In today’s digital age, receiving unwanted calls from unknown numbers has become increasingly common. These calls can range from annoying telemarketing pitches to more sinister scams. The frustration of not knowing who is on the other end of the line can be overwhelming.
However, there are several techniques and tools available to help you identify unknown callers and protect yourself from potential fraud. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods to identify unknown numbers, including dialing codes, search engines, reverse phone lookup sites, caller identification apps, call tracing services, and contacting your network service provider.
Dialing Codes: *69 and *57
One of the simplest ways to identify an unknown caller is by using dialing codes such as *69 and *57. These codes can help trace the number of the last person who called you and provide call information, even for anonymous or hidden calls.
To use *69, simply dial the code and listen to the recording to retrieve the phone number and the exact time of the call. Once you have the hidden phone number, you can block it on your phone to prevent further calls. *69 may also give you the option to call the number back immediately, although it is unlikely to yield any useful information or result in being removed from their call list.
Another code, *57, can be used if you believe you are being harassed by a scam or spam caller. Dialing *57 not only provides you with the phone number and call information like *69 but also sends this information to the police. By logging the *57 call in a special way, your phone service helps authorities locate and apprehend the individual responsible for harassing calls.
Search Engines: Google
An easy and effective way to identify unknown phone numbers is by using search engines, such as Google. By entering the phone number in the search bar, Google will crawl the internet for any information associated with that number. This includes websites that keep records of fraudulent numbers and any publicly available user profiles linked to the phone number.
Searching the unknown number on Google can help you determine if it has been reported as a scam or spam number in online forums or if it is associated with a legitimate company. However, it is essential to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the information found through search engines.
Reverse Phone Lookup Sites
Reverse phone lookup sites provide access to larger databases than search engines. These sites gather data from publicly available records, search engines, white and yellow pages, social media databases, and even the dark web and private business records in the case of paid phone lookup services.
When using a reverse phone lookup service, it is important to be mindful of the data they request. Some sites may ask for personal information such as your phone number and name, potentially compromising your privacy and exposing you to further unwanted calls.
For additional details on identifying unknown callers, explore this article on Miami Herald.
Here are a few popular reverse lookup sites that can assist you in identifying unknown callers:
SpyDialer
SpyDialer is a free reverse lookup site that utilizes public data to provide caller details. It does not require you to sign up for the service. Simply enter the phone number and click Search. SpyDialer offers various search options, including hearing the voicemail, searching by name or photo, and identifying phone spam.
ZLookup
ZLookup is another free reverse phone number lookup site that does not require registration. Enter the phone number you want to search, and ZLookup will scan its own database and other sources to find a match.
Whitepages
Whitepages is not only a reverse phone lookup service but also a people search platform. It provides contact information based on name, phone number, or address. Additionally, Whitepages offers background checks, criminal record searches, and fraud ratings for business and professional licenses.
Caller Identification Apps: TrueCaller
Caller identification apps, such as TrueCaller, can help you identify unknown callers by providing their name and location. TrueCaller is a popular app that offers multiple features, including community-based spam reporting, auto-spam call, and SMS blocking. It utilizes a vast database of phone numbers and caller information to provide real-time identification.
You can download TrueCaller for free on both Android and iOS devices. However, it’s important to note that while caller identification apps can be helpful, they may also have limitations and rely on user-generated data for their accuracy.
Call Tracing Services: *57
If you are experiencing harassment or threatening calls, you can activate the call tracing service by dialing *57 immediately after receiving the call. This service allows you to trace the call and record important details for reporting to law enforcement.
Once you have activated the call trace, contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with the date and time of the call. Your network service provider will cooperate with the authorities by releasing the caller’s records through the proper legal process.
Contact Your Network Service Provider
If the aforementioned methods do not yield the desired results or if your carrier does not support call tracing services, you can contact your network service provider directly. While they may have limitations in providing caller details due to legal obligations, they can still assist you in addressing unwanted calls and potentially block specific numbers.
It is important to note that these methods and services are not foolproof, and there may be instances where unknown callers cannot be identified. Additionally, scammers and fraudsters are continually evolving their techniques, making it challenging to stay one step ahead. However, by utilizing these tools and techniques, you can significantly reduce the number of unknown and potentially harmful calls you receive.
Bonus: Tips for Dealing with Unknown Callers
In addition to identifying unknown callers, here are some general tips to help you handle unwanted calls:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers: If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, it’s best to let it go to voicemail. If it is an essential call, the caller will likely leave a message.
- Do not engage with suspicious calls: If you do answer an unknown call and the caller asks you to press a button or provide personal information, hang up immediately. Scammers often use these tactics to identify potential targets or gather sensitive information.
- Do not give out personal information: Be cautious when providing personal information over the phone, especially if you are not familiar with the caller. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not ask for sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Verify the legitimacy of callers: If someone claims to represent a company or a government agency, hang up and independently verify their identity. Use the contact information from official sources, such as account statements, phone books, reverse phone lookup sites, or the company’s official website.
- Set a password for your voicemail: To protect your voicemail from unauthorized access, set a unique and secure password. This prevents hackers from spoofing your phone number and gaining access to your personal voicemail.
- Explore call blocking tools: Contact your phone company to inquire about call blocking tools they may offer. Additionally, consider downloading call-blocking apps on your mobile device to further filter out unwanted calls.
- Register on the Do Not Call List: To reduce telemarketing calls, register your number on the National Do Not Call List. While legitimate telemarketers consult this list, it may not eliminate all unwanted calls.
By following these tips and utilizing the available tools, you can take control of unknown calls and better protect yourself from potential scams and fraudulent activities.
Remember, staying vigilant and informed is key to maintaining your privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.
