Your phone rings, and it’s from an unknown caller with no caller ID. Receiving a call from an unknown number can be quite frustrating and worrisome. Getting repeated calls from an unknown number could easily be termed harassment.
These “worrisome” calls might not be threatening to you in small doses as they could easily be telemarketers or even prank calls. However, repeated incoming calls from unknown callers could quickly become very uncomfortable.
Annoyingly, if you do not have the caller ID of your anonymous caller, you will not be able to block them. The only way to prevent this unknown caller from continuously stressing you is to unmask their caller ID.
No Caller ID vs. Unknown caller ID
Before discussing the steps you can take to unmask a private number, there are important distinctions you should know. No caller ID and unknown caller are two different things.
No caller ID means that the caller intentionally blocked their ID. On the contrary, an unknown caller means the caller ID was not recognized even though it was provided.
So, are you ready to stop those annoying phone calls and unmask the caller ID behind the unwanted calls? I’ll cover some of the best methods to reveal unknown numbers.
Different Steps to reveal an Unknown Caller
The *57 Method
You should use this method immediately after receiving an incoming call from an unknown caller. Typing *57 on your cell phone sends an immediate request for your service provider to trace your previous caller’s number.
If the caller ID trace is successful, you will receive a confirmation sound or beep. Alternatively, if the caller ID trace is unsuccessful, you will receive an error beep depending on your mobile company.
The *57 service is the MCIS (Malicious Caller Identification Service). It is a paid service offered by all major network carriers in the US, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. The fee for the service is added to your monthly bill.
Use Caller Identification Tools for calls with No caller ID.
You can use anonymous caller ID service providers to reveal an unknown caller. Some like True Caller screen the incoming caller ID of unknown callers and identify them. Other caller identification tools allow you to search for unknown numbers and reveal the caller’s identity.
You can also use these identification tools to block unknown callers and prevent them from reaching your number in the first place. In addition, they can help you automatically block an incoming call from a spam caller.
These services are o available as apps on the Apple Appstore and Google Playstore. Install the apps from your app store and set it up to begin screening the caller ID of all incoming calls.
How to Use Caller ID Tools
While the steps might vary across different caller ID tools, here’s the general way to set up these caller ID tools:
- Open the website or app of your preferred tool.
- Sign up with your email or sign in if you already have an account.
- Paste the unknown phone number into the search bar and wait for results.
If the trace is successful, you will receive the unmasked phone number containing the real identity of your caller.
Contact Your Phone Company
Your wireless carrier or telephone company can help you identify an unknown caller. The caller ID of all the private numbers that contact you is available to your phone company. If you feel threatened or repeatedly harassed by an anonymous call, you can always reach out to them.
There is no option on your call log to view the details of a blocked call. This leaves you with the option of contacting your service provider. The law prevents your carrier from revealing personal information regarding users to you. Although, they will if you can prove you are being harassed or threatened by the caller.
Most companies will provide up-to-date information regarding the caller, including their name, phone number, and address. However, you might need the assistance of relevant law enforcement agencies to make this possible though.
Pro tip
You must note the time and date of the call. This information will come in handy when you request the caller information from your service provider. There are millions of calls made daily using each carrier, so you must have as many details as needed to trace the call.
So when you receive a call from a blocked caller ID, note down all the important information. This information will help your mobile carrier track the call and retrieve the caller ID.
Contact Local Authorities
Filing a report with the police is a quick way to identify your caller. If you receive repeated calls from blocked numbers that make you feel threatened, this is the best course of action.
You will need to state everything you know about these calls. Including the voice or voices you hear, the time of the call, your call list, and other important info. These details will help the police work with your network carrier to uncover the person behind the caller ID.
Security agencies have advanced techniques they can use to track down the person or persons behind blocked numbers. Using techniques like VoIP and location routing numbers, they identify the owner of the blocked caller ID.
How to Block Unwanted Calls from callers with no caller ID
This is the best solution if you would rather not deal with hidden caller IDs from unknown callers. Most mobile devices have the feature that enables you to bar numbers without a caller ID.
The good news is that it can be done on both Android and iOS devices. Here’s how.
Block Unwanted Calls on Android
Step 1
Open your phone dialer.
Step 2
Tap the three vertical dots on your phone screen’s top/middle right side.
Step 3
Tap on “Settings.”
Step 4
Select “Block numbers.”
Step 5
Switch on “Block unknown callers.”
Now, all calls from a blocked caller ID will be barred from entering your phone.
Block Unwanted Calls iPhone (iOS 13 or later)
Step 1
Select ‘Settings” on your home screen.
Step 2
Scroll to the “Phone” option and tap on it.
Step 3
Scroll to “Silence Unknown Callers” and toggle it on.
All calls without a caller ID will be automatically blocked from your phone.
FAQ
Are Unknown Calls Dangerous?
The answer to this question is not exactly straightforward. Some of these calls could be from pranksters, while others are from malicious actors. If you receive these calls sparingly, they could probably be prank callers.
On the other hand, if you feel your phone number is being targeted continuously with blocked caller id calls, you should take it seriously. You could avoid the situation altogether by blocking the calls. Alternatively, take any of the steps we have highlighted above to reveal those behind the calls.
Are There Caller Id Identifiers For Landlines?
The caller identification tools available for landlines are hardware add-ons. Most landlines do not come with a caller id screen which you can use to identify callers. If you have been receiving calls from someone you do not know, it is time to get one of these gadgets.
Amazon is a good place to begin searching for these identifiers. Find one that is compatible with your phone and begin using it. This way, you can screen the id of any calls before you pick them up.
Should I Answer Calls With No Id?
Answering a call from an unknown number can be a big security risk. If you do not know the person’s identity on the other end, it’s best not to pick. On the other hand, if you have picked up the call and do not recognize the other person’s voice, end the call immediately.
There are many kinds of scams that can be done over the phone, and it is quite easy to be a victim. Some of these scams require the caller to record your voice or specific uttered phrases. Although some of these calls could be pranks, you should avoid picking them up if you are unsure.
How do You Call a Number With a Blocked Id Back?
You cannot call back a number that calls you with a hidden Id back. If you miss a call from such numbers, you must wait till they call you back. Their hidden id prevents you from calling back if you do not have their number.
However, we advise that you refrain from trying to call such numbers back. Someone you know has no reason to hide their id when they call you.
Will My Telephone Provider Reveal an Unknown Caller’s Id to me?
It is against the law for your mobile carrier to reveal information about another user to you. They can only do so if you can prove that you’re in danger or feel threatened. If you are going to request such details from your mobile carrier, you must have enough evidence to back up your claim.
Another important thing you can do is report the case to law enforcement. This would improve your chances of getting the caller’s identity as they would back you up when you make your request.
What Does No Caller ID Mean?
Typically, no caller id means that your network provider cannot provide details of the caller. This could be as a result of them hiding their identity. If you receive calls from a no caller id number, you should avoid such calls.
Scammers and other nefarious actors could be hiding behind the restricted ID. Refrain from giving out sensitive information to unknown callers and, where possible report to the appropriate authorities.
How to Find an Unknown Caller for Free?
You can find an unknown caller for free by simply using a caller identification tool. For instance, you could use Truecaller by signing up on their website or downloading their app. This way, you can search for the identity of any unknown numbers that call your phone.
Alternatively, caller id tools have auto-detection features which you can utilize. This would automatically reveal the identity of a caller immediately their call comes in.
What Do I Do if No Caller ID keeps Calling?
If you are constantly on the receiving end of calls from a hidden caller id, you should report it. Reporting the issue to the authorities is the fastest way to get the identity of the caller revealed. Repeat calls from a blocked caller id is harassment, and you are within your rights to bring in the police.
