However, here are some popular reverse lookup sites that can help you identify the unknown caller.
1. SpyDialer
It’s a free reverse lookup site that uses public data to find caller details. It is also not necessary for you to register in order to use the service. Enter the phone number you want to find and click Search.
Next, select a search option. If you choose to listen to voicemail, the service will dial the specified number and record the voicemail greeting. The voicemail may include the caller’s first name and other details. You can also search by name, photo search and phone spam.
2. ZLookup
Zlookup is a free reverse phone number lookup site that you don’t need to sign up to use. To perform a search, enter a phone number and click Search. It will search its own phone number database and other sources to find a match.
3. White pages
Whitepages is more than just a reverse phone lookup service. It is a people search platform that can provide contact information based on name, phone or address. It can also help you conduct background checks, find criminal records and fraud ratings for business and professional licenses.
4. Use a caller ID app on your phone
Caller ID apps like TrueCaller can help you find the identification of the unknown caller, including their name and location. Though these apps are more of a double-edged sword, you can use them to easily identify an unknown caller.
True Caller is a popular multipurpose caller id app to identify caller information from unknown number. It also offers community-based spam reporting and automatic spam call and SMS blocking.
If they’re just spam or marketing calls, you can block unwanted calls on Android by adding the caller to the block list, contacting your carrier, and using third-party apps.
Download: TrueCaller for Android, iOS (Free)
5. Dial *57 to activate call tracking service
If you have been the victim of harassment and wish to contact local law enforcement, dial *57 for call tracking service. You need to dial *57 right after incoming call to activate call tracking and wait for confirmation. Note the date and time of the incoming call that you want to report.
Once the service is activated, contact your local law enforcement agency. Your network service provider will not release the caller’s recordings to the agency unless required by due legal process.
6. Contact your network service provider
If your wireless service provider does not support *69 or *57 call tracking services, you can contact your network service provider to try to find caller details.
However, this is a tricky process as service providers are required by law to protect subscriber identification unless required by law enforcement as part of a court proceeding.
Now you know who called!
Some Android devices have a built-in caller ID feature. It can also detect spam calls originating from community reports. However, if it is harassment, use your carrier’s call tracking services and contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
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