Caller Name Lookup: How to Identify Unknown Callers

What Is a Caller ID?

Caller ID is the phone number that you see whenever someone calls you. Sometimes, it is accompanied by the name of the person or institution calling you. When someone calls you, the information is retrieved from a linked database, transmitting the number on the receiver’s screen. This way, you can look at the phone number and potentially identify it before you answer.

Caller IDs don’t give away one’s location, but they may contain a country code, area code, or prefix. Seeing as around 21% of adults were victimized by phone calls, identifying the caller ID could offer the receiver more protection. Caller IDs can also be used for parental control to determine who your child has been in touch with.

Caller Name Lookup Methods for Callers

When it comes to identifying an unknown caller, there are plenty of options that can help you reach your goals. Some of these techniques are built-in on your phone, whereas others involve using an app or making a call. Below is some guidance on how to identify unknown callers using different means:

Method 1. Reverse Phone Lookup Services

Reverse phone lookup services are generally the best way for you to identify unknown numbers without getting in touch with the caller. These require you to enter a phone number, and you can retrieve available details on the caller.

Searqle – Reliable Caller Name Lookup

Searqle is the most reliable solution to find someone’s name by phone number. The app gives you a full report by tapping into a database with millions of interconnected public records. The app can be used to identify the name of a caller to see if they are friends or scammers, but it can also be used to confirm business contacts.

Features:

• ✔ Criminal record identification and background checks.
• ✔ Phone number eligibility lookup.
• ✔ Address and email lookup.
• ✔ Social media searches and relevant information (e.g., marital status, children, and more).

Pros

• ● Accurate and frequently updated data.
• ● User-friendly interface.
• ● Detailed results drawn from public records.

Cons

• ● To use it, you need to subscribe.
• ● Internal coverage is sometimes limited.

BeenVerified — Easily Identify the Hidden Phone Number

BeenVerified gathers and summarizes the names and details of the caller in a report that is easily scanned. The information is collected from white page records and phone directories, giving you more data on the person and their connections.

Features:

• ✔ Detailed reports with personal details.
• ✔ Social media lookup.
• ✔ Information on caller’s immediate connections and residences.
• ✔ Property searches and previous estates.
• ✔ Address lookups.

Pros

• ● Reports are fairly detailed.
• ● Instant results.
• ● Comprehensive search filters.

Cons

• ● Requires a subscription to be used.
• ● Only available in the US.
• ● Occasionally outdated information.

Truecaller — Disclose Every Number That Calls You

Truecaller is useful for intercepting unknown callers before you have to answer them. If the number is not part of your contact list, the app intercepts the call and asks a couple of questions. This way, you can screen the number and ensure its legitimacy.

Features:

• ✔ Caller management controls.
• ✔ Automatic identification of texts and calls.
• ✔ User-friendly design.
• ✔ Ability to block calls.

Pros

• ● Protects against harassing calls.
• ● Regularly updated database.
• ● Decent customer service.

Cons

• ● Metric reports are not as detailed.
• ● Some users expressed privacy concerns.
• ● Requires an Internet connection to work.

Method 2. Use the *69 Code

The *69 code has been around since the time landlines were common, and it can be used to this day. Referred to as the “Last Call Return,” this lets you retrieve the number of the person who last called you. If they are listed in a database, this code can provide the name and address. All you have to do is punch in the code on the keypad and then listen to the automated recording.

Pros

• ● No app is required.
• ● Useful for missed calls.
• ● It takes seconds to complete.

Cons

• ● Doesn’t always offer a name or address.
• ● Only works for the last phone call.
• ● May not work for every network.

Method 3. Use the *57 Code

The *57 code takes the *69 code to a different level by allowing you to trace a phone call and report it. This method is often recommended when you get a suspicious phone call or are harassed or threatened by an unknown number. The *57 code records the phone call and then sends it to the security department of your phone company or perhaps even the police. All you have to do is dial the code after the call and the number will be recorded.

Pros

• ● Officially tracks suspicious phone calls.
• ● Useful in law enforcement cases (e.g., stalking or threats).
• ● Does not require an app.

Cons

• ● Might require a service fee.
• ● Doesn’t offer direct access to details.
• ● Not all service networks support it.

Method 4. Use Built-In Smartphone Features

Modern smartphones come with built-in features that you can use to identify, silence, or even block unknown phone calls. For the most part, the features depend on the operating system. However, many prefer this option because it does not require a third-party app, just access to one’s phone settings.

iPhone Features:

iPhones have a setting called “Silence Unknown Callers,” which sends unknown calls directly to your voicemail. This feature reduces unwanted interruptions and spam, which is useful if you frequently get scam phone calls. You’ll find this feature in your phone settings, and all you have to do is set it to “ON.” You can also find out more about an unknown caller by pressing “i” next to the number.

Pros

• ● Blocks robocalls and spam.
• ● Reduces potential unwanted interruption.
• ● Doesn’t affect calls from your contacts.

Cons

• ● Might send real calls to voicemail needlessly.
• ● Doesn’t show you any caller details.

Android Smartphone Features:

Android also has a feature called Caller ID & Spam, which offers protection against suspicious phone calls. Find the Phone app, and you should see a three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Once you go through the settings and select the feature, toggle it to ON. This can help you identify business calls and spam. Some Android models can also use the Google Call Screen, where Google Assistant picks up the call and gets the data.

Pros

• ● Spam calls are identified before you answer.
• ● Known spam numbers are immediately blocked.
• ● Screens a call before answering.

Cons

• ● Might not work on every Android phone.
• ● Some calls could still come through.

Method 5. Contact Your Phone Company

If push comes to shove and you can’t find out who called you, a good way is to get in touch with your phone company. They can be very helpful in tracing phone numbers, which is particularly useful if you are dealing with harassers and private number callers.

Pros

• ● They go on an official record.
• ● You can report calls other than the last.
• ● They offer detailed records.

Cons

• ● Requires a formal complaint.
• ● Not every user might find it helpful.

The Bottom Line

Unknown calls are not that much of a hassle, provided you use the right tool. You might use a good caller name ID lookup tool such as Searqle or go straight to your phone company, but regardless, there are ways to protect your privacy.