It might be annoying to receive calls from unknown numbers, especially if it occurs frequently. You can save time and stress by being aware of who is calling, whether it’s a telemarketer, robocall, or even a real call from a company. Let’s look at some typical causes of unknown calls and how to find out who is calling you.
Common Reasons for Receiving Unknown Calls
Telemarketing Calls
Telemarketing is among the most frequent causes of calls from unknown numbers. Automated dialers are often employed by businesses to contact prospective clients and present goods or services that you might not find enticing. Although these calls are typically harmless, they can be bothersome, especially when persistent.
Robocalls and Spam
Automated systems can send pre-recorded messages called “robocalls.” Some robocalls, like those for public safety concerns or appointment reminders, are real. Many, meanwhile, are spam-related. They seek to advertise dubious goods or services. Spam calls can also be disguised as personal numbers to make it harder to identify who called me from this phone number.
Scam or Fraud Attempts
Scammers frequently trick consumers into divulging money or personal information by using unknown numbers. They may pretend as representatives of a government organization. In fact, they could also pose as a needy family member. These calls can be especially risky as falling for a scam can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
Wrong Number or Misdialed Calls
An unknown number can occasionally just be the result of a call that was misdialed. It’s possible that someone accidentally typed the incorrect number. It might possibly be a real call intended for someone else. So, it’s probably an honest mistake if you respond and hear the caller ask for a different name.
Calls from Government Agencies or Businesses
Some businesses or government bodies may use unfamiliar numbers to reach you. These could be utility corporations, tax authorities, or medical facilities. Such calls are mostly important. However, if the caller doesn’t leave a clear message or identification, they could be misleading for you.
Knowing how to find out who is calling me can help decide whether to answer, block, or return the call. Let’s explore effective methods for identifying the caller.
Ways to Identify an Unknown Caller
Don’t want any more calls from unknown numbers? But what if they’re important? Well, there are several ways to find out who is trying to reach you. You can block the number once you find out it’s a spam call. Here’s how you can identify an unfamiliar caller.
Using Reverse Phone Lookup Services
A reverse phone lookup service like Searqle is a great answer to “How to find out who is calling you?” This reliable software provides extensive data on the caller by searching web databases and public records. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a fraudster, telemarketer, or long-lost contact, Searqle gathers information from multiple sources so you know who exactly is on the other end.
How It Works:
Enter the person’s phone number into the search bar and press Search.
Then, wait a few seconds. Searqle will scan U.S. public records and other online databases.
Get a detailed report. For example, use 843 area code reverse lookup tolearn about callers valuable details, such as court records, address history, jobs, marital status, children, and more.
Check on Google
Doing a Google search is another easy approach to discover who called me from this phone number. Just type the number into the search field and go through the results. You might learn a lot from people who have received similar calls because many websites and forums allow users to report spam or fraudulent calls.
Steps to Search on Google:
Open Google and type the phone number into the search bar (including the country code if necessary).
Check the search results for any linked businesses, personal profiles, or scam reports.
Visit forums and complaint websites where users share their experiences with unknown numbers.
If multiple people have reported the same number as spam, it’s best to avoid answering or block the caller.
Use AT&T ActiveArmor
The largest telecom provider in the world, AT&T, provides ActiveArmor, a security solution that shields customers against spam calls. To assist consumers in avoiding unsolicited calls, this service offers call blocking, Digital Phone Call Protect, and other security features. The AT&T technology automatically identifies and flags calls that seem suspicious so you don’t have to worry about knowing how to find out who is calling me.
What to Do If the Caller Is Suspicious
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, watch for common scam signs, such as:
Requests for personal or financial information
Urgent tone or threats
Unverified claims about winning a prize or government issues
Caller ID showing a number that appears spoofed
Report Scam Calls
If you suspect a scam, report it to authorities to help prevent others from falling victim. In the U.S., you can file a complaint with:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint online if you’re in the United States.
Local Consumer Protection Agencies: Contact your state’s consumer protection office to report the scam.
Reporting scam calls helps authorities track fraudulent activities and take necessary actions against scammers.
Block a Caller Number
If you want to stop receiving calls from a specific number, you can block it on your smartphone. Here’s how:
On iPhone: Go to the Phone app → Recent Calls → Tap the (i) icon next to the number → Select “Block this Caller.”
On Android: Open the Phone app → Recent Calls → Tap and hold the number → Select “Block/report spam.”
How to Prevent Unwanted Calls in the Future
Despite knowing or not knowing how to find out who is calling you, you can block unwanted calls easily.
Use Call Screening Features
Many smartphones offer call screening features to filter unknown or suspicious calls.
How to Screen Calls on Google Pixel:
Google Pixel phones use Google Assistant to screen calls and provide real-time transcriptions. Here’s how to screen calls on it automatically:
Open the Phone app.
Tap the More button (three dots) and go to Settings.
Select Spam and Call Screen or just Call Screen, depending on your device.
Select your desired degree of protection by tapping the Call Screen:
For Pixel 6 and earlier: Under Unknown call settings, pick which types of callers you want to screen.
For Pixel 7 and newer: Toggle Automatically screen calls on or off and customize screening for:
▪ Spam calls
▪ Possibly spoofed numbers
▪ First-time callers
How to Screen Calls on Samsung Phones
Samsung uses Smart Call to identify suspected spam calls. While it may not show who called me from this phone number, it allows you to block or report them. This feature can be activated or deactivated as needed. Here’s how to configure it:
Launch the Phone application.
Tap the More options button (three vertical dots) and select Settings.
Go to Block numbers and toggle on Block calls from unknown numbers to automatically filter out unwanted calls.
Note: After blocking a number, you can also tap Report Number if the call seems fraudulent. Choose a category for the report and add a comment if needed. Tap Report to submit it.
Register on the Do Not Call List
Registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce telemarketing calls.
How to Register:
- Visit the official Do Not Call website and enter your phone number.
- Confirm your registration as instructed.
Keep in mind that this won’t eliminate all unwanted calls.
Conclusion
Unknown calls can be frustrating, but you now know how to identify and prevent them. Searqle can help you find out who called me from this phone number and run a background check on them. If you find out the person is up to something malicious, report them and block the number to protect yourself from scams and fraud.
