Receiving calls from an unknown number often leads to the question, “Who called me from this number?” It could be a spammer, a long-lost friend, or a misdial, but quickly identifying the caller can alleviate any concerns or curiosity.
Among the 12 top websites specializing in this task, Instant Checkmate stands out as the top pick. Renowned for its thorough searches and reliable reports, Instant Checkmate helps users easily discover the identity behind mysterious calls with comprehensive data and user-friendly tools.
This article introduces you to these top websites, each providing unique features to help you not only ask but also get an accurate answer to who might be on the other end of the line.
Reverse Phone Lookup Sites To Find Out Who Is Calling
Here’s a list of reputable reverse phone lookup sites, each offering unique features:
- Instant CheckMate – Best for Comprehensive Caller Identification
- PeopleFinders – Best for Detailed Caller Discovery
- Intelius – Best for In-depth Background Searches
- TrueCaller – Best for Global Caller ID and Spam Blocking
- Spokeo – Best for Versatile Number Lookup Services
- CocoFinder – Best for Fast and Free Comprehensive Lookups
- IPQualityScore – Best for Fraud Detection and Phone Security
- USPhoneBook – Best for Straightforward Phone Number Lookups
- TruePeopleSearch – Best for Free and Extensive People Search
- PeopleLooker – Best for Multifaceted Background Checks
- Social Catfish – Best for Online Identity Verification
- Whitepages – Best for Accurate People and Property Information
Instant CheckMate – Best for Comprehensive Caller Identification
Instant CheckMate is your go-to for figuring out “who called me from this number?” Since its launch in 2010, it has been widely used to identify unknown callers. This service offers detailed reports. These reports include criminal records, past addresses, and alternative phone numbers. It’s perfect for digging into those mysterious unknown calls.
While you can access reports online anytime during your subscription, downloading a PDF version incurs a $3.99 fee. You won’t need to pay this if you’re comfortable accessing the data online. This option provides flexibility in managing and utilizing the information you receive.
If you decide the service isn’t right, canceling is very easy. You can cancel your subscription easily through your membership settings. This makes it simple to opt out without long-term commitments or hassles.
Instant CheckMate ensures your searches and personal data stay secure. It uses HTTPS and 256-bit encryption. Your safety and privacy online are prioritized.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quickly identifies unknown callers
- Secure and private searches
- Flexible access to reports
- Simple cancellation process
- Offers a $1 trial period
Cons:
- Charges for PDF downloads
- Recurring monthly fees
PeopleFinders – Best for Detailed Caller Discovery
PeopleFinders is renowned for its reverse phone lookup capabilities. It is designed to identify unknown callers effectively. Launched to provide instant access to over 250 million records in the U.S., it utilizes billions of data points from thousands of sources. PeopleFinders help with unknown landline or cell phone numbers. It quickly reveals the name, address, and detailed background info.
This platform ensures you can perform reverse phone searches anywhere, anytime, and on any device. It’s known for providing thorough results that include the owner’s name and detailed background information. The service is easy to use and has a current directory. It’s perfect for quickly finding information about unknown numbers.
PeopleFinders is not just about knowing who called; it’s about understanding the context of their calls. You can find out if the unknown number is linked to an old friend or a potential scammer. Every search gives you detailed info. This includes the phone carrier, the caller’s general location, and if the number has had different owners.
The service offers more than just phone number lookups. With PeopleFinders, you can access public records, including criminal and property details. It’s great for reconnecting with people, verifying identities, and keeping yourself safe. The comprehensive reports provided can help you make informed decisions about handling unknown calls.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive database with over 250 million records
- Fast and easy reverse phone lookups
- Detailed reports including criminal and property records
- User-friendly interface for quick searches
- Helps verify identities and ensure safety
Cons:
- Not every phone number may have detailed info
- Public records might not always be current
Intelius – Best for In-depth Background Searches
Intelius, established in 2003, is your reliable tool for unlimited searches on phone numbers, addresses, and more. It provides a comprehensive platform to check on people you might be curious about, like old friends, potential dates, or even unknown callers. Intelius provides detailed reports for investigating unknown callers. It’s also useful for checking someone’s background.
Intelius gathers data from various sources. This ensures you get reliable information all in one place. This service is known for its strong privacy standards. It uses 256-bit encryption to protect your searches and keeps the person you’re searching for from being notified.
When you use Intelius, you get more than just basic information. The service provides in-depth background checks, including criminal records, property data, and even personal connections. This makes it especially valuable if you want to reconnect with someone or verify someone’s identity discreetly and efficiently.
In addition to its thorough searches, Intelius prides itself on being a user-friendly resource. All searches are confidential, and the platform regularly updates its database. This ensures the information you receive is accurate and relevant. Millions trust Intelius monthly, relying on its comprehensive data to make informed decisions about the people in their lives.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers unlimited searches
- Strong privacy with 256-bit encryption
- Updated and detailed background checks
- Confidential and user-friendly
- Trusted by millions for reliable information
Cons:
- Occasionally outdated information
- Mixed reviews on customer service quality
TrueCaller – Best for Global Caller ID and Spam Blocking
Launched in 2009 in Stockholm, TrueCaller is a prominent reverse phone lookup service. It offers a vast online directory. This free service is essential for identifying unknown callers. It has over 320 million active users and 500 million app installs. It also offers features to block unwanted callers. This makes it a comprehensive solution for managing your calls.
TrueCaller operates by utilizing its vast community of users worldwide. When multiple users mark a caller as spam, like “Insurance spam,” TrueCaller updates its database. You can then see this information through its reverse phone lookup feature. This community-driven approach helps keep the phone number search service updated and reliable, ensuring you get accurate caller ID and spam detection.
You simply search for the phone number using the people search engine on their platform. Signing in shows the search results. You’ll see the caller’s name, location, and details like how often they call in different countries. This crowd-sourced info includes user experiences and comments about the caller.
TrueCaller is more than just a phone number lookup tool. It integrates public records search, court records, and spam call filtering into its functionality. The app is free, with optional paid subscriptions for extra features. These include better spam protection and insights into who has searched for your number.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Largest online phone number directory
- Free reverse phone lookup service
- User-driven spam identification
- Easy-to-use interface with comprehensive search results
- Effective spam call blocking and caller ID features
Cons:
- Privacy concerns due to access to user contacts
- Paid subscription is required for an ad-free experience
Spokeo – Best for Versatile Number Lookup Services
Spokeo excels in phone number lookups with a vast database of over 6 billion consumer records, 600 million court records, and more. Since its inception, Spokeo has simplified compiling top reports from various data sources.
It presents this information in an easy-to-understand format. This service is ideal for identifying unknown callers. It also provides a detailed public records search for deeper background checks.
With Spokeo, you get more than just basic contact information. The service provides detailed insights like personal details, location history, and wealth data. It also includes social media accounts and criminal records when available. Spokeo helps reconnect with lost friends, check online sellers, and stop unwanted calls and texts. It provides in-depth results quickly.
Using Spokeo’s reverse phone lookup feature, you can easily find out who called you by entering their phone number. This feature uses Spokeo’s directory of over 89 million business and 130 million property records. It ensures your phone number search is both informative and extensive. Moreover, Spokeo stays updated, refreshing data so your reports can evolve as new information becomes available.
Spokeo also places a high priority on privacy and user security. The platform keeps your searches private and doesn’t notify the people you’re looking up. This makes Spokeo a reliable tool for managing your personal and professional interactions.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to billions of records for comprehensive searches
- Updated reports for the lifetime of your account
- User-friendly interface simplifies searches
- Features include reverse phone lookup and social media tracking
- Privacy-focused, ensuring confidentiality in searches
Cons:
- Information may sometimes be outdated
- Criminal records require an additional fee beyond the basic report
CocoFinder – Best for Fast and Free Comprehensive Lookups
CocoFinder is a top phone number lookup service that provides quick and comprehensive results without hassle. CocoFinder quickly scans billions of public records and social media to deliver detailed reports.
CocoFinder offers services like reverse phone lookup, great for identifying unknown numbers. This feature ensures you can access extensive details about someone by simply entering their phone number. CocoFinder’s database includes large records. From 130 million property records to 600 million court records.
The platform emphasizes user convenience with advanced filtering options and updates. Once you start a search, CocoFinder sends updates to your email. You’ll be informed of any new data as it becomes available. This continuous refreshing of information means that your reports evolve and stay relevant over time, providing you with the latest data.
CocoFinder is also committed to security and customer privacy. Searches are conducted anonymously, and no information is stored on its servers, ensuring that your activities remain private and the target of your search is not notified. This makes CocoFinder a search engine and a secure tool for discreet information gathering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast and free service with no hidden charges
- Access to a wide array of records
- Advanced filtering and regular updates on searches
- Secure and anonymous searches ensure privacy
- User-friendly interface akin to a simple Google search
Cons:
- Some users report slow response times
- Customer support may not always be prompt
IPQualityScore – Best for Fraud Detection and Phone Security
IPQualityScore (IPQS) has been at the forefront of fraud detection and cybersecurity since its inception in 2011. This service identifies complex fraud across various activities, including chargebacks, account takeovers, phishing, etc.
IPQS is renowned for its advanced phone number intelligence. This tool quickly reveals the identity behind a phone call. It uses millions of records from cell phones, landlines, and VOIPs. IPQS offers fast, reliable results for verifying users’ payments or identifying mysterious callers.
The service integrates seamlessly with any business environment, supporting SMBs and Enterprise clients. IPQS blocks potential fraud in real-time. It uses features like proxy and VPN detection, bot detection, email risk scoring, and device fingerprinting. Its advanced filtering and regular updates ensure that your security measures evolve with the changing landscape of threats.
One of the key advantages of using IPQS is its commitment to security and user privacy. Searches are conducted anonymously, and no information is stored on the servers. This keeps your activities private. The reverse phone lookup service quickly identifies callers. It provides details like the caller’s name, location, and associated risks, all in an easy-to-use interface.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive fraud detection and cybersecurity tools
- Free reverse phone number lookup with extensive phone records
- Real-time integration and updates for continuous protection
- High security with anonymous searches and no data storage
- Supports a broad range of industries and regions with tailored settings
Cons:
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for new users
- Primarily focused on businesses, which may limit some consumer applications
USPhoneBook – Best for Straightforward Phone Number Lookups
USPhoneBook offers reverse phone lookups and uses one of the largest collections of public records in the United States. Enter a 10-digit phone number to get names and locations linked to it. This includes landlines, cell phones, and both business and residential numbers. The service is entirely free and updated regularly to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
USPhoneBook simplifies the process of discovering who is behind a phone call. With a user-friendly interface, it provides instant results, helping you quickly find the phone owner’s identity and address. This efficient tool is designed to provide fast and accurate results without the hassle of sifting through extensive data manually.
In addition to basic information, USPhoneBook offers additional contact details to help users make informed decisions about interacting with the caller. USPhoneBook helps you reconnect with old friends, verify new acquaintances, or investigate unknown numbers. It provides the tools you need to get the job done effectively.
The platform emphasizes privacy and ensures that all searches are conducted confidentially. It allows you to search discreetly and provides up-to-date information so you can focus on reconnecting and creating new memories without the burden of outdated or unreliable data.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free access to one of the nation’s largest databases of public records
- Provides comprehensive results
- User-friendly interface
- Regular updates maintain the accuracy and relevance of the data provided
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. numbers, which may not suffice for global users
- As a free service, it may not provide as much detail as paid options
TruePeopleSearch – Best for Free and Extensive People Search
TruePeopleSearch offers a free, comprehensive service for finding or verifying information about individuals in the U.S. It simplifies people’s searches by providing detailed information. It includes full address histories, phone numbers, email addresses, and connections like relatives and associates.
TruePeopleSearch allows you to enter a phone number and receive complete details about the owner. This includes their current address, address history, and more. It’s perfect for personal verifications or finding out who calls or texts you.
For those interested in property information, TruePeopleSearch also offers a free property lookup tool. This feature provides details about everyone who has ever lived at a specific address. And also along with the property’s owner’s information. It is useful for real estate investors or anyone planning to move or visit an area.
TruePeopleSearch is not just limited to personal searches. It connects to FinanceCharts for free stock research and comprehensive financial data on public companies. This connection reflects the site’s commitment to providing a wide range of free, useful information.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive data on nearly every U.S. adult
- Free access to detailed personal and property information
- No sign-up is required, ensuring quick and private searches
- User-friendly interface makes searches fast and easy
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. information, which may not help global users
- The site’s reliance on ads might affect user experience
People Looker – Best for Multifaceted Background Checks
People Looker makes it easy to find detailed information that might not be available on Google. Since its inception, this platform has processed over 1,000,000 background reports. It provides users with access to personal, contact, and legal information. It’s designed for anyone needing more than just basic search results.
This service goes beyond simple people searches by offering multiple search functionalities such as phone, email, username, business-to-business (B2B), and property searches. Each search taps into vast databases, pulling information that includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and even unclaimed money. This makes it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.
People Looker is particularly valuable for those needing detailed background reports. Imagine accessing comprehensive data on almost anyone in the country—People Looker offers this with reports that may include criminal records, court records, relatives, and much more. It’s like having direct access to a wealth of information at your fingertips.
Despite the extensive data it offers, People Looker emphasizes that while they strive for accuracy, the completeness and currentness of the information can vary. This is due to the varying speed at which different municipalities and jurisdictions update and digitize their data. The platform encourages users to conduct their due diligence when using sensitive information.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers detailed searches across multiple categories
- Provides extensive background reports with a variety of data points
- Easy to use with a straightforward online interface
- More than 1,000,000 background reports run, proving its reliability
Cons:
- Data accuracy can vary depending on the source and timeliness of updates
- The vast amount of information available might be overwhelming for some users
Social Catfish – Best for Online Identity Verification
Social Catfish has become a vital tool for verifying online identities since its inception. It specializes in reverse phone lookup services that help users find lost connections and verify the identities of people they meet online.
Social Catfish’s reverse phone search is useful for identifying whether a number is a standard line or a VOIP. This distinction is crucial because many scammers use VOIP numbers to appear local.
The service also provides a valuable tool for those using dating apps. With Social Catfish, you can verify the identity behind a phone number to confirm if it matches what you’ve been told. This step is crucial for avoiding deception and protecting yourself from possible heartache and financial loss. Businesses can use the service to verify customer and business information. This adds confidence before starting professional relationships.
Besides personal verification, Social Catfish helps users reconnect with people from their past. Social Catfish can find relevant information from an old phone number to help you reconnect. Moreover, it offers services to check the legitimacy of businesses, giving users peace of mind before they commit to hiring a service provider.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive verification services for identities, phone numbers, and businesses
- Helps differentiate between regular phone numbers and VOIP
- Allows users to reconnect with lost contacts using old phone numbers
- Supports user safety on dating platforms by verifying personal details
Cons:
- Mixed reviews indicate some users find the service misleading
- Customer satisfaction varies
Whitepages – Best for Accurate People and Property Information
Whitepages is the leading authority in people searches, established in 1997. Trusted by over 30 million users each month, it provides accurate, up-to-date contact information and comprehensive background checks. With records for over 250 million people nationwide, Whitepages helps you find cell phone numbers, criminal records, financial histories, property details, and more.
Enter a phone number, and the service quickly retrieves the owner’s name, address history, and other relevant details. It’s a trusted tool for identifying spam and scam calls, ensuring you can manage your communications safely and efficiently.
Whitepages offers robust search capabilities for those needing property information or wanting to verify an address. You can discover who lives at a given address and detailed property information and current tenants or owners. This service is invaluable for individuals, real estate investors, and businesses looking to establish accurate contact records.
Also, Whitepages allows you to perform background checks with ease. Get instant access to a person’s criminal history and financial records. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about new or ongoing relationships. The platform ensures that all searches are private, with no risk to your confidentiality.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extensive database with information on over 250 million people
- Provides detailed contact information, background checks, and property searches
- Simple and fast search process with results you can trust
- Free access to basic information
Cons:
- Premium features require a subscription for access
- Searches limited to the U.S.
How To Check Who Called You
When you get a call from an unknown number, you might wonder who it is. Here’s where phone number lookup services come in handy. These websites let you enter the phone number that called you and provide details about the caller.
They access public records and other databases to give you information like the caller’s name, location, and sometimes more detailed background data.
If you’re using these services, here are a few tips:
- Double-check the number: Ensure you’ve entered the phone number correctly to get accurate results.
- Use reputable services: Choose websites known for reliable information and good privacy practices.
- Understand the limits: Some details may not be free; you might need to pay for deeper information.
Phone Number Lookup FAQs
How To Find Out Who Called Me Even If They Didn’t Leave A Message?
Just enter the number into a phone number lookup website. These services can tell you the name and other details about the owner of the phone number, even if they didn’t leave a message.
How to Block Telemarketers and Spam Calls?
After identifying a telemarketer or spam number through a lookup service, you can block them directly from your phone. Most smartphones have an option to block numbers. Alternatively, you can use apps designed to block unwanted calls.
Can You Google Search for a Phone Number?
Yes, you can Google a phone number. Sometimes, if the number is associated with a business or has been listed publicly, Google can show who it belongs to. However, Google might not provide accurate results for personal or unlisted numbers.
Is There a Free Way to Look up a Phone Number?
Many phone number lookup services offer free basic searches that will tell you the location of the number and possibly the name. For more detailed information, you might need to pay for a full report.
Who Called Me: Final Tips
Sorting through unknown callers just got easier with the twelve exceptional websites we’ve discussed. Each provides unique tools to help you identify who’s behind those mystery calls. From comprehensive background checks to spam blocking and fraud protection.
For the best results, double-check the number you input and use reputable reverse phone lookup services. Some details may require a paid search. These tools offer valuable insights. However, watch for potential scammer phone numbers, especially with unknown or suspicious numbers. This cautious approach will help ensure that your interactions remain secure and informed.
In addition to our top pick, Instant Checkmate, both PeopleFinders and TrueCaller are excellent resources for those seeking further options. Each platform has its own strengths, with PeopleFinders offering detailed public records and TrueCaller excelling in real-time spam detection. These tools provide reliable ways to understand and manage who might be calling, enhancing your overall peace of mind.
Disclaimer: You may not use the non-FCRA approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance. These services don’t provide consumer reports and are not consumer reporting agencies.
The information available on our website may not be 100% accurate, complete, or up to date, so do not use it as a substitute for your own due diligence, especially if you have concerns about a person’s criminal history. The services we mention do not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy of the information available through our website or about the character or integrity of the person about whom you inquire. For more information, please review each service’s Terms of Use.