How to Find Out Who Called You With ‘No Caller ID’ or ‘Unknown Number’?

Last Updated:Jul 16, 2024

Many scams take place on phone calls, and those calls don’t usually have a caller ID, making it difficult to identify the scammers. Such calls can result in huge financial losses or even the loss of personal data.

Not all calls with no caller ID are spam or scam calls and in a few cases, it might be an important call. As a result, it becomes necessary to identify the legitimacy behind those calls. 

In this article, we will discuss how to easily identify No Caller ID scam calls and avoid them to protect your privacy and security by taking some precautionary steps. 

No Caller ID & Unknown Caller Explained

First and foremost, there is a difference between ‘Unknown Caller’ and ‘No Caller ID’. When No Caller ID is displayed during incoming calls, it indicates that the caller has blocked their information. 

An Unknown Caller sometimes indicates that network troubles have prevented caller ID information from reaching your device. This may occur even if the unknown caller is on your contact list. 

While there are chances that it will be a genuine call. However, it is likely that it will be harmful, such as a tech support fraud, a student loan scam, a phishing attack, or an unwanted telemarketing call.

On the other hand, callers may also use third-party applications to make calls using fake or anonymous numbers. It is essential to recognize the call before answering. This can help avoid potential scams or unwanted interactions. You can use a variety of methods to identify an unknown caller, let’s talk about them in the following section.

How to Identify an Unknown Caller or No Caller ID?

You can get enough information about the person with the help of your mobile carrier. However, these services are limited depending on the region and SIM card. To begin with, you can use the *69 method.

Identify the Unknown Number with *69

By enabling the last-call return, dialing *69 can assist in tracing an unknown number. After the call has ended, you can easily get the phone number of the caller from your iPhone, Android, or landline by simply dialing *69.

  • Step 1. Open the dial pad and type *69, then press the call button. 
    Call star69 to identify an unknown number
  • Step 2. A pre-recorded voice will notify you of the phone number that called you.

    Once you get the number, you can easily identify the caller, and it is the best possible method to trace an unknown number. Moving further you can also use *57 code to trace No Caller ID.

Track No Caller ID With *57

If you receive a call from No Caller ID that appears strange, threatening, or abusive, dial *57. Press *57 to transmit the caller’s details to the service provider as soon as you complete the call.

Get in touch with the local law enforcement department. The information will be available to them via the service provider. Also, keep in mind that *57 isn’t always free.

  • Step 1. Dial *57 on your dial pad and press the call button. 
    Dial star57 to track No Caller ID calls
  • Step 2. The pre-recorded voice will guide you through the steps.

    Your service provider will receive both the trace data and the call recording, which can be given to the police.
Notes

This feature is widely available for US and Canadian devices and mobile carriers. You can only get the information related to the last call on your phone.

Additional Methods to Identify Unknown Callers

By utilizing the additional methods mentioned below, you can expand your options for identifying unknown callers and increase your chances of obtaining the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Contact Service Provider

Making direct contact with your service provider’s customer care line and inquiring about their call-tracing services is another method for identifying no-caller ID numbers. 

Though the services provided by each service provider vary, most of them can locate an anonymous number that *69 is unable to track down. They can usually explain in detail how they are masking their actual number. 

Furthermore, government organizations in several nations offer resources and tools for reporting and monitoring suspicious or threatening calls. For information about such services, check with your local regulatory agency.

Third-Party Apps

You can leverage numerous third-party apps that can help you identify no-caller IDs or unknown numbers. 

  • Truecaller: Truecaller is one of the most used apps for identifying unknown callers. It has a vast database of phone numbers, including spam numbers, and can provide information about incoming calls in real-time. 
  • TrapCall: TrapCall is specifically designed to uncover blocked or restricted numbers. It reveals the caller’s number and provides additional information about the caller. The app also includes features to block spam and unwanted calls.
  • Hiya: Another well-known application that detects incoming calls and filters spam is called Hiya. It has a large database of spam phone numbers that users have reported, and it may provide information on unknown numbers such as caller names and locations.

These tools provide a range of features to help manage your calls effectively and ensure that you are not bothered by unsolicited or fraudulent calls.

Report to Cyber Crime or FTC

US citizens can file complaints to the FTC if they constantly receive suspicious calls. All they have to do is visit FTC’s fraud report page, click on Report Now, and fill out the form by providing the details.

Fraud Report Page

The citizens living outside the US can directly report cybercrime. Each country has its own cybercrime unit or regulatory body. For example, in the UK, you can report to Action Fraud, while in Australia, reports can be made to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

So, with these additional methods, you can effectively identify and respond to unknown or suspicious calls, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. 

How to Block Unknown Numbers?

It’s better safe than sorry as there is an option to block unknown numbers from calling you both in Android and iOS. 

Android

Here is how you can silence unknown callers on Android:

  • Open the Phone app and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
    Android Phone option
  • Click on Settings and go to Block Numbers
    Settings then Block Numbers
  • Toggle on Block unknown numbers or Block spam and scam calls.
    Block unknown numbers

iOS

Silencing unknown callers on iOS is also possible. Here’s the step-by-step process:

  • Go to Settings and navigate to Phone.
    iOS phone settings
  • Scroll down and turn on the option to Silence Unknown Callers.
    Turn on Silence Unknown Callers

By following these steps, you can avoid ringing calls from unknown numbers. However, it is not advisable to use this feature if you are expecting important calls from unknown numbers, as it would also block those calls.

Final Words

By following these steps, you can minimize disruptions from unknown callers or No Caller ID numbers and ensure a more peaceful phone experience.

If someone truly wants to contact you or share an important message that person will surely contact you through message or will try to reach out to you through other means. 

We hope that the information in this article will assist you in successfully avoiding spam calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some best apps to identify unknown calls?

TrueCaller, Hiya, and TrapCall are some of the best apps available to identify such calls on both Android and iOS.

How do I know I am blocked?

If you are blocked by someone and call them, the phone will ring once and be disconnected.

Can No Caller ID be traced?

Yes, it can be traced by dialing *69 for US SIM carriers.

Who called me from 8656696225537?

This number is reported as an Amazon Prime scam, where you will get a pre-recorded call stating that your Prime membership has expired and required to talk to an agent to renew your plan.

Sources

How to block unknown numbers – Apple support

How to block unknown numbers – Google Help

Report Fraud FTC – FTC

Vandana Gandhi

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