Say Goodbye to Unknown Callers with These Smart Tips

eeing an unknown number pop up on your phone can be downright annoying. Who has time to guess whether it’s a long-lost friend or just another telemarketer? The good news is, there are a few tricks you can use to figure out who’s calling, no detective hat required.

Use Mobile Payment Apps to ID Callers

Here’s a clever move: mobile payment apps like Venmo or Cash App can sometimes reveal the identity of an unknown number. The trick? You need to have an account, and so does the mystery caller.

For example, if the person used their real name and phone number on their payment profile, their name might pop up when you search their number in the app.

I tried this once when I was getting repeated calls from a random number. Sure enough, the caller’s name was tied to their Venmo account, giving me the answer I needed. But before you dive in, a quick heads-up—this only works if the person hasn’t gone incognito on their payment app.

Speaking of privacy, don’t forget to check your own app settings. If you’re not cool with random people looking you up, make sure your phone number and name aren’t visible.

On Venmo, for example, go to Settings > Friends & Social and turn off the Phone Contacts option. A little privacy goes a long way!

What About Those Annoying Blocked Numbers?

Blocked numbers or “No Caller ID” calls are next-level frustrating. It’s like they want to stay mysterious. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with them. If you’re feeling curious (or just fed up), dialing ** 69* right after you miss the call can sometimes trace the number. It’s a quick way to uncover who called, even if the number was anonymous.

But what about blocking them? Once you’ve tracked the number, most smartphones make it super easy to block unwanted callers. On iPhones, for instance, you can go to Recents, tap the “i” next to the number, and hit Block this Caller. It’s a satisfying way to put an end to those interruptions for good.

Codes You Should Know

Beyond the usual 67 to block your own caller ID, there are a few other handy codes to keep in your back pocket. One of the most important is ** 57. If you’ve received a harassing or threatening call, dialing this code can help your carrier trace the number and save the info for authorities. It’s not a magic fix, but it can give you peace of mind when things get serious.

Your phone carrier might also have tools to help you out. Many companies offer spam alert features that flag known scam numbers before you even pick up. It’s worth checking with your provider to see what’s available. Staying one step ahead of the scammers is always a win.

Stay In the Know

Whether it’s tracking down a mystery caller or managing unwanted calls, knowing a few simple tricks can save you a ton of hassle. Mobile payment apps, dialing codes, and carrier tools are just some of the ways to make the most out of your phone and protect your privacy.