Receiving calls from unknown numbers can be frustrating, especially when they are spam, scams, or, even worse, persistent telemarketers. Therefore, knowing how to identify these calls is crucial. Fortunately, several websites help identify Who Is Calling Me from This Number by providing reverse phone lookup services.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a call is from a legitimate business, a scammer, or an old acquaintance, this guide will help you find the answers.
Below, I’ll explore why unknown numbers keep calling, whether you can trace them, and 12 of the best websites to identify unknown phone numbers in the UK.
Top 12 Websites to Identify Unknown Phone Numbers in the UK
Several online tools help track unknown phone numbers by providing user reports, spam detection, and caller identification. Here are 12 of the best websites to help you find out who is calling you.
-
WhoCalledMe UK
WhoCalledMe UK is one of the most well-known websites for identifying unknown phone numbers. It operates as a user-driven platform, where people report their experiences with specific numbers. Users flag numbers for spam, telemarketing, or fraud, and you can find relevant details here. The site categorizes calls based on user reports, making it easier to identify whether a number belongs to a business, scam, or robocall. Moreover, it provides insights into whether the number belongs to a landline, mobile, or international source.
-
TrueCaller
TrueCaller is a widely used caller ID application that works both as a mobile app and a web-based lookup tool. It has an extensive crowdsourced database that identifies unknown callers based on global user reports. The app automatically detects spam and scam calls, helping users filter out unwanted disturbances before they even answer. By using TrueCaller, users can access the name and details associated with a phone number, block nuisance calls, and even contribute to the database by reporting numbers they believe to be fraudulent.
-
CheckCaller UK
CheckCaller UK specializes in reverse phone lookups, offering details on both mobile and landline numbers. It compiles data from various public and user-generated sources, allowing individuals to check the legitimacy of a caller. The platform features user reviews, making it easier to identify whether a call is from a trusted source or a potential scammer. By entering a phone number, users can access information on past complaints, telemarketing activity, and fraud reports associated with that number.
-
118 Information
As an official UK directory inquiries service, 118 Information primarily serves as a resource for legitimate business and landline lookups. Unlike many community-driven sites, this platform provides verified phone listings, making it particularly useful for finding business contact details. However, it does not specialize in tracking spam or scam calls, so it may not be the best option for identifying who is calling me from this number if it’s a mobile or suspected nuisance call.
-
UnknownPhone.com
UnknownPhone.com is a global reverse phone lookup service that compiles user-generated reports on suspicious calls. It helps users identify telemarketers, robocalls, and scam numbers by displaying public complaints. If users report a number multiple times, the site categorizes it as a potential risk and provides a risk rating based on the nature of the complaints. Therefore, this makes it a great tool for checking whether you should ignore or block a call.
-
Free-Lookup.net
Free-Lookup.net offers a simple and free method for checking unknown numbers in the UK. Unlike some paid services, this site allows users to search for both landline and mobile numbers at no cost. It aggregates data from multiple sources, helping users determine whether a call is harmless or suspicious. Although it does not always provide detailed caller identities, it remains a useful tool for quickly verifying whether users have flagged a number as spam.
-
tellows UK
Users report, review, and discuss phone numbers they believe to be suspicious or unwanted on Tellows, a community-based platform. The platform assigns a risk score to each phone number based on user feedback, helping others determine whether they should answer or block the call. The site also provides location details for some numbers, making it easier to identify whether the call originates from within the UK or overseas.
-
Phone-Book.com
Phone-Book.com functions as an online directory that allows users to look up publicly listed landline numbers in the UK. While it is particularly useful for finding business and residential numbers, it does not offer details on private mobile numbers. This platform best suits individuals searching for official contacts rather than those looking to track potential scam calls.
-
The Phone Book by BT
The Phone Book by BT is an official UK directory service that provides access to publicly available residential and business landline numbers. Since it is managed by BT (British Telecommunications), it is a reliable source for verifying legitimate contact details. If you’re wondering “who is calling me from this number”, and it’s a landline, the Phone Book might be helpful. However, it does not include mobile numbers or unlisted landlines, making it less effective for those trying to identify potential spam or fraud calls.
-
Spy Dialer
Spy Dialer is a reverse phone lookup tool that allows users to search for unknown phone numbers anonymously. It pulls data from public records, business listings, and online directories to provide insights into the caller’s identity. While it works well for some numbers, its database for UK phone numbers is limited compared to more region-specific lookup services. It remains a good option for quick searches, but results may vary depending on the number being investigated.
-
Number-Lookup.co.uk
Number-Lookup.co.uk operates as a database of reported UK phone numbers, specializing in spam, scam, and telemarketing call detection. Users can check whether a number has been flagged as suspicious or annoying, along with reading comments left by others who have received similar calls. The site is particularly useful for identifying persistent scam calls that have been widely reported by the public.
-
WhitePages UK
WhitePages UK functions as a traditional public phone directory, allowing users to search for landline numbers and business contacts. It is similar to BT’s Phone Book, focusing on legitimate listings rather than scam detection. While it provides basic caller information, it does not offer details on private individuals or mobile numbers, making it less effective for those looking to identify spam or nuisance calls.
Why Do Unknown Numbers Keep Calling?
With the rise of robocalls, spam calls, and fraudulent schemes, unknown numbers are becoming a common issue for phone users in the UK. Calls from unknown or unregistered numbers usually fall into three categories:
- Telemarketing or sales calls – Businesses trying to sell services or products
- Scam calls – Fraudsters pretending to be from government agencies, banks, or lottery organizations
- Genuine but unfamiliar callers – Missed calls from delivery services, old contacts, or job recruiters
While some of these calls may be harmless, others could be phishing attempts aimed at stealing personal information. This makes it essential to identify unknown callers before answering.
Can I Find Out Who Is Calling me from this number?
Many people wonder whether it’s possible to trace an unknown caller in the UK. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the number is publicly listed and if the caller has blocked their ID.
In most cases, using reverse phone lookup services can help:
- Reveal whether a number belongs to a business, individual, or scammer
- Provide user-generated reports on whether the caller is spam or fraud
- Offer insights into whether other people have reported the same number
What Information Can You Find?
Depending on the website used, you may be able to:
This service allows you to see the name or business associated with the number, read user reviews about the caller’s behavior, and check if the number has been flagged as spam or fraudulent. You can also find out if it’s a landline, mobile, or VoIP number.
However, it’s important to note that private mobile numbers and unregistered callers may not appear in lookup services due to privacy laws.
What to Do If You Keep Getting Unknown Calls?
If you frequently receive calls from unknown numbers, there are several ways to manage the situation:
1. Block the Number
Most Android and iPhone devices allow you to block unwanted calls directly from your call log.
2. Use Call-Blocking Apps
Apps like TrueCaller and Hiya automatically detect and block spam callers, reducing interruptions.
3. Report Nuisance Calls
If you suspect a number is linked to fraud or harassment, you can report it to:
- Ofcom (UK telecom regulator)
- Action Fraud (for scam calls and fraud reports)
4. Register with the TPS (Telephone Preference Service)
UK residents can opt out of telemarketing calls by registering their number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
Unknown calls are a common annoyance, but using the right tools can help identify who is calling and whether the number is safe to answer. The 12 websites listed above provide reliable phone lookup services in the UK, helping users check numbers for scam warnings, spam reports, and caller details.
To avoid unwanted calls, it’s a good idea to block persistent numbers, report scam calls, and register with TPS to prevent future disturbances. By taking these precautions, you can stay informed and protect yourself from unwanted callers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about unknown phone numbers in UK
How can I check if a phone number is a scam?
You can use reverse lookup websites like WhoCalledMe UK, Tellows, or TrueCaller to see if a number has been flagged as a scam.
Are there free ways to look up unknown numbers in the UK?
Yes! Many websites, including Tellows, Free-Lookup.net, and UnknownPhone.com, offer free number lookup services.
Can I block spam numbers on my phone?
Yes, both Android and iOS allow users to block unwanted callers. Specifically, this can be done through call settings or by using third-party apps.
Is it legal to track unknown phone numbers?
Yes, searching for publicly listed numbers is legal. However, accessing private phone records without consent is illegal in the UK. Therefore, these services rely on publicly available information and user-reported data.