How to check information on unknown phone numbers

Receiving a call from an unfamiliar number can cause anxiety. If no message is left, you might wonder if you should call back. Luckily, there are several ways to identify unknown numbers. First, you can search the phone number online using websites like Facebook. If that doesn’t work, you can download apps for your smartphone to help trace the identity of the unknown number. Be cautious when dealing with unknown calls, as you need to make sure to block spam and telemarketing calls.

Enter the phone number into a search engine. If the unknown call is from a major organization, you might be able to trace it. The first step with any unknown number is to search it online and see if there’s any recognizable information. You may find a local company or large business, like a bank, trying to contact you.

Enter the phone number into Facebook. If you're using Facebook, you can utilize it to identify calls from unknown numbers. Simply input the number in the Facebook search bar, and you may find a profile linked to the number online.

Use a reverse phone lookup website. Searching for 'reverse phone lookup' will lead you to various websites where you can enter the phone number to identify the call. Try a few websites to see if they provide helpful results.

Use the Facebook app. If you have the Facebook mobile app installed, you can use it to identify unknown numbers. The app sometimes scans your contacts or people who have called you. If you browse through the 'People You May Know' section on Facebook, it may add the caller to this list.

Download a phone app. There are many phone apps available for both Android and iPhone. These apps use search tools and personal databases to identify callers. Some apps also allow you to block unwanted calls completely.

Install the CallerID app. Several smartphone apps allow you to install CallerID. This feature can immediately recognize the phone number and provide details such as the name, city, and area for most calls. If the CallerID app cannot provide a name, it may offer general information about the incoming call, helping you decide whether to answer or not. Calls are often identified through a type of pop-up notification, although this may vary depending on the app.

Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Never pick up calls from unknown numbers, as they could be scam calls. This is especially true if the number repeatedly calls you without leaving a voicemail. If someone genuinely needs to reach you, they will leave a message with contact information for you to get back to them.

Carefully review the privacy policies of phone apps. Phone apps can help you identify calls from unknown numbers, but sometimes they come with questionable privacy policies. Some phone apps upload your contact list to their database and may or may not keep your contact information private. Before downloading any phone app, take time to read its privacy policy.

• If the app’s privacy policy is overly complicated, it might be intentionally written in hard-to-understand language so users overlook it. If you find the policy unclear, don’t download the app.

Report scam calls to the relevant authorities. In the United States, if you are repeatedly receiving scam calls, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Scam calls are typically made by marketers or others trying to get personal information, particularly financial details, while avoiding answering questions about their identity and company. You can report potential scam calls to 1-888-382-1222.

• The FTC only manages scam calls in the U.S. If you reside outside the U.S., search for a similar organization in your country to report such calls.