If you have never given much thought to uncovering an unknown phone number, you might be a bit clueless about how to start. Don’t worry, it happens to many people. An unknown phone number checker be that of an old friend, a potential employee, or a scam artist. Let’s discuss some of the most commonly used methods to find out who an unknown caller is.
Perform a Google Search
Google has billions of web pages in its index, making it easier to find most of what you are searching for. It can help you find almost anything online, such as products or services. A quick Google search by phone number can also reveal the identity of an unknown caller. Take the following steps to uncover who is calling or texting you from an unknown phone number:
- Use your browser to open the Google Search Engine.
- Type the unknown phone number in the search bar and press ‘Enter’.
- Search for any relevant web pages with the same phone number.
- Check whether or not the web pages with the unknown phone number have the name or any information of the person.
Google search is easy to use, but it may sometimes not work, especially if the web pages don’t have the phone number.
Use Reverse Phone Lookup Services
Many reverse phone search service providers use public records to collect information about people. They gather information, such as social media profiles, criminal records, and finance records related to the phone number.
Whether you received a call from a phone number you failed to recognize or you just want to uncover the owner of an unfamiliar phone number, using reverse phone search services is the best method. You can find out the identity of the person by entering the phone number in the search bar provided by the reverse search service company.
Phone number lookup sites tend to offer different but accurate reports. Many reports include the phone number’s owner, physical address, email address, social media profiles, and photographs.
A person or company can benefit from using reverse phone lookup services like PhoneHistory in numerous ways. For example, you can get information about a person, helping you decide whether or not you can trust them. You only need an internet connection to access the wealth of valuable information on the caller.
Contact Your Phone Company
Many phone companies store the information of their customers. You can call your phone service provider to get the identity of an unknown caller. They will do a simple search to find out the person either owning the unknown phone number or called you for a small service charge.
But there is more to using your phone company than just knowing the person’s identity. Your phone service provider can also provide extra services you may want. If you do not want the person to call you again, the phone company might block the phone number on your behalf.
Use Social Media Platforms
Many people, including the one with an unknown phone number, can have a social media account. You can enter the number in the search bar to check if the number belongs to the social media account’s owner. The phone number will also appear in their posts if they share it.
This method is better than the Google search because social media accounts often have detailed information about a person or business. You will know their name, appearance, and the people they associate with.
Even though you can use all social media platforms to identify a person associated with a particular phone number, Facebook is more effective than the others. This is because it has a large number of people.
You can also search for the phone number on other social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter. If the account’s owner allows the public to view their contact information, you will find them.
Search in the Online Directories and White Pages
Online directories, such as Yellow Pages and White Pages, are repositories of publicly available information. They list the phone numbers and names of individuals within a specific geographical area.
You can access the directories through websites to identify who owns the phone number. Unlike traditional paper phone books, online directories are updated regularly, meaning the information is usually current and accurate. Here is how you can use online directories and white pages:
- Visit a website offering the service.
- Enter the phone number in the search bar.
- Ensure you select the right area or country code.
- Click on the search button to initiate the search process.
- Check the list of results with the same phone number.
- View the details you are interested in, such as the name and address.
Online phone directories are good tools, though they may not have detailed information, particularly for unlisted or mobile numbers. Therefore, you should use multiple methods to have better results.
Call the Phone Number
You can call the unknown phone number to identify the owner. This method is direct, quick, and easy to use. When the phone number’s owner answers the call, you should ask them some probing questions. You need to explain why you called them and find out who they are. However, extreme caution must be exercised, as there may be fraudsters who could cause you harm.
Hire a Private Investigator
Certain circumstances require hiring a private investigator to uncover the identity of an unknown caller. A professional can help you reconnect with a long-lost relative, friend, or colleague.
Private investigators have the experience and skills in this field. They leverage the resources and databases at their disposal, increasing the chances of success. They also adhere to privacy laws by ensuring the search is lawful and ethical.
You need to understand that hiring a private investigator comes with some costs, depending on their experience, the complexity of the search, and your location. You can expect to pay either a fixed price or an hourly rate that requires an upfront retainer. The cost and privacy rights should always be a consideration before you hire a private investigator.
