Who Is Calling Me From an Unknown Number?

"Unknown number" can mean several different things depending on what your phone actually shows. Working out which kind you've got is the first step to finding out who's calling.

A number you just don't recognise

This is the most common situation: a full number appears, but it isn't in your contacts. Good news: this is the one you can look up.

1. Note the full number, including any +44 or other country code.
2. Search it on Who Called Me Check.
3. Check the line type, the area and the cost of calling back.
4. Read any reports to see what the caller said to other people.

"No Caller ID", "Private" or "Withheld"

The caller has hidden their number. Hospitals, GP surgeries, police and some businesses do this routinely, so it isn't automatically suspicious. But because there's nothing to search, you can't check it.

• Let it go to voicemail. Genuine callers will usually leave a message.
• On many landlines, dialling 1471 won't reveal a withheld number, but some providers let you block withheld calls automatically.
• If withheld calls are threatening or harassing, tell your provider and the police.

"Unknown"

Sometimes the network simply can't pass the number through, often with international calls or some internet phone services. As with withheld calls, there's nothing to search.

A number that looks like yours

If the number shares the first several digits with your own, it may be "neighbour spoofing", designed to look local and familiar. Treat it as an unknown number and check it before answering.

Should you answer?

There's no obligation to answer any call. A good rule of thumb:

• Expecting a call from a delivery, a doctor or a job? Answering is reasonable.
• Not expecting anything? Let it go to voicemail and check the number.
• Already reported as a scam? Don't answer. Block it.

If you do answer

• Let them speak first. Don't say your name or confirm details.
• Don't press keys in response to a recorded message.
• If they ask for money, codes, passwords or to access your device, hang up.
• If they claim to be an organisation, hang up and call it back on a number you find yourself.

Afterwards

Whatever the call turned out to be, rating the number on Who Called Me Check helps the next person decide whether to pick up.