Category: ‘Cell Phone Lookup Methods’

Protect Yourself with Reverse Image Search

August 23, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Google offers reverse image search

Social interaction online has a wide range of possibilities. However, some of those opportunities are too good to be true. This includes online dating sites and shopping deals that seem unreal. As the Internet grows, people turn to truth finding apps, including reverse image search.

What is Reverse Image Search?

People use a phone number lookup app on a regular basis to protect themselves from telemarketers and scammers. Reverse image search is an online tool that uses a search engine to get information, much like a number search. However, it uses a photograph to link to similar photos online. People use it to identify celebrities, to shop and, to check out people they meet on dating websites. Users can upload a picture or enter a URL into the search engine for results.

How Does it Work?

Reverse image search uses various methods. Some search engines focus on the colors in the pictures as well as the textures that are apparent.  The textures are turned into 2D grey graphs, which are used to search for matching images. It may also use the shape of the image as a determining factor. Those factors are used along with a mathematical algorithm to compare images input by users.

Why Should You Use It?

You can do a search for many reasons. Perhaps you saw a painting and would like to find out more about the artist. You see a jacket that you’d like to buy and need to find a store that carries it. Some use it to identify a celebrity whose name they’ve forgotten. You can also use it to ensure the identity of someone you met online.

Online Dating

Many use reverse image search programs to identify someone from a dating website. Scammers often use photos of celebrities or other people to trick lonely hearts out of their money. Search programs provide information about the person if the picture can be located. In that sense, these types of programs help to protect the safety of the user.

Popular Search Engines

There are many popular search engines on the market, including apps and online sites. Following are the most popular:

Google Search by Image

Google Search by Image is the most popular search engine. You can paste an image’s URL or upload an image. The site covers most of Internet and also offers add-ons to popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Google Goggles

Google Goggles is an app made for Android. You can also use it to scan QR codes and translate text into another language.

TinEye

TinEye conducts highly effective searches using an index of more than 12 billion images. It has an advantage over other search engines because it was created to search images.

Reverse Image Search

Reverse Image Search uses Yandex, TinEye, Bing and Google to search billions of images. Users like its accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Whatever reason you use a reverse image search program, always do your research to find the best program for you.

Using the Phone Book: Best Tips & Tricks

July 27, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

 The Yellow PagesNot so long ago, people used books to find phone numbers. Google and other search engines have replaced those books although there are still some uses for them. Although it sounds silly, the question is: do you know how to use a phone book?

White Pages

The telephone book has white pages and yellow pages. The phone book was separated into two sections. One section contains an alphabetical listing of names, phone numbers and addresses of the area’s residents, while the other section contains similar listings of local businesses. People can choose to omit their numbers from the white pages. People could access unpublished numbers through an operator or similar service, while unlisted numbers are private.

Business listings may also appear in the yellow pages, but many do not pay for the additional listing. The listing contains the business name, address, and phone number.

Yellow Pages

The yellow pages are reserved for businesses and some organizations. The listings in the yellow pages are also alphabetical, but grouped by category. For example, all mechanics would be categorized under the mechanic heading; some categories are sub-categories. People use yellow pages to find products and services in their area. The businesses also use the yellow pages for business information and often advertise or offer coupons and special deals.

Online Services

Companies print phone books in certain areas of the country, although they are being phased out in favor of online services. Phone books are seen as wasteful and unnecessary nowadays. Apps have replaced some services because they offer extra features like tracing a phone number or blocking calls.

The White Pages offers access to cell phone numbers, landline numbers, family members and associates, criminal and background information, age, email information, and more.

The Yellow Pages online publishes its traditional phone directory in an online format. The site has business information by category and also offers maps, directions, and information on local attractions.

Searching the Yellow Pages

The Yellow Pages functions like Yelp and other sites, allowing you to search your area for specific businesses. You can filter results by location, ratings, etc. The site also lists company information, special offers and web addresses.

How to Find Someone

You can find people or businesses easily using both methods. Companies publish books for a specific town, city or region. The listings are in alphabetical order. The online services offer a free search that can be used in a couple different ways. You can search by the person’s last name, by phone number, or by address. When you search by address, you must have the full address including city and zip code.

An Important Service

You can get information on people and local businesses using any of the services. It’s good to know how to use all of them in case you don’t have access to the internet or need to find an unfamiliar business based on the category, such as a gas station or restaurant. Companies continue to improve their services which allow us the access we need to make our lives easier.

Old Phone Books

Smartphones make it easy to find and create a telephone directory. It’s easy to search other cities and states. For example, a local telephone directory won’t contain numbers in Seattle, New York City or San Francisco. Additionally, keeping an electronic telephone book takes up less space.

Alternate Uses

People make use of old phone books in a number of interesting ways. Below are some uses for old phone books that won’t clutter up your home.

  1. Crumple up phone book pages and use them to start a fire in the fireplace.
  2. Booster seat. Phone books make great booster seats for small children at the dining room table.
  3. Art projects: paper can be used for dozens of art projects including papier-mâché, coasters, origami, wreaths, paper flowers, or art originals. Kids love to make confetti. Why spend money on regular paper?
  4. Drummer’s Practice Pad. Phone books are portable and quieter than a drum.
  5. Secret safe. Hollow out the center of the phone book to hide valuables.
  6. Newspapers and phone book pages are good additives to mulch. They can also be laid out under mulch to prevent weeds from poking through. Note: since the pages contain ink, use them in flower beds instead of a vegetable garden.
  7. Clean Your Windows. Like newspaper, phone book pages are great for leaving windows streak-free.
  8. Animal bedding. Shredded paper makes for good animal bedding. It’s an insulator and bio-degradable. If you don’t have pets, consider donating the books to a farm or animal shelter.
  9. Car reference. While it’s second nature to use a smartphone to find a phone number, there will be times when carrying a phone book in the car makes sense. This is particularly true if you travel in rural areas where phone service is spotty or non-existent.
  10. School projects. Check with local schools. They may want to use old books for class or art projects. The books are filled with valuable information, maps, and other art.

Opt Out

You can opt out of receiving annual phone books. Cancel delivery of telephone books by going to Yellow Pages Opt Out. Fill out and submit a short form.

Phasing Out Phone Books

Most people think phone books are a thing of the past. They do have a place in homes, businesses and schools. They’re a good place to find all your personal numbers at a glance. Also, older people with landlines or those without smartphones still have a need for phone books. Printed copies are on the decline and will eventually be phased out. For today, there is still a need.

The Latest Romance Scam: How To Protect Yourself

June 16, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Online Dating Scams

Dating is difficult, especially if you’re no longer in your twenties. Online dating through websites or social media is the way most relationships start these days, but it’s also a way in which daters can be scammed. People that have lost money through online dating schemes are often reluctant to report the fraud for several reasons: they are embarrassed, heartbroken, and think there is no chance of getting the money back.

Big Money

Scam artists rely on their new partners being blinded by love, so they don’t ask many questions. Savvy people fall prey to dating scams all the time, simply because the scammers are often smart. That’s why online romance scams are the biggest form of fraud online. Marketwatch reports that online dating fraud has quadrupled over the past four years, going from $33 million to $143 million. Most people have become wise to phishing and identity theft, so fraudsters don’t often ask for credit card or bank account information – at least not at first. The requests start out small. The money is always sent through gift cards, wire transfers, cash apps or in bitcoins, so it is impossible to trace.

Red Flags

There are many warning signs or “red flags” that can be picked up if you know what to look for in a conversation or dating profile.

The profile picture often looks like someone you recognize, probably a celebrity. There is little personal information on the dating profile. When the person is asked to take the online relationship to the next level, such as a face-t-face meeting, there is always an excuse as to why it can’t happen.

People looking for love online often have common factors that make them good targets. Scammers can pick up on those traits and move in for the kill.

Dating Profiles

Below are some examples of common profiles of scammers and their victims:

The Scammer

Online dating scams often start outside the United States. According to HuffPost, most are based in Nigeria and Ghana and Nigeria, but there has been an increase in dating scams coming from West African immigrants located in Britain, Canada, and Malaysia. Some are career criminals, but there has been a rise in the number of poor college students. The scam can easily turn into a business, with scammers receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from one victim. However, it is most likely that the scammer has multiple “romances” at one time.

The Victim

Romance scams can target anyone. Barb Sluppik, who runs the watchdog site RomanceScams.org, says she’s worked with “men and women of all ages – doctors and lawyers, CEOs of companies, people from the entertainment industry – who you’d never think in a million years would fall for these scams but do.” Those most likely to be targeted include:

  • Middle-aged. Most scam artists target people who are middle-aged. It may be that the daters have come out of a long-term relationship and are lonely. Females are also the most targeted, although men can also be victims.
  • Women. Scammers target women, especially those that have been divorced or widowed. These victims tend to be emotionally vulnerable.
  • People in Crisis. A 2013 report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) showed that people  who have suffered a crisis in the past two years are more than two and a half times as likely to be victims of a romance or other scam. Examples include divorce, death of a loved one, medical crisis or loss of a job.
  • Abuse Survivors. A study by University of Leicester psychologist Monica Whitty shows that many victims of romance scams have been previously involved in abusive relationship. They had become accustomed to living in denial about the abusive behavior, which allows them to turn a blind eye to any red flags from the scammer.
  • Previous Victims. Romance scammers like to target previous victims. Scams attract previous victims, even if the outcome of past incidents was harmful.
  • Addictive Personalities. Scammers love people with addictive personalities because they get attached to other people quickly. If you have this type of behavior, be extra careful with strangers who profess their love right away.
  • Impulse-driven. If you act on impulse without thinking things through, you could be a big target for a romance scam.
  • Trusting. Scammers trick people who trust others immediately.

Profile Pictures

Fake profiles on online dating sites or social media rarely have pictures. A small percentage may have a legitimate reason for not having a picture, such as a high-profile job or some disfigurement, but it’s probably that the poster may be not who he claims to be.

If there is a profile pic that looks over done or professional, chances are it’s not real. Use a reverse image search app to uncover the user’s true identity. Some of the most popular search engines include Google Reverse Image Search (Google Images) or TinEye. Upload the person’s picture into the app and search. Try more than one app to make sure that the picture isn’t located elsewhere on the internet. You may find it linked to other dating websites as well.

Getting Verified

The latest romance scam involves verification of your identity so that the other person feels safe. Some dating sites offer verification services, which can be a great help in weeding out the fraudsters. Many legitimate verification sites exist and are a great tool. Scammers have created sites similar to the real sites to trick people into giving personal information such as social security numbers.

How it Works

The scam artist asks the other person to click on a link to a real verification site, such as BeenVerified. However, the link is really to a third-party site that steals information and uses it or sells it to other scammers.

Protect Yourself

You can protect yourself from scams by meeting the person before giving them any information. If you exchange phone numbers, use a reverse phone search to find out if the number is real. If the other person makes an excuse about his or her identity, don’t believe it. You should also be suspicious if s/he is out of the country for any reason, even if it’s for work. Lastly, never send money for any reason. Scammers can be persuasive, even threatening. If that happens, end communication immediately.

How Reverse Phone Look Up Works

May 7, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Reverse Phone Lookup Apps

Phone apps and online phone books use reverse look ups to help you find the name and address of a person attached to a phone number. The phone number can be a landline or a cell phone number, although the latter is harder to search.

Reasons to Search

You might use a reverse phone search for several reasons:

The Caller ID on your phone shows several calls from Suzy Smith at 814-991-0451. Who is she, and where is the 814 area code from?

You see phone numbers on your bill that you don’t recognize. Did you make the calls or was it a mistake?

You find a sticky note on your desk with a phone number written on it. You have four choices: throw it away, save it until you remember, call and hope you recognize the voice, or use a reverse search. The latter is the easiest and probably the least embarrassing on the list.

You have a missed call from an unfamiliar number. Should you call the number back or ignore it as if it was a wrong number or telemarketer?

Your boss tells you to pick up a package at a local business, but you only have the phone number. You can use an iPhone app to find the owner of a phone number as well as the address.

How It Works

Reverse phone look up is easy to use. You can go online to a search engine and put the number, including the area code and country code, if applicable, in to the search box. The search engine uses its database to provide the user with many sites that say they know the owner and location of the number. You can also type “reverse look up” into a search engine box to find the top websites to run a search on. They should state if the search is free or if it requires a membership or fee. Sites offering cell phone or unlisted number information usually charge a fee.

Using dedicated websites is a more efficient way to search and will give better results. You can use the WhitePages.com database, which tracks about 80% of U.S. phone numbers. It also stores international phone numbers. In addition, you can use a phone app to search a number. Because they are widely used, phone apps tend to be updated the most.

Landline phone numbers give the best results. Before the Internet became popular, phone companies published phone books and reverse phone number directories for each town. The directories were available to police and other officials as well as libraries for public use.

Why It Isn’t Always Free

Websites must pay to maintain their databases. They also collect information from many sources such as phone books, websites, social media, and other directories. Cell phone numbers are difficult to get because there isn’t a phone directory for mobile phones. Even if there were a directory for cell phones, people change numbers so often that it would be almost impossible to keep the information up to date.

Veterans’ Charity Scams

March 20, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Scammers play on patriotism

Scammers have no shame when it comes to stealing your hard-earned money. They will tell you anything you want to hear. If they think you may be partial to a specific cause, they will exploit that to get cash or valuable credit card or bank information.

Veterans’ charities are especially fruitful since the average person wants to support the men and women that gave them freedom. However, scammers take your well-meaning donations and use them for their own gain. People often donate money, property, cars, boats and other items to support veterans. The Federal Trade Commission recently enacted a total of 100 law enforcement actions against fake veterans’ charities. They enlisted the help of state officials and released a public service announcement to warn people about the scams.

How to Protect Yourself

The FTC publishes a list of things you can do to protect yourself from the scammers. They may use multiple methods to gain your information from phishing to using social media profiles. Experts recommend that you do the following:

Use a Scam Call Blocker

Many telemarketers and fake charities use automatic dialing systems to reach potential targets. The “robocalls” cycle through lists of donors and are relentless. Apps like RoboKiller track phone numbers most used by scammers as well as numbers used by legitimate charities. The apps will blacklist numbers that are commonly used. If you receive a suspicious call, you can also do a reverse phone search to look up the number. You can compare the number to the one listed on the charities website to make sure they match.

Follow the FTC

The FTC offers valuable tools to the public via press releases and up-to-date information on their website, such as FTC and States Combat Fraudulent Charities That Falsely Claim to Help Veterans and Servicemembers.

Research the Charity

People may become confused by the number of requests they receive from various charities. You can easily use a search engine to learn more about the charity, including reviews, official address and phone and their 501(c)(3) nonprofit number. If the charity is unable to supply their 501(c)(3) number, it may be a scam.

You can also look up a charity’s rating and reports on websites such as give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, guidestar.org.

Track Your Payment

You should make donations to charities using a check or credit card. A legitimate charity will not ask you to pay by wire transfer or gift card. You should also request proof of the donation for tax purposes.

Ask Questions

Scammers don’t like to answer questions. If the caller cannot answer the following questions, be cautious:

What’s the charity’s website, address, and mission?

How are donations allocated?

How much of the donation will be used for administrative fees?

Red Flags

Finally, look out for charities that refuse to provide receipts, information about their mission and costs, and how the donation will be used. Scammers may also thank you for making a pledge you didn’t make. They may try to force you into donating immediately. If these things happen, contact the FTC and local authorities.

Tips For Free Phone Look-ups

February 23, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

 Searching for phone numbersSavvy tech people often use phone look-ups to find out who is calling or texting them. They are valuable tools for tracking the activity of children, as well. Finding a phone number for an existing person may not be difficult with websites like the White Pages, but doing a reverse lookup can be tricky, especially with a reverse lookup app. Many sites cannot search cell phone numbers. Those that claim to have access to the numbers are outdated. Others lead you to premium sites offering background information as well as phone numbers. There are apps, however that do as they promise and deliver the information. Some offer a trial, per use fee or monthly subscription. Popular sites include CallerSmart, Spokeo, and BeenVerified.

Disadvantages of Free Phone Apps

  • Outdated Information
  • No Address
  • No Cell Phone Number
  • Links to Premium Pay Sites
  • No Reverse Lookup

Why Do I Have to Pay?

Phone number sites gather information from other websites. They make no effort in verifying the information, they simply share a database. Sites that give accurate information must pay to make sure the information is up to date. The end user must pay the website for that cost. However, it does increase the likelihood that the information is accurate. If you are searching for a phone number, it is important to be as accurate as possible. Use a full name, birthdate and address if you know it.

Reverse Search

If you need to search for a phone number, then using a reverse phone search app is the best way. Users input the phone number into the app and receive information on the caller, including the name of the person or business, carrier and location. This is helpful if you have received a call from an unknown number or suspect that the call is related to a scam.

Reasons for a Reverse Search

Missed Calls

We’ve all had missed calls from phone numbers we don’t recognize. Should you call the number back? Is it a telemarketer? Bill collector? Wrong number? Emergency call? Unknown numbers are puzzling, particularly when they are local numbers. If you use a reverse phone number search, the mystery could be solved without making an embarrassing call.

Child Safety

Parents want to ensure their children are safe. If you notice unfamiliar numbers on your phone or phone bill, search to find out who is talking to your child.

Repeated Calls

Telemarketers and scammers are ruthless when it comes to making repeated calls. Sadly, it’s almost impossible to get them to stop, especially if you don’t know their identity. Tracing the number can help. If you are receiving repeated calls, you can report them to the authorities. You can also block the number on your phone.

Don’t Be a Victim of a Disaster Scam

January 21, 2019 Posted by Pamela M

Scammers collect money for disaster victims.

Many parts of the country routinely face weather emergencies: power outages, loss of water, loss of homes, and much more. Unaffected people are asked to donate to help those in need. It’s a noble thing to do to help the less fortunate. Less noble is the fact that someone out there is waiting to take advantage of the situation. Scammers take to the phones to ask for donations, playing upon sympathy and human kindness. Some callers shame those who don’t donate. If you want to donate to help others, be sure that the organization making the request is legitimate.

Scammers are smart. They don’t invent charities. Many use well-established organizations to make the potential donor feel secure in laying out money.

The American Red Cross is the most well-known disaster agency in the world. Scammers have contacted donors by using a fake address – like @redcross.net or by phone. The Red Cross never asks for personal information and advises people to be cautious if they receive a phone call. If you want to donate, call the organization directly or go to a local office. Anyone who suspects a disaster-based scam should contact The National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or email the NCDF at [email protected].

Is it a phone scam?

Many people think that scammers are foreigners and that it’s easy to tell if a call is real. That’s not true. Scammers aren’t always located in foreign countries. The calls could come from someone in your neighborhood trying to make a quick buck. The scammers tend to be highly aggressive with their victims.

Legitimate charities do call people to get contributions. The best way to protect yourself is to research the organization before giving a donation. Scammers use fake phone numbers, so you can’t use an iPhone phone number tracker to find where the call originates. Take the following steps to avoid falling for a phone scam:

1.     Ask questions

Question the caller where the money goes. Ask the caller for the organization’s name and address. Scammers may not be able to answer and hang up.

2.     Ensure the charity is real

Don’t donate when someone calls. Charitable and non-profit organizations are required by law to be registered with the state. If the charity is real, you can call back or donate through their website. If you donate, get a receipt.

3.     Don’t give out personal information

Never give out personal information.

4.     Keep emotions in check

Scammers will play upon your emotions. They will tell sad stories about children, homeless people, or those with no water or electric; anything that will cause a reaction. They may use guilt tactics. Whenever a caller asks for a specific dollar amount, hang up.

5.     Report suspicious activity

If you think might be the target of a scam, call The Federal Trade Commission immediately.

Internet Auction Fraud: What You Need to Know

December 16, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

Auction Scams Auctions are exciting. They are a good source to find items at deeply discounted prices. You don’t have to go to the mall or fight traffic. Auctions are also rife with scams. The excitement of getting a good deal makes some people less cautious. That’s exactly what the scammers want.

Types of Auction Fraud

Fraud can occur on almost any auction site. This is especially true if the website is not responsible for delivering the item.

Examples of Auction Fraud:

  • Seller never sends the item
  • Item is not as advertised.
  • Item is damaged.
  • Seller sends an empty box or substitute item.
  • You are overcharged or double charged.
  • Wire transfer schemes mislead buyers by asking them to send money through a wire service. The wire service is fraudulent. Once the money is sent, the seller and the wire transfer are gone.
  • Second-chance schemes involve sellers contacting losing bidders to offer a second chance on an item. If the seller calls, use an app for unknown number look ups to get the caller’s information. Call them back on that number.
  • The buyer pays, but nothing is ever delivered.
  • Overpayment fraud. A seller posts a high price item. The buyer insists on buying the item immediately, often before the auction has begun. The buyer sends a check, money order or wire transfer in excess of the cost of the item. Seller is asked to deduct the amount owed and return the overpayment. The seller soon learns that the form of payment is counterfeit.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Many auction sites are reputable and provide good service. Follow their rules and policies to prevent being scammed.

  • If a seller contacts you by phone, use an iPhone caller ID app to verify identity.
  • Understand how auctions work
  • Know your obligations as a buyer before you bid
  • Learn what can be done in case of fraud.
  • Ensure all items purchased are received.
  • Read feedback and reviews from the seller’s previous customers.
  • Search to find any possible information about the seller, including a review from the Better Business Bureau.
  • Use a form of safe payment such as a credit card or online account that protects buyers.
  • Know the seller’s exchange and return policies.
  • Beware of international sellers.
  • Ensure that all costs are included in the price.
  • Never give a driver’s license number, bank account number, or social security number.

If you should receive an item that isn’t as advertised, contact the seller. If the seller will not refund your money, notify the website immediately. File a dispute with your credit card company to avoid being charged. All online fraud should be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

What are VoIP Phone Numbers?

October 30, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

VoIP Phone Service

As technology expands, ways to connect are increasing exponentially. Although it has been around for quite a few years, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become more popular than ever. While there are advantages to using VoIP numbers, there are also disadvantages, including usage by scammers. What are VoIP numbers and how do they work?

Voice over Internet Protocol

Traditional phone services link a specific phone to a number. That number will always be used when placing calls from the phone. However, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers are not tied to a specific phone. Rather, they are numbers connected to an Internet service. A user signs up with a website, such as Google Voice. The user registers with the website and receives a phone number. The user can make calls using that number from any supporting device. This means a user can make calls from a cell phone, computer, laptop, or even an analog telephone. The services are often free or charge a monthly fee. The low or no cost feature of using a VoIP number is especially attractive to businesses because it can drastically reduce monthly fees.

Advantages

The benefits of using a VoIP are many. They include:

  • Never have to change phone numbers
  • Not tying up your personal line
  • Not having to purchase a business line
  • Cheap or free service
  • International calling
  • Masking identity
  • Choosing any phone number in any area code
  • Operating multiple phone lines
  • Accessing many features of traditional phone services

Disadvantages

  • Unable to place 911 calls
  • Must have an Internet connection
  • Disabled during a power outage
  • Dependent on bandwidth
  • Internet can cause lag time
  • Lower quality than traditional service
  • Callers can mask their identity
  • Callers can pretend to be representatives of businesses or agencies (Bank, IRS, etc.)
  • Blocked numbers
  • Scammers/telemarketers can use local numbers
  • May be harder to trace
  • Identity may not be available
  • May permit viruses on computer/phone system

Tracing VoIP Numbers

Recently, it has become easier for services to trace unknown callers on your iPhone. The numbers are linked to an IP address rather than to a specific phone, therefore traces can be tricky, but they can be done. The best way to avoid issues with telemarketers or scammers is to block unknown or foreign numbers using an app. If you answer an unknown number, never give out personal information. If you suspect a scam, contact your Attorney General or local authorities on their non-emergency line.

Are You Being Spoofed?

August 30, 2018 Posted by Pamela M

As diligent as phone service carriers can be, scammers and telemarketing firms are even more so. They seem to stay ahead of the technology and the carriers just can’t keep up.  You may have noticed an increase in local calls to your phone, many of which are local numbers – or even numbers of neighbors, family and friends. Sadly, there isn’t much we can do about these calls except to ignore or block them. Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry or reporting calls may help, but I’ve read numerous accounts that the reports only generate more calls. Why is this happening?

find out who's calling you

Local Numbers

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software allows any user to create an account and choose a local phone number. The caller uses that number for whatever business or scam he is perpetrating, knowing that people are more likely to answer local numbers. The unwanted caller bets that you will answer, wondering if it’s a call from a neighbor, doctor’s office, or your child’s school. The caller may also tap into the number of a friend or family member, ensuring that you will pick up. Once you answer, the caller goes into his prepared spiel, hoping to lure you into purchasing a product or sending money for some invented reason.

How To Recognize Scammers

Most people are familiar with email scams wherein someone reports an overseas crisis, an unexpected windfall, or other event that requires the recipient to send money. Fake lotteries and business opportunities make big promises that will never deliver. Even the savviest people fall for these scams because the scammers are trained to be convincing and persistent. One of the most recent scams is being called by a utility company or the IRS, demanding immediate payment or face jail time. This is especially scary to senior citizens who may be easily confused or not up to date on the latest scamming trends.

How to block a phone number

How To Make It Stop

There is no surefire way to make the calls stop. However, you can block calls on your iPhone using a caller ID app. If a call comes from a number you do not recognize, let the call go to voicemail. Most scammers or telemarketers will not leave a message. If you receive a message that sounds legit and important, you may call the number, but beware. Any calls received from the utility company or the IRS demanding payment are most likely fraud. The IRS never calls people on the phone; they send letters. If a utility company calls, get the name and extension of the person calling as well as a call back number that you can use to verify the information. Also check the claim against any outstanding bills. If you do suspect fraud, report the call immediately to the police.

Lastly, limit the number of things you sign up for online. The more you use your phone number, the more likely you are to receive calls. You may also consider getting a masked number from Google voice or another company to separate your personal calls from potential fraudsters.

Identifying Unknown Cell Numbers

January 18, 2015 Posted by communicator

New advances in technology have made it possible and easy to find a cell numbers location. Technological breakthroughs, like GPS on mobile phones, have improved the chances of learning the exact location of a phone. The technique, called triangulation, allows people to pinpoint where a caller is. Emergency services use this technique to locate callers.trace unknown callers on your iPhone

Location Tracking Apps

There are many location tracking online services and apps that you can downloaded onto your smart phone. These apps may differ in appearance, interface, cost, and terms. However, all location tracking apps use the same triangulation technique. In addition to location tracking, there are also websites and apps that can show you the identity of a phone number’s owner.

Reverse Phone Lookup Apps

Phone number tracer apps compile their information from different online databases and information from telecommunication companies. In the past, the process of tracing cell numbers was difficult because there was no way to gain access to this information. Cell phone directories use many different sources to identify who the number belongs to. The apps use information from phone companies to identify the location of the number and what carrier the number belongs to.

There are many reasons why you would want to trace unknown callers on your iPhone. One reason is to identity a recently missed call. By running a reverse phone lookup on the number you will be able to see who the phone number belongs to and where they are calling from.

Companies will often use caller ID information to find out the identity and location of their customers when they are receiving a call. This allows them to provide better customer service.

Cell Phone Directories In The U.S.

While landline phone numbers are published in the U.S., cell phone numbers are not. Even though, these records aren’t public there are numerous online cell phone directories and caller ID services. These websites and apps can be used to trace the location and identity of a certain caller for personal or work reasons.

With some cell phone lookups there may be a fee. These directories charge a monthly or annual subscription fee, or a one-time fee depending on how many searches you run. The fees keep the directory regularly updated. Most listings are very precise and accurate.

In addition, the cell phone lookup may give you a lot of good information, such as the full address of the phone number or social profiles. All of this information will help you avoid unwanted, incoming calls.

Safety First: Reverse Phone Lookups On iPhone

January 12, 2015 Posted by communicator

Everyday we interact with people. Some of them maybe individuals you know and trust, and others are strangers. They could also be people you’ve just met that you’d like to get to know better. Some of these people may want to help you and others may want to harm you. You can’t really know who is who, unless you start to build a relationship with them. The quickest way to keep in touch with someone now is through the handy gadget in your pocket – your smartphone. With reverse phone lookups we can now identify unknown callers quickly.

Staying Connected Is Easier Than Ever

Phones have, since their invention, provided the us with a means of connecting with other no matter where their location. Now with the advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with someone and maintain a relationship. However, the breakthroughs in communication also mean that someone you don’t want to contact you can find you easily.

How To Avoid Unwanted Phone Calls

If you receive an unidentified call from a phone number you don’t recognize it can be very disconcerting and sometimes annoying.

Of course the unknown phone number could belong to an old friend who is calling to catch up. You may have lost their number over the years or they may have updated their number. Alternatively, it could be someone you really don’t want to be contacted by, like a stalker or a phone scammer.

The question is how do you sift through these random calls and not have to answer or call them all back to find out who it is? Thanks to online phone directories it’s now easy. You can download an app that provides reverse phone lookups on iPhone or Android phones you can see who is calling you and decide whether or not you want to answer or block the phone call.

How Do Reverse Phone Lookup Apps Work

These handy apps can look up the number dialing your phone and identify the caller for you so you know exactly who the person is, their details, and their location. If it really is an old friend, you will see their name displayed and you’ll know it’s safe to call back. If it’s someone you don’t recognize, you can find out additional information about the caller to decide whether or not you should return the call. Some caller ID apps even allow you to connect with your friends and see if any of them know the caller.

If there’s no available information on the caller, you can still see whether or not the phone number has been reported. People will report fraudulent phone numbers to agencies, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Phone number that are reported shouldn’t be trusted. If you take any action with calls like these it should only be to block and report these phone numbers. By reporting phone numbers you will help your community.

Knowing who is on the other end of a call is very important. Your safety could be at risk depending on who is calling. Keep yourself and others safe with a reverse phone lookup app. These apps are available in both the iTunes App Store or Google Play for download.

Take Control Of Incoming Phone Calls

January 12, 2015 Posted by communicator

You probably dislike being called by unidentified numbers. The first thought that crosses your mind is how the caller got your number in the first place. You are unlikely to pick up the call because you have no idea who is on the other end. However, if you don’t pick up the call you are left with a nagging feeling because you wonder whether it might have been an important call. This everyday situation can be solved with a reverse phone lookup app. You can now identify callers via a free phone tracer app.app for unknown number look ups

You can download the easy to use, app for unknown number look ups from the App Store. Reverse phone lookup apps bring so much convenience to your life because you will no longer have to worry about identifying unknown callers and some apps will reduce the amount of spam calls you receive.

Phone Tracer Benefits

Apart from putting you firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to dealing with unidentified callers, reverse phone lookup apps can give you information like the location of the caller and their social profiles. This means that you can quickly identify a call and decide whether or not you should call back. If it is someone you wish to talk to immediately, you can call them back.

These caller ID apps will often provide premium reports at a fee that will provide you with more information about the caller.

Why Use A Free Phone Tracer App

The best part of these apps is that not only are they useful, but they’re also a lot of fun. Once you download the app, you become a member of a community that cares about the welfare of all its members.

You can leave feedback on a number or update the listing to help other community members.  Other users can vote up your feedback if it’s helpful. The more feedback you leave the more points, badges, and rewards you unlock within the app.

Free phone tracer apps are perfect if you receive a lot of  nuisance, telemarketer, or automated phone calls. You can set up your iPhone to automatically block these annoying calls, or just help others in your community by reporting the numbers that are calling you.

Why You Need To Have An iPhone Reverse Phone Number Lookup App

December 29, 2014 Posted by communicator

Reverse phone number lookup apps are dedicated to help phone users identify unknown phone numbers. The apps are able to identify more than 100 million phone numbers for free. A white pages iPhone caller id app offers a a way to identify cell phone numbers as well as unpublished numbers. If your an iPhone user then you will be among the people who will enjoy these free apps. white pages iPhone caller id appReverse phone number lookup apps are among the many great apps that can be downloaded on your iPhone. Below are some of the most popular reverse phone lookup services for iPhone:

Who Called Me

This iPhone app is capable of looking up names, cell phone numbers, and addresses from various online databases. Who Called Me stands out from the rest because of its ability to look for vital information from various sources as opposed to other apps that search from only one source. This app is very useful when it comes to identifying the unknown phone numbers calling you.

Who That?

This is an app with a hilarious name that gives users access more than 400 million phone numbers and names. With this app users can perform a phone number search for free. It’s important to note that you can be charged even if there are no results available.

Phone Lookup

With this app, you can easily find information on cell phone numbers, like the owner’s name, address, and also phone line type. The app will also help you find information on unlisted numbers, but at a fee.

Mr. Number

This is an iPhone app that gives the users 20 free lookups. Mr. Number allows the users to access almost all U.S. phone numbers, including 80% of the landline numbers and more than 50% of cell phone numbers.

True Caller

TrueCaller is a great app that enables users to update their phonebook. The app can access more than 50 million phone numbers listings from 170 countries.

These apps can be used to identify persons or companies who are harassing you. These apps will help you look up the number of the caller and report it to the right authorities.

The Best iPhone Caller ID App

December 25, 2014 Posted by communicator

There are many different apps that can help you identify anonymous callers. These apps can pull up all of the available details associated with a particular phone number. Details may include the full address, location, gender, and name of the phone number’s owner. The quantity and quality of information will depend on the phone book. Below we’ll help you decide which is the best iPhone caller ID app for you.iPhone caller ID app

TrueCaller

This is one of those versatile apps for reverse phone lookups. It’s available on both iOS and Android phones. It identifies unknown callers by their names, and has data on international and local phone numbers. Another key feature of the app is the “True Score”, which tells you how popular your number is with other users.

Reverse Genie

Like TrueCaller, Reverse Genie lets you identify callers effortlessly. Another good thing about this app is that you can also search for Facebook profiles and see pictures of the owner. This is a user-friendly app that gives very detailed information.

EveryCaller Reverse

EveryCaller Reverse is slightly different from both Reverse Genie and TrueCaller. It will still help you identify spam and unwanted numbers, but it also lets its users contribute. This app has one of the most reputable community-based spam trackers on the market. Their spam trackers can identify calls from robodialers and telemarketers as they are calling your phone.

CallerSmart

iPhone users can use CallerSmart to identify unknown calls and texts. Like EveryCaller Reverse, the CallerSmart phone book is also community-based white pages app. Hundreds of thousands of users join together to help identify mystery calls. Within CallerSmart you also have the option to search by name or email for a phone number.

CallerSmart even allows you to see who has been searching your phone number in their phone book.

In conclusion, there are many different white pages apps. Do your research and test them out to see which one works best for you.