Who Called Me?

If you’ve received a call from an unknown number and want to find out who it was, here are five methods to help you. We’ll also provide tips on identifying and preventing fraud.

Methods to Identify an Unknown Caller

1. Google Search

Try searching the phone number on Google. If the call was from a company, you may find it listed on their website. Additionally, platforms like wieheeftmijgebeld.nl and telefoonboek.nl allow users to share their experiences and identify phone numbers.

2. ACM Database

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM.nl) provides an Excel file listing companies and their phone numbers. You can search this file using Command + F (Mac) or Ctrl + F (Windows) to locate a specific phone number.

3. Social Media

Some phone numbers are linked to social media accounts. Platforms like Facebook and Snapchat allow searches by phone number, which may reveal the caller’s identity.

4. WhatsApp

Add the number to your contacts and check if the person is on WhatsApp. If they have allowed it, you may be able to see their profile picture. You can also send a message to ask about their identity.

Safety Tips for Dealing with Unknown Callers

1. Call Back with Caution

Only call back if you are confident about the caller’s identity or intentions. If you prefer to hide your number while calling back, follow these steps:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone and turn off Caller ID.
• Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Call accounts or Calls > Caller ID, and select Hide number.

2. Beware of Fraudulent Calls

If you receive a call from a foreign number, especially with an unfamiliar country code (e.g., +316 for the Netherlands), it could be a scam. Scammers often let the phone ring once and hang up, hoping you’ll call back and incur high charges.

3. Fraud via WhatsApp or SMS

Scammers may impersonate someone you know and ask for money via WhatsApp or SMS. To verify their identity:

• Call the person directly or contact them via another social media platform.
• Enhance WhatsApp security by enabling two-step verification in the settings.

4. Block the Number

If you no longer want to receive calls or messages from an unknown number, you can block it:

• iPhone: Open the Phone app, go to the Recent tab, tap the number, and select Block.
• Android: Open the Phone app, go to Recent Calls, tap the number, and select Block.