An unknown number is a number that you do not know the owner of, while a restricted number is a number whose caller ID is blocked. While there are several methods you can try, calling an unknown number is not always possible. If possible, this is not always recommended. If you want to call back an unknown number, do so with caution. It's a good idea to only call an unknown number back if you're sure the number belongs to someone you know.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Know the Right Time to Call Back an Unknown Number
Step 1. Listen to one ring
Be aware that the phone only rings once. A missed one-ring call may be the work of a “crammer”, ie someone luring you to call him back so he can be charged. If you only hear one ring, don't call back. Even if it's not a crammer, it's possible that the caller made a wrong call.
Telemarketers are required to wait at least four rings, or 15 seconds, before disconnecting
Step 2. Check the area code
If you can see the caller's number, look up the number online. Crammers usually dial from the same international code so it looks like a domestic call. However, if the number is searched, you can identify it as a foreign number based on its area code.
- The general rule is if you don't recognize the area code, don't pick it up.
- Many of these calls came from the Dominican Republic (809), Jamaica (876), British Virgin Islands (284) and Grenada (473).
- There are also services on the internet that allow you to look up the number. Look for "reverse lookup" or "find who called me."
Step 3. Check the message
People who contact you because of serious problems will also leave messages in every way possible. If you miss a call from an unknown number, or it's blocked, it's probably not important. Don't call back!
- If they leave a message, please call back the number.
- Crammer will never leave a message because it operates on very limited profit margins and cannot make international calls.
Step 4. Watch your phone bill
If you see mysterious charges, especially for something ambiguous, such as “special services” or “premium services” on your phone bill, contact your telephone service provider and report any unauthorized charges. Usually you will be compensated.
- If you've been calling back unknown numbers and listening to recorded messages, be extra vigilant about your phone bill. If when calling back you hear “adult service”, be prepared for unauthorized charges.
- Do not hesitate to ask for compensation from the telephone service provider. Phone fraud is a daily problem for them.
Step 5. Call a number you know
Sometimes, scammers will leave a message with a number to call. If you get a voice or text message from someone claiming to be from a bank, cell phone service provider, or hospital, try calling the entity with the number you have, instead of tracing the call.
Method 2 of 4: Identifying Restricted Numbers
Step 1. Purchase an identification service
To get a limited number, you need to pay for a service, for example " Call Unblock " or " Trapcall " that reveals the caller's number. This method only works on smart phones.
Step 2. Check suggested friends
If you use an application such as Facebook on your phone, the caller may be identified from the friends you have suggested. The Facebook app snoops on your calls and creates a list of suggested friends based on the caller. Check this list and see if there are any suspicious faces.
Step 3. Look for unusual messages
If a limited number leaves a voice or text message, search the internet for the words. If the number is unlimited, look up the number on the internet as well. Fraudsters may leave the same message on multiple phones, and people who have been scammed often post it on the internet.
Method 3 of 4: Blocking Unwanted Calls
Step 1. Block limited numbers
Call your phone service provider and ask to block restricted numbers calling you. Phone service providers have a variety of methods to block limited numbers so they can't call you.
- If you have an iPhone, go to “Settings” and set the phone to “Do Not Disturb,” which will prevent anyone other than your contact list from calling you. However, this will prevent new friends or acquaintances from contacting you.
- Contact your telephone service provider to discuss your options.
Step 2. Enter the number into the Do Not Call list
In the US you can call 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY) from the cell phone you wish to register, or www.donotcall.gov and register your number there. After 32 days, all commercial call requests will stop. You will still receive calls from non-profit entities, individuals, or businesses that you are authorized to contact you.
Do not share your information with anyone who calls your home and claims to be a Do Not Call List representative. Chances are they are scammers: the US government doesn't call people and offer to be put on the list
Step 3. File a complaint
If the telemarketer continues to call, or you need to file a harassment complaint, call the following numbers: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL: 1-844-432-2275. You can also go to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and fill out a complaint form.
Method 4 of 4: Using Callback on Landlines
Step 1. Call immediately
If your landline is ringing and there is no voicemail, you can use a feature called “Call Return” to call back. However, this method only works on the last received call number, so you must call back before receiving another call.
Step 2. Press *69
When you press *69, you will be notified of all registered information regarding the caller, such as name and address. You will also be given the option to call back. Press 1 to call back when prompted.
Dial *69 is usually charged, unless there is a subscription feature from your phone service provider
Step 3. Accept failure
*69 can only be used on calls from landlines in your area. If the caller calls from a mobile, long distance or international number, the number is blocked, or an 800 or 900 number, Call Return cannot be used.
Step 4. Press *89 to cancel
Otherwise, Call Return will automatically cancel after 30 minutes.
Tips
- If you don't want to receive calls from unknown numbers, you can contact your phone service provider and ask to block incoming calls or you can set your phone's settings to only accept calls from numbers listed in the phone book.
- If you have Android, run Android 4.4 (KitKat). This version has a number identification system that identifies numbers that are safe to call back.
