Calling back a private or blocked number can be tricky since the caller has intentionally hidden their identity. However, there are some methods you can try to identify and call back someone who has called you from a private number.
What is a private number?
A private number, also known as an anonymous number or blocked number, is a phone number that has been hidden from the person receiving the call. When someone calls you from a private number, their number will not appear on your caller ID display. Instead, you may see the words “Private”, “Anonymous”, “Blocked”, or “Restricted”.
The caller has dialed *67 (for landlines) or used a special privacy setting (for mobile phones) before making the call to block their number from being shown. This is sometimes done to preserve anonymity or to avoid unwanted calls back. Telemarketers may also use private numbers.
Why would someone call from a private number?
There are a few legitimate reasons why someone may make a call from a private number:
- Privacy – They don’t want their personal phone number known for privacy reasons.
- Work related – For example, police or investigation agents may need to keep their work numbers private.
- Safety – Victims of domestic abuse may hide their numbers to avoid retaliation from abusers.
- Stopping sales calls – Blocking their number avoids getting sales calls back.
However, private numbers are also used for more questionable reasons:
- Prank calls
- Harassing calls
- Unwanted solicitation
- Scammers or spammers hiding their identity
So the intention behind a private call may be either benign or malicious.
Can you call back a private number?
Calling back a private number is challenging but not always impossible. Here are some methods you can try:
Use your phone carrier
One of the easiest options is to contact your phone carrier. Many carriers have records of incoming calls, including those from private numbers. They can do a reverse phone number lookup and may be able to provide you with the caller’s details. However, they will likely only do this if you have a legitimate reason, such as regarding fraud or harassment.
Use reverse phone lookup services
There are various reverse phone lookup services available online and as apps that claim they can uncover almost any U.S. phone number. They can match the number against public databases to find names and addresses. However, many services only provide limited information for free. To get full details like carrier information, you may have to pay a fee.
Some popular reverse phone lookup services include Spokeo, Whitepages, and Numlooker. Keep in mind that the data these sites provide may not be completely reliable.
Manually redial *67 numbers
If you have caller ID and an exact timestamp of when the private call came in, you can attempt dialing *67 just before the number to see if you reach the caller. This masks your own number like the caller did.
For example, if you got a private call at 4:51pm with a number like 123-456-7890, try calling *67123-456-7890 immediately after. This is tedious and hit-or-miss, but can possibly work.
Use smartphone apps
Apps like TrapCall (for iOS and Android) or WhosCall (for Android) are designed to unmask blocked calls. When installed, they can use special techniques like rerouting and masking to detect the source number of private calls to you. But these also require a subscription fee to get the full service.
Ask your phone provider to trace the call
Your phone company may be able to perform a call trace to identify private or harassing callers if you request it. Contact their customer service and ask them to trace the source of the unknown calls. Keep in mind you may need to provide a valid justification and there may be charges involved.
File a police report
For repeated harassment from an anonymous number, you can file an official complaint with the police. The authorities have means to obtain phone records and trace calls. They can subpoena your carrier for the number if it is part of an ongoing investigation.
How to prevent private calls
To avoid getting interrupted by unwanted private calls, you can take some preventative measures:
- Use call blocking – Block all private numbers or set up blacklists for specific unidentified callers.
- Use screening options – Set your phone to only accept calls from contacts or send unknown numbers to voicemail.
- Install anti-spam apps – Apps like RoboKiller or Nomorobo will screen and block robocalls and telemarketers.
- Register on the Do Not Call list – Reduce unwanted sales calls by adding your numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Ask contacts to disable hiding – Request friends/family to not use call blocking when calling you.
Being proactive can reduce the nuisance of unknown callers so you only get calls from people you know. But occasionally a private call could be important, so you may still need options to identify the source.
When can you legally call back a private number?
The legality of calling back a private number depends on how you obtained the original caller’s details:
- If your phone carrier voluntarily provided the number through standard customer service, then calling back is legal.
- If you paid a reverse phone lookup service for the number, it’s legal to call back.
- If law enforcement legally traced the call and gave you the number, you can call it.
- However, if you obtained the number by unauthorized access to private records, tampering with network systems, or interception of communications, calling it back could be illegal.
In summary, calling back is legal as long as you acquired the number through legal methods and are not harassing or threatening the caller. But repeatedly calling to annoy or intimidate someone is illegal.
When can a carrier disclose a private number?
Phone carriers are generally prohibited from releasing customers’ call records and private numbers by telecommunications privacy laws. However, they can voluntarily provide private number details to customers who receive unwanted calls for the specific purposes of:
- Investigating unlawful robocalls
- Locating a caller in danger or who has called 911
- Obtaining relief from serious threats, harassment, or abuse
The carrier will evaluate the specific circumstances to determine if voluntarily releasing the private number is warranted. Frivolous requests will be denied.
A carrier can also be compelled to disclose private numbers by court order or subpoena from law enforcement when required for an investigation or prosecution.
Is giving out someone’s private number illegal?
Generally, disclosing a phone number you’ve obtained through public records or legal trace methods is not illegal. However, here are some cases when releasing a private number could be unlawful:
- If a carrier improperly discloses a customer’s confidential number to you
- If you hacked, stole or intercepted someone’s number illegally
- If you are spreading the number with intent to harass, abuse, defame or threaten the caller
So you could face civil or criminal charges for publicizing a private number under certain conditions. Use good judgment when deciding whether to release any phone number you uncover.
Pro tips for dealing with private calls
Here are some expert tips when faced with calls from an unknown private number:
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail – Legitimate callers will leave a message.
- Block the number – Use your phone’s blocking feature after the first call.
- Keep a log of dates/times of calls – Save evidence in case you need to take legal action.
- Be cautious providing personal information – Don’t give out details to unverified callers.
- Ask the caller to identify themselves – Gauge if it’s a legitimate call.
- Stay calm and polite on the phone – Don’t antagonize a potentially dangerous caller.
- Report illegal harassment – Alert authorities if necessary.
Staying vigilant is key to handling private calls. While blocking certain callers may be effective, contacting the phone company and using apps can help identify any important numbers that get hidden by anonymity.
FAQs about private calls
Some common questions about calling back private numbers include:
Is it illegal to call back a private number?
No, calling back a properly obtained private number is not inherently illegal. But intentionally harassing or threatening the caller would be unlawful.
Can 911 see private numbers?
Yes, 911 dispatch centers use specialized equipment to identify the originating phone number and location of any caller reaching emergency services, including private numbers.
Can I sue someone for calling from a private number?
You can potentially sue someone making illegal calls like harassment or defamation from a private number, provided you can prove they were the caller. Small claims court may award damages in these cases.
What shows up when you call a blocked number?
When you call back a number you previously blocked, your number will display as “Blocked” or “Private” on the recipient’s caller ID. The same occurs if they have blocked you.
Conclusion
Calling back a private caller takes some work but starts with notifying your phone carrier of the unknown, potentially harassing call. They may voluntarily provide the source number which then legally allows you to call it back directly. Or law enforcement can subpoena the carrier for the number as part of an investigation. While apps and reverse number lookups offer shortcuts to unmasking private calls, keep in mind these techniques may have limitations. Always exercise good judgment and caution when calling back an anonymous number.