How to Track a Prank Caller for Free

You can stop many prank calls.

Prank calls have become more common with the ability to block caller ID, use of Internet phone service and digital phone books. Not only are they a bother to you and your family, but prank calls can become disturbing. No matter what the context of the call, you will want to track down the number to find out who it was and put a stop to the calls. There are several ways to trace both blocked and unblocked numbers in a convenient, free manner. Notify police for serious threats to your life or property.

Things You'll Need

• Phone company contact information
• Caller ID
• Paper
• Pen
• Internet

Instructions

1. Call your phone company and have the operator review the last caller. Request to have the specific phone number blocked from your call list. Ask about fees.

2. Pick up your receiver, wait to hear the dial tone, then press "#73" to redial the last number.

3. Refer to your caller ID if your phone comes with a built-in identification feature. Trace incoming phone calls that are not blocked using the caller ID.

4. Keep a phone log and pen near the phone. Record the data and time of all harassing prank calls whenever possible. Notify the phone company or police if the prank calling becomes routine.

5. Contact your phone provider and request to have your number changed at no additional fee if the prank calling continues.

6. Use a free, online reverse phone lookup to obtain the city, state, and owner of the phone number. Proceed to contact the owner with caution.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not give out personal information to people you barely know, or provide information about yourself online. This may help reduce the risk of receiving prank calls.

• Should you call the police or the local phone company first? Phone companies have varying advice, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. For threats to your life or property, call police first. Otherwise, call the business office of your local phone company. Describe the problem from your notes. You may be referred to the "annoyance desk," or something similar.

• Note time and date.

• Was the caller make or female?

• Approximate age range?

• Any background sound or noise?

• What did Caller ID indicate?

• Did the suspect sound intoxicated?

• Did the caller have a peculiar accent? Speech impediment?

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: How to Put an End to Unwanted or Harassing Phone Calls
• YouTube: How to deal with Prank Calls
• Zimbio: Trace Cell Phone Calls and Numbers

Resources

• White Pages: Reverse Phone
• Reverse Phone Lookup: Homepage