How do I identify an unknown number?

You received a Call from an unknown number And do you want to know who's behind it?

First, type the number into Google. If that's not enough, apps like Truecaller or some payable services go even further.

And if you also want to find the owner:

Find the owner of a cell phone number

An unknown number—how is that possible?

A unknown number can hide a lot of things. Some people hide their number to protect their privacy, which is perfectly legitimate.

But most of the time, these calls come from door-to-door salespeople, of spam or of fraudsters who try to pull off a scam, or even fake text messages that precede the call.

In practical terms, there are three ways to remain anonymous on the phone. The identification block : The caller activates a feature with their carrier so that their number doesn't appear on your screen.

The virtual or disposable numbers : Some apps make calls using fake numbers that can't be traced back to a real person. And the spoofing (identity theft): This technique displays false information on your device, such as a fake number or a foreign area code.

Good news: in most cases, you can still identify the caller. If the number isn't hidden, you can even locate a phone number with Google Maps to take your research even further.

Solutions for unmasking unknown callers

Are you getting a call or text message from a suspicious number? Your first instinct should be: do not respond immediately. If you decide to quit, be careful and never share any’personal information.

The *69 and *57 Codes: What You Need to Know

the code *69 In theory, this is used to recall the last incoming call and retrieve the caller's number.

the code *57 allows you to track an incoming call that is threatening or fraudulent and notify your carrier.

Important note: These two codes come from the U.S. telephone system. the *69 is available at no French carrier (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free), and *57 isn't a standard feature in France either.

If you receive a call from a threatening call from a hidden number or in cases of telephone harassment, the proper course of action is as follows:

1. Contact the your carrier's customer service to report the call.
2. If there's a threat, warn them law enforcement agencies including the date, time, and message content.
3. Remember to save history contact information for any further inquiries.

Apps and services for identifying a phone number

Third-party applications rely on the reverse lookup in public databases and other online sources to reveal the identity behind a number.

Some are free, while others require a fee. Here are the main ones you should know:

Spokeo

Spokeo is a website of search for people, based on online and offline data collection.

His role as reverse lookup allows you to find a name, an address, and the profiles associated with a phone number. Note: It is especially effective for U.S. phone numbers and does not work for numbers hidden by caller ID blocking.

BeenVerified

BeenVerified compiles information from public and private databases to verify individuals or businesses.

With a phone number, he can find a name, an address, or social media profiles. For example, Spokeo, it remains focused on the UNITED STATES.

Truecaller

Truecaller is the’free application the most well-known way to identify an incoming call.

It compares the number with a massive directory of users to display the caller's name, and automatically blocks the unwanted calls and spam.

TrapCall

TrapCall, available at android and iOS, intercepts calls from hidden numbers and redirects them to its servers. Thanks to a software analysis, it reveals the caller's real number.

It also offers the transcription of voicemails and a block list for unwanted numbers.

And to find the location of a phone number:

Find out who owns a phone number 

Contact your phone provider

Call the your carrier's customer service remains a very effective approach. Find out about its call-tracking and protection features against unwanted calls.

Some operators allow you to find anonymous numbers, but these services are often paying, so be sure to check the fees before you get started.

To take further action against the telemarketing, you can also sign up for free at Bloctel and report fraudulent spam numbers.

Sometimes the call comes from an unblocked number whose owner you simply don't know. In that case, our guide to Find the owner of a cell phone number It will give you all the steps to follow—for free.

And if you're wondering if anyone can hack a phone number to receive its text messages, you should know that this is a technique used by some scammers, and it’s best to be aware of it so you can better protect yourself.