By Hanan Ashraf, International Cybersecurity Correspondent: It’s just after midnight. Your phone rings. The number looks familiar—local, even. But as you answer, an automated voice warns that your bank account has been compromised.
This unsettling experience is far from rare in 2025. Global telecommunications fraud has escalated dramatically, prompting a surge in public interest around how to find unknown number details—and, crucially, how to do so within the boundaries of the law.
A Global Surge in Phone Scams
According to the International Communications Union (ICU), fraudulent phone calls and SMS scams have risen by 47% globally since 2022, with estimated financial losses reaching $50 billion per year.
Key highlights from 2024 alone include:
- 72 billion spam calls received in the U.S. (FCC)
- 29% increase in phone-based fraud in the UK (Action Fraud)
- Widespread ‘Wangiri’ callback scams across Asia, where victims are tricked into returning missed calls to premium-rate numbers (Interpol)
“Scammers now use AI voice synthesis, spoofed caller IDs, and psychological tactics to deceive,” warns Dr. Elena Petrov, cybersecurity lead at Europol. “It’s no longer just a nuisance—it’s a well-oiled criminal industry.”
How to Find Unknown Number Details
When confronted with an unfamiliar or suspicious number, your instinct might be to investigate. But can you legally trace an unknown caller? The answer is yes—but within limits.
Legal & Ethical Methods
Caller ID Apps – Tools like Truecaller, Hiya, and Whoscall rely on community-sourced data to identify spam and known numbers.
Also Read: How to Check All Your Loan Details: The Ultimate Global Guide for Borrowers
Reverse Lookup Services – Platforms like NumLookup, SpyDialer, or Whitepages can sometimes provide limited public records for landlines or businesses.
Telecom Support – Your mobile provider can block and flag numbers, though privacy laws prevent them from disclosing subscriber information without a court order.
Mark Williams, privacy law expert at Oxford University, warns:
“There’s no legal way for a private citizen to access real-time subscriber data. Any service offering full number tracing is likely illegal or fraudulent.”
What Not to Do
Avoid paid tracing websites promising private info—many violate data privacy regulations or are outright scams.
Never attempt to hack or use spyware—this constitutes a criminal offense in most jurisdictions, including under the EU GDPR, U.S. Wiretap Act, and UK’s Computer Misuse Act.
Don’t impersonate law enforcement when seeking telecom data—this is a prosecutable offense in nearly all countries.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Unknown Number Details in 2025
Use Trusted Caller ID Applications
Recommended apps by region:
- Truecaller – Best for global use
- Hiya – Strong in the U.S. and Europe
- Whoscall – Most effective across East and Southeast Asia
“Caller ID apps work through collective data sharing,” explains Natalie Zhou, mobile security analyst at TechCrunch. “They’re helpful, but not foolproof.”
Google It the Smart Way
Type the number into a search engine using this format:
"+[country code] [number] scam"
Example: +44 7700 900123 scam
Look for:
- Reports on scam forums (e.g., Reddit, Scamwatch, WhoCallsMe)
- Mentions on regulatory complaint boards (e.g., FCC, Ofcom)
- Local fraud awareness websites
Check Messaging Platforms
- WhatsApp – Save the number and see if a profile photo, last seen, or business info appears.
- Telegram – If not set to private, the account username or profile info may be visible.
These platforms can reveal small identity clues without breaching privacy laws.
Social Media Investigation
Many people link their phone numbers to social media profiles. Try the following:
- Facebook: Search the number in the search bar (make sure your privacy settings allow it).
- WhatsApp: Add the number to your contacts, refresh WhatsApp, and see if a profile photo, name, or status appears.
- Instagram/LinkedIn: Some users’ numbers are indexed or displayed in business profiles.
Note: Always respect privacy—do not misuse personal information.
Report the Incident
Don’t just ignore it. Reporting suspicious numbers can help authorities crack down on major operations.
Where to report:
- United States: FCC Consumer Complaint Center
- United Kingdom: Action Fraud
- European Union: National data protection authorities (via EDPB)
- Australia: Scamwatch.gov.au
Detective Superintendent Liam Byrne of the UK’s Metropolitan Police advises:
“Always document suspicious calls—take screenshots, save voicemails, log times. This evidence can be crucial if legal action is needed.”
When Will Authorities Intervene
Law enforcement typically becomes involved when there are signs of:
- Harassment or stalking
- Extortion or blackmail
- Financial fraud or identity theft attempts
These are not mere annoyances—they’re criminal matters in most jurisdictions.
Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself from Unknown Numbers
In a world of AI-enhanced voice phishing and hyper-targeted scams, prevention is essential:
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- Never share personal or financial information on calls from unknown numbers.
- Avoid clicking on links received via SMS/WhatsApp from suspicious numbers.
- Regularly update your phone’s security settings and privacy controls.
- Use the “block” feature and report persistent spam or harassment.
- Educate family members, especially elders and children, about phone scams.
“In this new era, skepticism is security,” says Dr. Petrov. “If a call feels wrong, trust your instinct and hang up.”
Unknown calls and messages are a reality of modern life, but with the right approach, you can stay safe and informed. While there is no magic way to reveal every caller’s identity instantly, using Google, trusted apps like Truecaller, social media searches, and reporting tools can help you find unknown number details. For sensitive cases, always involve law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get the name and address of an unknown number owner in Pakistan?
A: Legally, only law enforcement can access this data. Apps may show names from user databases, but these are not always accurate.
Q2: Is it safe to use unknown number lookup apps?
A: Use only well-known apps from official stores. Avoid any app or website that asks for payment or sensitive data.
Q3: What should I do if I’m being harassed?
A: Block the number, document evidence (screenshots), and file a report with police or FIA.
Q4: Are there legitimate paid services for number tracing?
A: No. All paid “number tracing” websites/services in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir are illegal or scams.
Q5: Can telecom operators tell me who called me?
A: They cannot disclose subscriber data except to law enforcement after due process.
