Type in a Phone Number and Find Out Who It Is – Top 12 Ways to Identify Unknown Callers in the UK

Receiving calls from unknown numbers can be frustrating, especially when they are spam, telemarketers, or even scams. Consequently, many people seek ways to identify the source of these calls.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can simply type in a phone number and find out who it is, the good news is that several methods can help uncover the identity of unknown callers.

In this guide, I will explore the top 12 ways to identify unknown callers in the UK, regardless of whether they call from a landline, mobile, or even an international number.

Why Do People Receive Calls from Unknown Numbers?

Calls from unknown numbers are common, and their origins can vary greatly. Some might be genuine calls from businesses or acquaintances, while others could be nuisance calls from telemarketers or scammers.

This version uses the transition word “vary greatly” to emphasize the diverse range of possible origins for unknown calls.

 Here are some of the most common reasons why you might receive a call from an unfamiliar number:

1. Business or Service Calls – If you’ve recently signed up for a service, booked an appointment, or placed an order, you may receive a call from a business or delivery service using a number that is not saved in your contacts.
2. Telemarketing and Sales Calls – Companies frequently reach out to potential customers through promotional calls. These calls might come from legitimate businesses, but they can also be unsolicited and intrusive.
3. Scam and Fraudulent Calls – Many scammers use fake or spoofed numbers to impersonate banks, government agencies, or trusted organizations in an attempt to steal personal or financial information.
4. Wrong Number or Misdialed Calls – Someone may have accidentally dialed your number, or the caller might be looking for someone else.
5. Government or Official Organizations – Government agencies, hospitals, or emergency services sometimes use unknown numbers to contact individuals. However, scammers frequently impersonate these organizations, so it’s crucial to verify their legitimacy by independently contacting the organization directly using their official contact information.

Since not all calls from unknown numbers are genuine or necessary, it’s helpful to trace the number before responding.

Can You Really Type in a Phone Number and Find Out Who It Is?

Yes, you can often find out who called you by using reverse lookup tools, caller ID services, and online search techniques. However, the amount of information you can access depends on several factors:

• Publicly Listed Numbers – Business landlines and some personal numbers are listed in online directories, making them easier to find.
• User-Reported Numbers – Many websites collect user-generated reports on spam and scam numbers, allowing you to check if a number is frequently reported.
• Social Media Profiles – Some people link their phone numbers to social media accounts, which can help identify them.
• Privacy Laws – In the UK, personal mobile numbers are not publicly available, meaning that private numbers cannot be easily traced unless the owner has chosen to share their information.

While no single method guarantees complete information, using multiple approaches increases the chances of identifying an unknown caller.

Top 12 Ways to Identify Unknown Callers in the UK

1. Using Reverse Phone Lookup Websites

One of the most effective ways to find out who is calling is by using a reverse phone lookup website. These websites store databases of phone numbers, including business listings, telemarketing reports, and user-generated feedback.

Popular UK-based lookup sites include:

• WhoCalledMe UK – A database where users report scams and spam calls.
• TrueCaller – A caller ID service that provides information on millions of numbers worldwide.
• Tellows UK – A community-based platform that allows users to review and report phone numbers.

These platforms rely on public and user-submitted data, making them ideal for checking telemarketers, spam numbers, and reported scams.

2. Checking Caller ID Apps

Apps like TrueCaller, Hiya, and Should I Answer? Allow users to identify callers in real time before answering the phone. These apps use crowdsourced data to flag spam, scams, and telemarketing numbers, helping users avoid nuisance calls.

The main benefits of these apps include:

• Automatic caller identification – Displays the caller’s name and category before you pick up.
• Spam call blocking – Recognizes and blocks spam numbers automatically.
• Community-driven reports – Users contribute information about suspicious numbers.

These apps are particularly useful for identifying persistent scam numbers and automated robocalls.

3. Searching the Number on Google

A quick Google search can sometimes reveal a number’s identity. Many businesses list their contact details online, and scam numbers are often discussed in forums and complaint boards.

To use this method effectively:

• Enter the phone number in Google and check the first few pages of results.
• Look for official business listings, reviews, or scam reports.
• Check discussion forums like Reddit, MoneySavingExpert, or TrustPilot, where users often share experiences with specific phone numbers.

If the number is linked to a known scam, you will likely find warnings from other users.

4. Looking Up the Number on Social Media

Some people link their phone numbers to their Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. By searching for the number on these platforms, you may find profiles associated with the caller.

This method works best for:

• Checking if a number belongs to an individual.
• Find out if a business has a verified presence online.

However, due to privacy settings, not all numbers will appear in social media searches.

5. Checking Online Business Directories

For landlines and business phone numbers, websites like BT Phone Book and 118 Information can help. These directories list:

• Verified business contact details.
• Some publicly listed residential numbers.

This method is particularly helpful for checking calls from service providers, government agencies, and legitimate businesses.

6. Reporting and Blocking Spam Calls

If you frequently receive calls from a suspicious number, the best course of action is to block and report it.

Ways to block spam numbers include:

• Using built-in phone settings to block calls.
• Using call-blocking apps like TrueCaller or Hiya.
• Registering with the TPS (Telephone Preference Service) to reduce telemarketing calls.

Reporting scam calls to Action Fraud and Ofcom helps authorities track fraudulent callers.

7. Asking Friends or Family

Sometimes, an unknown number may belong to someone you know. If you receive a call from a familiar area code, checking with friends or family members might help identify the caller.

8. Using Government and Official Websites

 

Official UK websites list contact numbers for government agencies. If you suspect a call is from HMRC, the NHS, or the local council, checking their website can confirm whether the call is genuine.

9. Looking for Scam Alerts on Consumer Websites

Websites like Action Fraud, Ofcom, and Citizens Advice maintain lists of known scam phone numbers. If you suspect a scam call, searching for the number on these sites can provide confirmation.

10. Checking Voicemail and Call Details

Some unknown callers leave a voicemail, providing clues about their identity. Checking the caller’s area code can also help determine whether the call originated within the UK or internationally.

11. Calling the Number Back

If you’re unsure about a missed call, you can call the number back using a different phone or a withheld number. However, be cautious, as some scam calls charge premium rates when dialed back.

12. Using Network Provider Services

UK mobile providers like EE, Vodafone, and O2 offer call-tracing services. If you receive repeated harassing or scam calls, contacting your provider can help trace and block the caller.

Using these 12 methods, you can effectively identify who is calling you and reduce unwanted calls. By combining reverse lookup tools, caller ID apps, and search techniques, you can protect yourself from scams and ensure you only answer legitimate calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about unknown call numbers

1. Can I type in a phone number and find out who it is for free?

Yes, you can use free reverse phone lookup websites like WhoCalledMe UK, Tellows, and UnknownPhone to check if a number has been reported as spam or telemarketing. However, detailed personal information is usually restricted due to privacy laws in the UK.

2. Are there completely free phone number lookup services in the UK?

Yes, platforms like Tellows UK, WhoCalledMe UK, and Free-Lookup.net allow free searches. However, since they often rely on user-generated reports, not all numbers will have available information.

3. How do I check if a number is a scam?

You can enter the number on websites like Action Fraud, Ofcom, or ScamWatch UK to see if it has been flagged as fraudulent.  Additionally, checking online forums, and social media, and performing Google searches can also help identify unknown callers.

4. Why do I keep getting calls from unknown numbers?

Unknown calls can come from businesses, telemarketers, scam callers, or wrong numbers. If the calls are persistent, it’s a good idea to block the number or report it to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce spam calls.

5. Can I find out the owner of a private mobile number?

No, UK privacy laws prevent public access to private mobile number details. You can use reverse lookup services to check for spam reports, but personal details are only available if the user has publicly listed their number. Consequently, these services primarily rely on community-sourced information and public records.