How to Call Back an Unknown Number

Listen for a single ring. Be wary if the phone rings only once. A missed call with just one ring could be a sign of a 'scam': someone trying to get you to call back so they can charge you. If you hear only one ring, avoid calling back. If it's not a scam, it might simply be a wrong number.

• Telemarketers typically wait for at least four rings or a minimum of 15 seconds before hanging up.

Check the area code. If the number is displayed, you can look it up online. Scammers often call from countries with the same international dialing code (+1), such as the United States, making the number appear domestic. However, a quick search might reveal it's an international call based on the area code.

• As a rule of thumb, if you don't recognize the area code, it's best not to call back.
• Most of these calls originate from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), the British Virgin Islands (284), and Grenada (473).
• Avoid answering calls from 900 numbers, as these are special numbers that charge the recipient.
• Additionally, there are online services that allow you to look up phone numbers. Search for terms like 'reverse lookup' or 'find out who called me.'

Check for messages. Someone trying to reach you for an important matter will leave a message or contact you another way. If you see a missed call from an unknown or restricted number, it might not be urgent. Therefore, don't call back!

• If the caller leaves a message or the number is an 800 toll-free number, you can confidently call back.
• Scammers rarely leave messages, as they operate on extremely limited budgets and cannot afford international calls.

Be cautious of unusual charges on your phone bill. If you notice unfamiliar charges, especially for vague services like 'special services' or 'unidentified services,' contact your carrier and report the unauthorized fees. They will usually refund you.

• If you've called back an unknown number and heard a recorded message, carefully review your phone bill. If you called and heard an 'adult service' recording, you'll likely be charged unexpectedly.
• Don't hesitate to request a refund from your carrier. Scam calls are a daily issue for them.

Call the number you know. Sometimes scammers leave a message with a number for you to call. If you receive a voicemail or text from someone claiming to be your bank, mobile provider, or hospital, call the organization directly using a number you have on file, not the suspicious number provided.

Purchase a caller identification service. To uncover restricted numbers, you can use paid services like 'Call Unblock' or 'Trapcall' to reveal the caller's number. This method is only applicable to smartphones.

Check suggested friends. If you use apps like Facebook on your phone, you might identify the caller through the suggested friends list. Facebook collects call data and suggests friends based on people who have called you. Review the suggested friends list to spot any unexpected faces.

Look for unusual messages. If a restricted number leaves you a voicemail or text, search the internet for the phrases they used. Even if the number isn't restricted, do the same. Scammers often leave identical messages on multiple phones, and victims frequently post warnings online.

Block restricted numbers. Contact your carrier and request them to block restricted numbers from calling you. Each telecom company has different methods for blocking restricted calls. For example, Verizon in the U.S. requires users to enroll in the Family Base program: once registered, you can use their website to block restricted numbers. AT&T, on the other hand, requires users to subscribe to call filtering services, allowing you to block hidden numbers.

• If you use an iPhone, you can enable 'Do Not Disturb' mode in 'Settings,' which prevents anyone not in your contacts from calling you. However, this might also block new friends or colleagues from reaching you.
• Contact your carrier via phone or email to discuss available options.

Register your phone number with the federal Do Not Call list if you're in the U.S. To stop telemarketing calls, dial 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY for the hearing impaired) from the phone you wish to register, or visit www.donotcall.gov and sign up online. After 31 days, all commercial solicitation calls should cease. You will still receive calls from nonprofits, individuals, and businesses you've specifically authorized.

• Do not provide information to anyone calling and claiming to represent the Do Not Call registry. This is a scam: The U.S. government does not proactively call citizens to encourage registration, as it is entirely voluntary.

File a complaint. In the U.S., if telemarketers continue to call or you need to report persistent harassing calls, contact one of the following numbers: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL (American Sign Language): 1-844-432-2275. You can also visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website and fill out a complaint form.

Call back immediately. If your landline rings and there's no voicemail, you can use the 'Call Return' feature to dial the last number that called. However, this only works for the most recent call, so you must act quickly before another call comes in.

Dial *69. When you dial *69, you'll hear all registered information about the caller. You'll also have the option to call them back. Press 1 to call after the prompt.

• Dialing *69 typically costs between 30 to 50 cents (approximately 7,000 - 11,000 VND) per use, unless you subscribe to the 'Last Call Return' service through your provider. In that case, the monthly fee might be around $2 (approximately 56,000 VND).

Hope this code doesn't work. *69 only applies to calls from landlines within the local area. If the caller used a mobile phone, long-distance or international number, a hidden number, or an 800/900 prefix, the Call Return service won't work.

Dial *89 to cancel. If you don't take action, the Call Return service will automatically cancel after 30 minutes.