How to Lookup Who Owns a Phone Number (Simply & Easily!)
Cindy Ellis - July 28, 2023
Few things are more unbearable than a series of uninterrupted unknown numbers hassling you throughout the day. People can get a number from a popular previous owner, others receive prank calls, while some simply want to identify a missed call. Figuring out a number is an experience we all must go through at some point.
Thankfully, this process has never been easier or more efficient than in the digital age.
While it may seem time-consuming, acquiring the details of a missed call can be as simple as copying and pasting the phone number into a few search bars. By the end of this article, you will understand how to identify those mystery digits through several different efficient methods.
Ways to Identify a Phone Number
The truth is that some of these are very dependent on the person reaching out to you. While searching for a cell number through Facebook can yield quick and accurate results, it is useless if they are off social media. To create the most efficient list, methods will be ordered based on simplicity and how much time each step takes.
Check Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Etc.
While some older souls may prefer the archaic hobby of meeting people in person, the truth is that most folks are using social media. As of April 2023, 4.8 billion people are on social media. Due to the wide net these sites cast and how quickly you can acquire information, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or even Twitter are a great first step in tracking down a line.
If you have the number, simply place it in the search bar. This will bring up any accounts that have the number on file, and if the profile is public, you can get more information surrounding the call.
Unfortunately, there is growing concern surrounding the invasive nature of social media sites and their data collection. Because of this, some social media users have understandably tightened up on their personal details and may remove identifying information. If this description fits your mystery caller, a different solution must be used.
Lookup the Number on People Search Engines
While it may sound very similar to Google, people search engines are far more specific. These helpful tools are an excellent way to keep yourself safe from scam attempts, sex offenders, or even telemarketers. These sites can find information about people from their number, name, and general location.
A good rule of thumb when using these sites is that the more applicable information you offer, the more refined and accurate your results will be. So while looking up a phone number with an included area code is pretty specific, a common name like “David Brown” may yield hundreds of random results.
Remember that some information may be outdated, so verify your search results before blocking a number or pursuing legal action. Additionally, the individual on the other end of your personal headache may have requested that their contact details be removed from search sites. If this is the case, they will not appear regardless of the details given.
When locating personal details about acquaintances, there is no better way to search for someone online. It can be hard to know which search engines are worthwhile and efficient, especially with the overwhelming amount of sponsored results on Google.
For those overwhelmed by far too many choices, Information.com is a reliable and efficient option that is ad-free, devoid of spyware, and free of suspicious third-party payment websites.
The biggest downside to these sites is that none are entirely free. While you can gain access to partial results or even a first or last name, to get a detailed result, you will have to pay a fee. Due to the sketchy nature of digital payments, we highly recommend you use a trustworthy, verifiable service.
If you use the service once, try to avoid large subscription fees that some sites may force on you. Thankfully, some sites, like Information.com, offer five-day unlimited-use trial passes for as little as one dollar.
When using people search engines, it is illegal to…
- Use personal details for identity theft.
- Harass or stalk the searched individual.
- Contact someone without their consent.
- Search for information on your maids or caretakers.
- Screen job applicants or potential tenants.
Following these rules will keep you out of legal trouble and in good standing with the search engine itself. For those worried about unknown callers, gathering more information on them is perfectly legal and safe.
Reach Out to Your Cellular Service
If social media is tightlipped and you are skeptical of paying for a reverse search service, the next best option is to contact your cell phone provider. While they are not legally required to divulge information, they may assist you with rudimentary details.
Your phone provider can help if the other number uses the same service, the person you are speaking with is willing to help, and if the nature of these calls warrants divulging basic details. While we cannot guarantee that this method will prove effective, it is painless and quick outside of a brief phone call.
If you feel in danger or unsafe, your first move should be to contact the local authorities.
Search the Number Through Google
Google is a solution that tends to be unsuccessful, but depending on who it is that’s calling you, it may give you some answers.
The strength of Google is that it can establish the general location of a number, which can narrow down who it could be. If the number nets no answers, you can search the area code and find out the city or town the person lives. This information can be added to a reverse phone lookup, or people search engine to get a more accurate answer.
To exhaust all search possibilities, try to vary or alternate how you enter the number.
Search examples include…
- 1 111 111 1111
- 1 (111) 111-1111
- +1 (111) 111-1111
- Owner of 1 (111) 111-1111
You can also add quotations to ensure the number is replicated precisely and search results aren’t random numbers spread across an unrelated webpage. Be careful which links you click, as the results for phone number searches are rarely safe.
DuckDuckGo, Bing, and other search alternatives showed no improvement when searching for basic information on unknown calls. Searching on Google is safe, takes less than a minute, and is incredibly simple. So while it may be fruitless, we don’t recommend skipping this step.
Consult a Private Detective
Calling a detective agency is admittedly a last resort. That said, certain individuals have a genuine skill for tracking information down. Several private investigators specialize in searching for people for various reasons and can confidently get you the details you need.
To better understand how a detective agency can assist you, schedule an appointment with one in your area.
Information on Fake Numbers & How to Avoid Them
If you are getting absolutely nothing out of the above methods, it is more than likely that you are dealing with a fraudulent number. As technology and software advance, the ways that criminals, con artists, and pranksters use to trick unsuspecting people also increase. Let’s briefly discuss how to look out for fake calls and how to verify a number.
How Calls Are Faked
There are a few ways that a number can be faked. The first way to make a fraudulent number is through a scam called spoofing. This deceptive trick makes your caller ID show a number with a local area code or the name of a nearby business or person. The issue is that the number calling you is not the one shown on your caller ID.
The second is a bit more simplistic and requires scammers to use apps that give fake phone numbers, which (allegedly) can’t be traced back to the person.
Finally, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows people to use apps such as Skype to contact mobile phones.
How to Check and Avoid Fake Numbers
These tricks are used ad nauseam to the point that most people have been the unknowing victims of a spoofed or fake number at some point. There are a few quick steps to check that a number is fake and avoid it in the future.
Because of the prevalence of these callers and how easy fake numbers are to replicate, it can prove challenging to remove all spoofed numbers. That said, following the steps below will ensure you are not bothered as much in the future.
How to Check if a Number Is Fake
- Call the number back. If the line is dead, you are dealing with a phony number.
- If there is a caller ID on the number, search for the ID and mobile number on Google. The number has been spoofed if the information on Google is inconsistent with what you see on your call log.
- Use call-tracking apps with a database of listed scam numbers and area codes. These will help identify fraudulent phone calls better and double as preventative measures against spoofed or faked numbers.
Be sure to block any numbers that come in repeatedly that are unknown, fake, or obviously scams. While responding to spam texts with a strongly worded essay may be tempting, this will ensure that you receive more. Avoid responding to calls or texts, and never give out personal or financial info. Finally, try to report any numbers you know are scams or spoofs.
Summarizing the Solutions
If you want to get information from a number, there is no better solution than using a people search engine. There are plenty of free options for those strapped for cash, such as social media searches, Googling the number, or even asking about your cellular service. Despite this, they are not foolproof solutions and can give insufficient details about the caller.
If you are being repeatedly harassed, try to block the numbers and utilize apps that better recognize spam and telemarketers. While there is no clear way to eliminate all unwanted calls and texts, you can minimize the problem to be far more manageable.
