A caller ID gives you important information, such as the name or number of the person. It can help you get mentally ready for the conversation with the caller.
But what if you get an unknown caller number? Such calls can be from anyone, such as telemarketers or callers who hang up.
Unknown callers might purposely hide their phone numbers to ensure no caller ID is available. Some individuals might want to hide their numbers for privacy.
However, telemarketers and scammers usually make these unknown calls and messages to spread spam or perpetrate tech support scams.
So, what can you do about identifying the caller behind unknown numbers? This article will tell you about five ways to help you identify unknown caller numbers.
Article Contents
Identifying An Unknown Caller Number: Top 5 Methods You Can Try
You might find a telemarketer on the other side of the call or someone who hangs up as you answer.
Either way, you want to know about the caller so you can deal with them accordingly the next time they call. Here are a few ways to discover who is behind that unknown caller number.
Option 1 – Get a Third-Party Application to Identify Unknown Callers
One of the ways to identify the caller behind the unknown number is through a third-party application.
These third-party applications will perform a reverse phone lookup.
They will scan and go through every social media platform, public database, and other source to find more information about the unknown caller.
Here are some top known third-party applications you can use to identify unknown callers:
- TrueCaller – It is a user-friendly app that helps you identify the person calling you. This third-party app identifies people calling or texting you and alerts you.
- TrapCall – Find out whose phone number is calling you. It also has features to blocklist unwanted numbers, transcribe voicemails into text, and block spammers.
- Spokeo – This tool will help you run a reverse lookup feature to get more information about the callers of unknown numbers, such as the caller’s name, address, and other relevant information.
- Intelius – Using this app, you can access owner details, including full names and possibly photos with a phone number
Option 2 – Dial the *69 Code to Find Out About the Unfamiliar Caller Number
While a traditional feature, dialing the 69 code is another method to track the unfamiliar caller; even in modern times.
This feature can be helpful when you get a call from an unknown number or if there is no caller ID information.
All you have to do is press 69 after you hang up the phone or if the phone stops ringing. Doing so will immediately connect you to the previous number through which you got the call.
While this method won’t give you the specific caller’s number, it can help you get a direct line back to them.
As a result, it allows you to speak with the caller and ask them about the reason for their call.
You can better understand the reason and intention behind their call or learn about their identity.
Option 3 – Dial the *57 Code To Find Out About the Unfamiliar Caller Number
If you are disturbed by someone with bothersome or silent calls through unidentified numbers, then the *57 services might benefit you.
Simply dial 57 on your phone, and it will initiate a call back to the last number that called you.
While it is similar to the 69 feature, the primary difference is that it will allow your telephone service provider to keep a log of all the details regarding the recent calls you got.
This data can be accessible to LEA (law enforcement agencies) if there are any legal proceedings.
Nevertheless, noting down the time and date when you use this particular feature is vital. If you don’t note down this information, it could impact the progress of your complaint.
Option 4 – Get in Touch With Your Telecom Provider To Find Out About The Unfamiliar Numbers
Reaching out to your telecom provider is another way to identify and trace an unknown caller number.
The mobile network operators can use their internal systems to trace any unknown caller. You can contact the mobile network and they can help you disclose the caller identification resource.
In addition, there is also the possibility of getting an extensive record of all the calls you receive over a certain period. The mobile network operators can do this even if the caller’s ID is concealed.
They can also provide information regarding additional steps, like blocking the number to prevent future calls.
However, an important thing to note is that you might have to pay an additional service fee.
Though this might not always be the case, tracking down the caller’s identity might go above your existing mobile plan.
Method 5 – Inform The Federal Trade Commission About Calls That You Think Are Fraudulent
Last but not least, if you believe that you are getting many calls from a telemarketing company or a fraudulent party, you can take action against them.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lets individuals inform the agency about such calls in the US.
It is quite simple; you just have to fill in the details about the call on the FTC’s website. The FTC will closely monitor all such fraudulent call activities to track them down.
You can consider reporting to the FTC — or your local equivalent if you live outside the US — to identify and prevent future scams.
Wrapping Up
With that, this article ends with the hope that you have a clear idea about identifying an unknown caller number.
It can be unpleasant for someone to get repeated calls without knowing the person calling you. Nevertheless, you can use the methods in this article to find the caller’s identity.
