How many times have you received a phone call from an unfamiliar number? Knowing how to track a phone number isn’t just about satisfying your curiosity. In this day and age, where virtual and temporary phone numbers are being weaponized, this knowledge is a critical survival skill. This article will show you all the dependable ways to track a fake phone number.
What is a fake phone number?
A Fake phone number is typically a disguised or fabricated number. Usually, it isn’t connected to a person’s primary phone line. It serves to conceal the user’s actual number or identity. There are several types:
- Virtual numbers: These are provided by online services. Usually, they forward calls and texts to a real phone. It masks the original number.
- Disposable/burner numbers: These are temporary numbers gotten from apps and used for short-term purposes and then discarded.
- Spoofed numbers: These are falsified numbers used to disguise the caller’s identity. They can be used by telemarketers or even for tech support. However, they are mostly used by fraudsters, and scammers for malicious reasons.
Why trace fake phone number?
You have the right to know who’s on the other side of any call or message you receive. It’s the one way to protect your privacy and personal information. Here are crucial scenarios you must always remember:
- Privacy protection: You wouldn’t want to give away one iota of personal information to individuals who are out to stalk, harass, or look for any way to harm you. That’s why you should always trace a fake phone number.
- Fraud prevention: Scammers use fake phone numbers for identity theft, fraud, or harming others. Hence, knowing how to track a fake phone number is your way of protecting against becoming a victim.
- For business transactions: You should trace a fake phone number to ensure whoever called is who they claim to be. That can be super beneficial in ensuring trust and reliability and preventing potential misunderstandings in your business deals/ Again, it can help you avoid being duped.
How to track a fake phone number
Tracking is the one solution to how to tell if a number is fake or not. Let’s talk about the most effective ways to look up fake numbers and the type of information to expect.
Call the number directly
Seize the initiative to call the number directly from a different phone number. If it’s a fake phone number, you’ll find the call disconnects or redirects to a strange voicemail. Sometimes it might seem like there’s a robot on the other end.
Google search the number
Google remains one of the greatest search engines. People often complain on websites, forums, and more about calls from numbers they claim to be fake. So, another great way to track a fake phone number is by Googling it. All you need to do is type that phone number directly into Google. If it’s online anywhere you’ll find it immediately. You can also enter that phone number followed by the word “scam” to refine your search.
Use reverse phone lookup
Reverse phone lookup tools are used to help you find personal details (name, and address) associated with any phone number. These tools are also designed to identify fake phone numbers. When you look up fake numbers, there’s a high chance you won’t find any information. That’s because they aren’t registered anywhere or associated with any personal details. However, reverse phone lookup tools can usually help look up fake numbers associated with certain network carriers associated with scams. Here are some reliable reverse phone lookup tools to try:
- LocatePhone
LocatePhone is an advanced reverse phone lookup solution designed to find an extensive set of information on any phone number. You can use this tool to look up fake numbers with impeccable accuracy. This amazing fake number tracker can identify any unknown number and access details such as the owner’s name and the place where the number was registered. Beyond that, LocatePhone can find insights into mobile carriers and sometimes the social media profiles associated with that phone number.
- Cellphone Location
Cellphone Location is also a robust reverse phone lookup service suitable for identifying any unknown numbers. This tool may offer information on the network carrier, and other critical insights on how to tell if a number is fake. It helps you search for a variety of phone numbers to unmask details like the owner’s name and physical address.
Check for caller ID spoofing
You can also check for caller ID spoofing by looking at the caller information. If the information on the caller ID doesn’t match the information or their details seem to conflict, even the slightest, be suspicious. If the call seems to be from a supposed organization like a bank or government agency you haven’t recently contacted, take precautions right away. Also, look out for calls from anonymous callers. Usually, what you would see on the caller ID is “Unknown Caller” or “No Caller ID”
Unusual phone number formats
Fake phone numbers also use unusual formats. For instance, you’ll see that the phone number does not conform to local or international formats or digit count. You might find the phone number seems too short or has punctuation. Even when they seem familiar, it’s always better to hang up and look for the correct information from the organization claiming to contact you.
Strange area code
Also, avoid calls from unfamiliar area codes. It’s always a better approach to track a fake phone number when you can’t recognize the area number from the call you received. Scammers often use unusual area numbers associated with other countries to mask their genuine identities. So, you should consult an international dialing code database to validate the legitimacy of such a call. And still be mindful if the phone number seems similar to yours, even when their demands don’t match.
Same number pattern
When phone numbers have sequential numbers such as 123-123-1234 or 111-111-1111, there’s a higher possibility they are associated with spoof or fictitious calls. Spam calls often follow such patterns. And this is another important solution to how to tell if a number is fake.
Contact mobile phone carrier
Your mobile phone carrier can also aid your burner phone number lookup. If you can get them to assist you, they will verify if the caller is reported as suspicious or registered. Even when they cannot provide you with the caller ID or owner’s details, they will tell you if it’s a scam caller or not.
Contact law enforcement
If the caller tried to harass you or coerce you for personal information, it’s time to involve law enforcement. They will not only help determine the identity of the mystery caller but take action against them.
Can a burner phone number be traced?
Burner phone numbers might seem anonymous but they are not entirely untraceable. Law enforcement agents can use burner phone lookup techniques like call detail records, location tracking, and specialized surveillance tools. You can also use a web-based reverse phone number lookup like LocatePhone to uncover information about that phone number. If available, you’ll be able to find the owner’s name, phone carrier, city and county of residence, social media profiles, and spam score. Alternatively, your internet service provider can help but this might demand getting a court order or the services of a lawyer.
Can a hushed number be tracked?
Hushed numbers claim to be untraceable. This is because the service uses a Hushed app for private communication and allows users to choose from 300+ area codes. That said, as long as the phone number is used for spamming or scamming, it becomes traceable. It’s possible to look up the phone number online for any reported complaints. Reverse phone lookup tools can provide further information about such phone numbers. These insights can help you determine if they are used by scammers or spamming agents.
What to do if you receive a call from fake numbers?
If you receive a call from a number you suspect to be fake, here’s what you should always do right away:
- Hang up the number
For every suspicious call, always end it immediately. Avoid engaging the caller and trying to discern who they are. Scammers are often skilled in advanced social engineering tactics. The longer you are on that call, the more risks you face with giving off the tiniest personal details that can be used for identity theft or fraud.
- Block the number
Next, you should block the number right away. This stops the scammer from trying to disturb you again. If you’re using an Android phone, go to the “Phone” app. Next, tap on the three-dot menu and select settings. Then tap on Blocked numbers and add the number to that list. On iPhones, go to your Settings app. Next, scroll down to “Phone” and select “Silence Unknown Callers.” Finally, switch it on and add the phone number to your blocked list.
- Report the call
Contact the government to report the phone number. You should also report the fake phone number to your phone provider and complain about it online or any spam-calls reporting app. This helps protect others against such fraudulent activities.
FAQ
How to check if a phone number is real or fake?
Use a reverse phone lookup service for information about whether the number has been flagged as spam. A simple Google search or directly calling the phone number can also help. Also look for unusual number formats, unfamiliar area codes, or numbers with repeating patterns. These are red flags and can help trace a fake phone number.
Can you find out who a burner phone belongs to?
Burner phones are anonymous, but you can still trace them. You can try using reverse lookup tools or contacting law enforcement agents. Both measures might help reveal information about the owner, phone usage, and location.
📢Read Also: How to Find out who owns a phone number
Can a spoofed phone number be traced?
Spoofed numbers are tricky to trace. You can try calling the number directly, using reverse phone lookup tools, or carrying out a Google search of the phone number. Reverse phone lookup services like CellPhone Location or LocatePhone may help you investigate the spoofed call to trace its origin and owner.
What does *57 do?
The *57 is a feature that traces harassing or threatening calls. It’s meant to help law enforcement identify and apprehend those who made the call. It demands that immediately after receiving such a call, hang up and then dial *57. Next, listen for the confirmation that your last call has been successfully traced. Finally, contact the law enforcement agents and your service provider will provide the details to the agency directly.
Conclusion
You can look up fake numbers as a protective measure against becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft. Being able to tell if a number is fake can, at the very least, also help you avoid nuisance calls. Fortunately, all of the tools we’ve shared are reliable. Ultimately, by staying informed and taking action, you can enjoy control over your communication and protect your personal information.
