How to Redial Anonymous Numbers

Purchase identification services. To identify restricted numbers, you can use a paid service such as “Call Unblock” or “Trapcall” to display the caller number. This method only works with smartphones. ^[3]

Check out recommended friends. If you use an app (such as Facebook) on your phone, you can identify the caller in your suggested friends list. The Facebook app collects call information and makes friend suggestions based on who called you. Check with your suggested friends to see if there are any surprising faces. ^[4]

Find unusual messages. If the restricted number leaves you a voice or text message, look up the words they use online. If the number is not restricted, you should do the same. Scammers can leave the same message on multiple phones, and people who have been scammed will often post warnings online.

Block restricted numbers. Contact your carrier and ask them to block restricted numbers from calling you. Each telecommunications company has different methods to block restricted numbers from calling users’ phones. For example, Verizon in the US will require users to sign up for the Family Base program: once you sign up, you can use their website to block restricted numbers. AT&T requires users to sign up for a call screening service, where you can specify the removal of hidden numbers.

• If you’re using an iPhone, you can open “Settings” and set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode, at which point anyone outside your contacts list will not be able to call for you. However, this may prevent new friends or colleagues from contacting you.
• Contact your carrier by phone or email to discuss options.

Register your phone number with the federal Do Not Call directory, if you are in the US. To close phone offers, call 1-888-382-1222 (voice call) or 1-866-290-4236 (disabled TTY call) on the phone you wish to post. sign up, or go to www.donotcall.gov and register a phone number here. After 31 days, all commercial solicitation calls will stop. You will continue to receive calls from nonprofits, individuals, and businesses that you have specifically authorized. ^[5]

• Do not provide information to anyone who calls home and claims to be a representative of the Do Not Call directory. This is a scam object: The US government does not actively call people and encourage registration, this issue is completely voluntary.

Submit a complaint. In the US, if telemarketers keep calling or you need to complain about a persistent harassing number, call one of the following numbers: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225 -5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL (American Sign Language): 1-844-432-2275. You can also visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website and fill out a complaint form. ^[6]

Call immediately. If your landline phone rings and there’s no voicemail, you can use the “Call Return” feature to call the last number. However, this only applies to the last call you received, so you must call back right before another number calls.

Dial the code *69. When dialing the code *69, you will hear all the registered information of the caller. You will also have the option to call them back. Press 1 to call after prompted. ^[7]

• When you dial the code *69, you will usually be charged 30 to 50 cents (about 7,000 – 11,000 VND) for one use, unless you subscribe to the Last Call Return service. In this case, the service charge can range from $2 (approximately VND 56,000) per month.

Hopefully this code doesn’t work. *69 is applicable to calls from landlines in the area only. If this person is calling from a cell phone, long distance or international, hidden number, 800 or 900 prefix, you will not be able to use the Call Return service. ^[8]