Get a random call from an unknown number? Here’s how to do a reverse phone lookup.
The phone rings and it’s a number you don’t recognize. Or perhaps an unknown number shows up in your missed calls. You’re curious, but you don’t want to pick up or call back if it’s a telemarketer or scammer. Instead of playing robocall roulette, here are a few ways to investigate who’s calling you before you engage.Legit Call vs. Scam Call: How to Tell the Difference
You may have noticed that America has a problem with scam calls. Scammers took $10 billion from unsuspecting victims in 2023, and it’s hard to see the problem going away anytime soon. If you get a call, there are a few ways to tell if it’s legit or not.
What does the phone say? When a call comes in, look for a displayed number and location. If your phone isn’t showing any information and says something like Unknown, chances are there’s a scammer on the other end of the line. Anyone can hide their number, but best to let this one go to voicemail and call back if it’s someone you know. If the phone says Scam Likely, it’s typically correct; feel free to ignore the call.
Look for verification. Carriers have started verifying phone numbers when you receive a call. Google’s phone app also adds a badge on incoming calls that it can attach to a business. Unfortunately, this doesn’t verify every call from a legitimate business or weed out legitimate businesses that use robocalls.
Watch out for spoofed numbers. Have you ever gotten a call from what looks to be your own phone number, only it’s a few numbers off? Don’t pick those calls up; scammers like to spoof phone numbers and trick you into picking up. The idea is that you’re more likely to pick up if you think the call is coming from your area code or from someone you know.
