How to Perform a Scammer Phone Number Lookup
Phone communication has made accessing people easier, but it also opens users to phone scams. Scammers typically impersonate someone known to the phone owner, offer services to reduce debts or loans, or pretend to raise funds through a charity for disaster relief. The goal is to obtain card details or sensitive identity information from unsuspecting individuals.
A reverse phone lookup is one of several ways to avoid being scammed. A reverse phone lookup service permits individuals to search records associated with a particular phone number and retrieve the owner’s identity. The best reverse phone number lookup should reveal the unknown caller’s full name, address, photo, social media profiles, and public records.
An individual can conduct a scammer phone number lookup or a spam caller lookup on most websites providing such services using the cellphone number, landline, or fax number of the caller. To ensure a successful outcome from the search result, users should take the following steps:
Find a Trustworthy Tool
It is essential to use a reliable company that offers scammer phone number lookup services. Users should ascertain the credibility of the service the website provides. For instance, users should ensure the service provider keeps their personal information confidential and does not notify the individual they are looking into before subscribing to the service.
Ensure the Tool Gives the Needed Information
Users should read up on the scam phone number lookup service to ensure the information the provider offers at the end of the search suits their needs. Also, searchers should familiarize themselves with the service and privacy policy of the service provider.
Enter the Phone Number
Depending on the scammer phone number lookup service, users can enter a landline or phone number starting with the area code to conduct a reverse phone lookup. Some search tools may require users to validate their identity using a Captcha.
Find Information on The Number
Clicking the search button returns the personal identification details of the caller. Depending on the service provider, users can find information from the full name, current and previous address, email, other phone numbers, photos, social media accounts to assets owned, educational and employment background, profession, and infractions. This information can help the phone owner differentiate a true caller from a scam call.
Is It Possible to Do a Free Scammer Phone Number Lookup?
Yes, it is possible to conduct a free scammer phone number lookup. However, most sites that offer a free reverse phone lookup do not provide detailed information about the caller. Users who require detailed information may pay a token to access the service. However, users can dig a little further using other free tools to aggregate the desired information from different sources, including:
Google of Other Search Engines
Conduct a free scammer phone number lookup by inputting the phone number into a google search. If there is any public record against the number provided by a company or individual, Google returns the phone number with the website information and other contact details. Sometimes, users may find a LinkedIn profile or post with the same phone number.
Social Media
Interested persons may also use social media searches to conduct a free scammer phone number lookup. Most social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, provide a search bar where users can input the caller's phone number to get the social media handles associated with that phone number.
Typically, the search result includes the name, pictures, and location of the caller. However, note that scammers can upload inaccurate information or exclude personal information from their social media pages.
Using an App
Individuals can also perform a scammer phone number lookup by using free apps that offer the service. Users download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store on their smartphone and wait for the scammer to call. The app sends information, including the name and address of all incoming phone calls.
How to Report A Scammer’s Phone Number
Reporting scams may prevent others from becoming a victim. Phone owners can report scams and fraud involving loss of money or property to the local police, the State Consumer Protection Office, or the fraud department of private organizations outside the government. Also, depending on the scam call, users can report the scammer to the appropriate authorities, including:
Disaster and Emergency Scams
Users can report disasters, and emergency-related scam calls to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Concerned persons can fill out the web complaint form describing the fraud, the scammer's information, and the victim's personal information. Victims may also call (866) 720-5721 to report a disaster-related scam.
Common Scams
Common scams include phone calls, emails, fake checks, student loans, scholarship scams, identity thefts, and computer support. People who have received a scam phone call or email are recommended to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can be done by visiting their website or by calling 1-877-382-4357.
In addition, phone users or victims of scams can also report the scam to the National Do Not Call Registry. This will help to stop future calls from the same phone numbers. Anyone can register their phone number for free by visiting their website or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
Online and International Scams
Users can report internet scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and international scams using the file a complaint form. Complainants should include their details, information about the scammer, the transaction details, and the description of the incident in the complaint form.
Social Security and IRS Imposter Scams and Identity Theft
Users can file a complaint to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA) if they have been the victim of an IRS or SSA scam. Parties affected by an SSA scam can fill out the SSA Scam Reporting Form. Victims of an IRS scam can report a crime by filling out the relevant form on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
How to Check If A Number Is On the Do Not Call List
Individuals can verify if a number is on the do not call list by calling (888) 382-1222 or texting (866) 290-4236. Concerned persons may also check the online National Do Not Call Registry. Users can verify if their phone number is on the do not call list by inputting their phone numbers and email address. On submission, parties receive an email confirming the phone number on the Do Not Call list and the registration date.
How Can I Find Out if a Phone Number Is Legitimate?
People often use fake phone numbers to protect their privacy or to avoid being contacted. Fake phone numbers are phone numbers not registered to anyone and not in service. Individuals can find out if a number is legitimate by:
- Ensuring the area code of the phone number is correct. Scammers use fake area codes such as 404, 506, 954, and 829 to contact unsuspecting victims.
- Call the number. Often a fake number will not connect. However, users can further protect themself by hiding their phone numbers before initiating the call.
- Do a phone number search on an online search engine to find out who the phone number belongs to. Usually, unconnected phone numbers do not return a Google or Bing search result.
- Conduct a reverse phone number lookup on a reliable phone lookup tool. Most fake phone numbers will not return a result.
- Using a phone validator application to determine the legitimacy of the caller. This tool allows the receiver to see if a caller is a spammer. It also shows the name and location associated with the number.
- Download legitimate Android or iOS apps that reveal a caller's information. On receiving a call, the app sends information about the caller to the receiver.
Popular Scam Methods
Phone scams are on the increase. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received 2.8 million fraud scam complaints from individuals valued at over $5.8 billion, compared to the $3.3 billion fraud scam losses for 2020. Phone scammers are out to get money or credit card details from unsuspecting victims in a number of ways. Therefore, individuals should have an idea of the popular phone scam methods. The most common prevalent phone scams include:
Government-Related Scams
Phone scams related to the government include impersonating a government official to obtain valuable information from the victim. For instance, a caller may claim to be an IRS or Censure board official to gain personal information or cash from the victim. Also, government grant scammers claim their victim has been awarded a government grant but require the individual to pay a processing fee to claim the allocation.
Lottery, Sweepstakes, and Other Prizes Scams
Lottery, sweepstakes, and other prize scams are schemes that promise a chance to win a large sum of money or another prize. These scams often originate with unsolicited email or social media messages. The sender claims that the potential scam victim has won a prize, but in order to collect it, they must pay taxes or fees, or provide personal information.
If you receive an unsolicited message that you have won a prize, do not respond. Legitimate lotteries do not require you to pay taxes or fees to collect winnings. Also, beware of any offer that asks for personal information, such as Social Security number or bank account information.
Job Scams
Employment-related scams occur when a fraudulent individual impersonates a credible company on a phone call but leads the individual to a fake website for a job listing and demands payment in return for job interviews from a recruiter. Job scams also include fake government job recruitment or fake mystery shopping roles that require a sign-up fee.
Donate to Charity Scams
These are scams where someone will pretend to represent a legitimate charity. They will ask for a donation and may even offer to pick up the donation. The caller takes advantage of the individual's generosity while capitalizing on real-life tragedies and disasters to get the victim to immediately part with cash. However, the caller is not really from the charity and the donation will not go to a good cause.
Banking Scams
There are various types of banking scams. Banking scams include scam calls to verify the bank details of a target in an attempt to obtain information on their banking details or gain access to their bank account. Another type of banking scam involves phone calls on check overpayment where the caller requires the account holder to transfer part of the money received.
Online Shopping Scams
The caller pretending to be a legitimate online retailer leads the victim to a fake website offering high-end luxury goods at a giveaway price. Scammers often use the internet to trick shoppers into buying fake or counterfeit products, or into paying for goods or services that will never be delivered. They might do this by setting up fake websites that look like well-known retailers, or by advertising on auction sites or classifieds platforms. Scammers might also contact people directly by email, phone call, or social media message.
Is This a Phone Scam?
Phone scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers using sophisticated technology to mimic legitimate businesses and organizations. It can be hard to spot a phone scam, but there are some warning signs to look out for.
Users who have received a call from an unknown number should be wary of giving out any personal information. Scammers may spoof caller ID information to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate organization. Another red flag is if the caller asks for personal information such as Social Security number or bank account number. Legitimate businesses will not ask for this type of sensitive information over the phone.
Phone users should also be suspicious of any caller who tries to rush or pressure them into making a decision.
Warning Signs of a Phone Scam
Scam phone calls can be difficult to spot right away. Phone users can watch out for the following signs to prevent themselves from being victims of a scam:
- The caller offers services or goods that sound too good to be true.
- Receiving a phone call for a prize won or giveaway where the individual never participated in the contest, and the caller requests cash or financial information to claim the prize or increase the odds of winning.
- The fraudster asks for sensitive information, including credit card information, social security number, and date of birth.
- The caller sounds urgent and requires the individual to make a crucial decision on the phone, such as wiring funds.
- The call begins with a prerecorded message, also known as a robocall.
- The caller refuses payment by credit card or cheque but insists on payment using cash, wire transfer, or gift cards.
- The caller threatens to arrest or jail time for non-compliance.
- The caller promises a risk-free investment or guaranteed earnings within a short period.
