How to Track a Private Caller ID

If you report a harassing phone call from a private blocked caller to the phone company, it won't trace the call and the numbers for you. The law restricts telephone companies from releasing private phone numbers because this is against the privacy law. The only way to trace a number if you're getting abusive calls is to do things the legal way. Tracing an unknown caller takes time and a lot of effort, but it can be done.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Try returning the call first. Usually the code is *69. This automatically calls the person back so you will know the unknown caller. This may work on certain areas and phone companies only.

2. Write a letter of complaint. State the instances in which the caller has been harassing you and explain how this has affected you. Provide as much information as you can.

3. Give your letter of complaint to the police and get an order of protection. Make sure you have a lawful reason for tracing the number. If the caller has been harassing you or disturbing you in any way, the police will inform your telephone company so it can start monitoring your calls. However, it still might not give the identity of the caller.

4. Get a lawyer to subpoena the number from the phone company. The lawyer will write to the company, asking it to pull the necessary information due to security and other reasons.

5. Wait for the company to pull the information for you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to receive the private calls, you can block them. Ask your telephone company for this service. Women can prevent being targeted by obscene calls by listing their first initial and last name in the phone directory. Another option is having an unlisted number.
• Law enforcement officials and the phone company may never track down the unknown caller if he uses multiple phone lines. The better option is to change your number.

Resources

• More on privacy rights

[cybersentry]

on 8/29/2009 Intertel, a South African firm, offers real-time call unmasking similar to that offered by TrapCall - with one major difference...Intertel's unmasking service is available globally and will reveal the calling party's number whether or not that call was placed or received on a cellular, fixed-line or VoIP device. Their website is www.intertel.co.za.