Unknown phone calls can be unsettling, whether it’s the fear of speaking with a telemarketer or the possibility of a robocall. But there are ways to uncover the identity of the caller and put an end to the uncertainty.
From utilizing public databases through special services and websites to utilizing caller ID apps, there are options available to help you identify those mysterious callers and avoid wasting your valuable time on random strangers.
5 Ways To Find Out an Unknown Caller’s Number
Dial *69
If you’ve ever used *67 to hide your phone number when making a call, you may also be familiar with *69. This service, available only in the USA for mobile and landline phones, allows you to trace the phone number of an unknown caller who has recently contacted you, even if their call was anonymous or hidden.
Dial *69 immediately after missing a call from an unknown number, and you can obtain the caller’s phone number, as well as other information, such as their name and address, if they are listed in a public database.
With this information, you can call the unknown caller back and determine whether the call was a scam or spam. However, it’s essential to remember that not all phone companies offer this service, and it may come with additional costs depending on your phone plan.
Additionally, trying to persuade a spammer or scammer to remove you from their call list is unlikely to be successful, so it’s best to block their number to avoid future unwanted calls.
Contact Your Service Provider
If you are trying to identify an unknown caller, your phone service provider can assist you. They can provide you with a log of your incoming and outgoing calls, including the unmasked phone number of the unknown caller.
This may be enough for you to take matters into your own hands. Still, your phone company may also be able to provide additional information, such as the name and address of the caller, as well as their phone company.
Some phone companies also offer an Anonymous Caller ID service, which can help protect you from hidden or anonymous calls. If this service is enabled, your phone will verify the authenticity of each incoming call before the connection is made, forcing the caller to reveal their phone number if it is hidden.
Mobile phone carriers may also offer additional services for an extra monthly charge, such as protection against robocalls. However, it’s important to note that these services are still relatively new and may not be reliable.
Install An App
If you’re looking for a way to identify unknown callers, consider downloading a phone number tracking app to your mobile device. These apps can scour online databases for information about the caller and display details such as their name, address, and phone number.
You can then use this information to report and block unwanted calls from spammers, telemarketers, or robocalls. However, choosing your unknown caller ID app carefully is important, as some may not be connected to reliable databases and phone directories.
Be sure to read app reviews and consider other users’ experiences to find the most effective option. Remember that while some of these apps are free, others may require a monthly payment plan.
TrapCall
If you’re receiving blocked or hidden calls and no caller ID is displayed, TrapCall can help. This app can unmask private numbers and offers additional services such as automatically blocking spammers, blacklisting unwanted numbers, and recording calls. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
BeenVerified
This app is a great choice for quickly acquiring details about a displayed but unknown phone number. It has a database with billions of phone numbers, and in just two steps, you can find out who is behind an unwanted call.
Enter the phone number in the search bar and wait a few seconds for the app to display the information.
TrueCaller
Similar to TrapCall, this app reveals phone numbers by routing all calls through the app. It also has a spam list based on community reports and will notify you of unwanted calls. However, it requires constant access to wifi or at least a 3G network to function.
Spokeo
This free app for smartphones allows you to track phone numbers and offers a reverse phone lookup feature. Enter the phone number, and you’ll receive details such as the caller’s name, address, current location, and social media profiles.
Use a Website to Lookup Phone Numbers
Suppose you prefer to do something other than install an additional app on your phone. In that case, you can always try manually searching for phone numbers on websites that specialize in identifying them.
There are several options to choose from, so be sure to research and find the best website for your needs. Some apps mentioned earlier, such as TrueCaller, also have websites with extensive databases that can help you identify a phone number.
If you need assistance finding the right website, check out our article on the best sites for this purpose.
Dial *57
If unknown callers are harassing you, you may be able to use *57 to seek assistance from local law enforcement. However, it’s important to note that this service is only offered by certain phone companies and may come at an additional cost.
When you dial *57 after receiving an unwanted call, you will be connected to your local police, who can track the calls and take appropriate action. It’s crucial to use *57 with caution and only when you are sure you need additional help in dealing with the harassing calls.
After dialing *57, contact your local police to confirm that you require their assistance.
How to Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
Silencing unknown callers on an iPhone is a simple process that can help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. Here is a short guide on how to do it:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Phone” from the list of options.
- Scroll down and tap on “Silence Unknown Callers.”
- Toggle the switch to the “On” position.
Once you have enabled this feature, any calls from unknown numbers will automatically be sent to voicemail without ringing on your phone. You can still check your voicemail to see if the call was important, but you won’t be disturbed by unwanted calls.
Repeat these steps if you want to receive calls from unknown numbers again, and toggle the switch back to the “Off” position.
Conclusion
There are various ways to identify and silence unknown callers on your phone. You can install an app that tracks phone numbers, use a website to manually search for information, or utilize special services offered by your phone company.
Additionally, the iPhone’s built-in Silence Unknown Callers feature allows you to automatically send calls from unknown numbers to voicemails without being disturbed.
By taking advantage of these tools, you can better protect yourself from unwanted calls and focus on the calls that matter most to you.
