Unknown Number — Who Is Calling You?
An unknown number on your screen can mean many things. Find out if it is a scam, a telemarketer, or a legitimate call — and learn how to protect yourself.
Why do unknown numbers call?
Legitimate reasons
- Delivery or courier services
- Doctor or dentist appointments
- Work colleagues with new numbers
- Banks calling about suspicious activity
Suspicious reasons
- Telemarketing and robocalls
- Phishing and vishing scams
- Ping calls (one-ring scams)
- Premium-rate number traps
How to identify an unknown caller
Use a reverse lookup
Enter the number into Clairmo to see owner details, carrier, location, and community spam reports.
Google the number
Search the number in quotes. If others have reported it, you will find warnings on forums or scam-reporting sites.
Let it go to voicemail
If it is important, the caller will leave a message. This also avoids confirming to scammers that your number is active.
Protect yourself from unwanted calls
Block the number
Both iPhone and Android let you block numbers natively. Blocked callers go straight to voicemail.
Do-not-call registry
Register your number with your country's do-not-call list to reduce telemarketing.
Spam apps
Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller identify and block spam calls automatically.
Unknown numbers — Frequently asked questions
It could be a telemarketer, a scammer, a delivery driver, or someone you know with a new number. Use a reverse lookup service to find out.
Find out who called you
Enter any phone number to get instant caller ID, spam risk, and community reports.
Search a number