When it's time to figure out who's bugging you, here are a couple ways to reverse-look up a cell phone number.
Steps
The Free Way
1. Search Google
In the search field, put in the number listed. If the number's owner has posted it on his/her blog or website, you may be able to figure out his/her name or company from the search results.
In some cases, it will jump right out at you. For example, a recent call came in from (260) 432-8176, a number unknown to us. Entering the number into the Google search field gave us this result:
The evidence made clear that it was a sales call from a company in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
2. Search a social networking site
Even if you can't easily find the phone number through Google, you may be able to track it down by entering the number into various social networking sites' search functions. At a minimum, try Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
If you suspect it is someone you have dealings with online, search the site where you exchange chat or information with them, such as on the site's forums. You never know what might return.
3. Call the unknown number
Explain to whoever answers that you've been receiving calls from the number. Politely ask who they are. If they tell you, no need to continue! If they don't, try one of the methods below.
Try calling with a number other than your own. If you have called repeatedly and gotten no answer, it's possible that the other party is choosing not to pick up your calls. Calling from a different number can help rule out this possibility.
The Pay Way
1Use a reverse cell phone directory. While most—if not all—of these sites require a paid membership (generally between $30 and $60), you may still get lucky if you do a search. Often times, commercial businesses want to be found, so they don't do too much to hide themselves from searchers.
If you have to pay for the results, you will usually get the name, address, location of the call, and phone carrier of the caller as well. If you don't want to pay, you may be able to sign up for a free trial on one of these sites and make the search that way.
Hire a private investigator. Many private investigators charge between $70 and $100 to just locate a person. However, if you're going to a private investigator you'll probably be looking for more information than just a phone number. To make sure you're not overcharged, be sure to get an estimate before you sign anything.
Video
Tips
- The first three numbers of a US or Canadian phone number are called the area code. In other countries the area code may be 2 to 5 digits long. You can look up the location of an area code online or in a phone directory.
- The fourth to sixth numbers of a US or Canadian phone number represent the exchange code. Searching the exchange code will narrow down the location of the caller even further.
- If you don't know the number either look in your local phone book or look on the internet.
Warnings
- If you do manage to get hold of the caller on the other end and work out who it is, stay calm and don't get engaged in a heated argument. If they are rude, threatening or nasty, do not keep listening. If they make threats of physical harm, take the matter to the police.
