Receiving a call from “No Caller ID” can be unsettling. You might wonder who is calling and why they are hiding their number. While some of these calls may be from legitimate sources, others could be telemarketers, scammers, or fraudsters attempting to exploit unsuspecting recipients. In this article, we will check what “No Caller ID” means, why callers hide their numbers, and how you can trace or block these calls effectively.

What is No Caller ID?

A call with “No Caller ID” means that the caller has deliberately hidden their phone number. Unlike an “Unknown Caller,” where the network simply fails to identify the caller, a “No Caller ID” call is intentionally masked.

Why Do Callers Hide Their Numbers?

Several reasons explain why a caller might hide their number:

  1. Privacy Reasons – Some individuals or organizations choose to keep their phone numbers private for confidentiality.
  2. Telemarketing Calls – Many businesses, charities, and sales organizations use hidden numbers to prevent call recipients from blocking them.
  3. Scams & Fraudulent Activities – Fraudsters often use “No Caller ID” to mask their identities and carry out scams.
  4. Government Agencies & Law Enforcement – Some agencies hide their caller ID for security or investigative reasons.
  5. Medical or Legal Professionals – Doctors, lawyers, and professionals may disable caller ID to protect their personal contact information.

How to Trace a No Caller ID Phone Call

If you receive frequent calls with no caller ID, there are multiple ways to trace and identify the caller. Here are some methods you can try:

1. Use *69 to Identify the Last Caller

Dialing *69 allows you to retrieve the last incoming call’s phone number, even if it was hidden. This service is widely available on landlines and mobile networks in certain regions.

2. Use *57 for Call Tracing (For Threatening Calls)

If you receive a harassing or threatening call, dialing *57 will send the caller’s details to your service provider and, in some cases, law enforcement agencies. However, this feature may not be free and varies based on your carrier.

3. Contact Your Phone Service Provider

Most telecom providers offer call tracing and blocking services. Some providers can unmask “No Caller ID” calls upon request, though this might come with an additional fee.

4. Use Third-Party Apps

Several apps help identify and block unknown callers, including:

  • TrapCall: Reveals masked numbers and blocks robocalls.
  • TrueCaller: Identifies unknown callers and allows blocking of spam calls.
  • Hiya: Provides real-time caller identification and call blocking features.

5. Search Online

Entering an unknown number into search engines like Google or checking social media platforms may provide clues about the caller’s identity.

How to Block No Caller ID Calls

If you do not wish to receive calls from unknown or private numbers, follow these steps to block them on your device:

On iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Phone.
  3. Tap Silence Unknown Callers and enable it.

This feature will automatically send calls from unknown numbers to voicemail while still allowing known contacts to reach you.

On Android:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Caller ID & spam.
  3. Toggle on Filter spam calls.

Using Call-Blocking Apps

Apps like TrueCaller and Hiya offer more advanced call-blocking features, allowing users to blacklist specific numbers or categories of callers.

How Scammers Use No Caller ID Calls

Scammers often exploit hidden caller IDs to target unsuspecting individuals. Common scam tactics include:

  • Tech Support Scams – Fraudsters pretend to be from tech companies like Microsoft or Apple, claiming your device has a virus.
  • Banking Scams – Fake bank representatives ask for personal details, attempting to access your accounts.
  • Lottery & Prize Scams – Callers claim you have won a prize and ask for an “advance fee.”
  • Threatening Calls – Scammers impersonate law enforcement or tax agencies, threatening arrest or penalties.

Reporting Scam Calls

If you receive a suspicious call from a hidden number, report it to relevant authorities.

In the United States:

In India:

  • TRAI DND Service – Register your number under Do Not Disturb (DND) by texting “START DND” to 1909.
  • Cyber Crime Portal – File complaints at cybercrime.gov.in

In the UK:

  • ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) – Report scam calls at ico.org.uk

Conclusion

Receiving calls with “No Caller ID” can be frustrating and sometimes even risky. While some are legitimate, many are used for scams or unwanted telemarketing. Fortunately, by using star codes (*69, *57), contacting your phone provider, or leveraging third-party apps, you can trace and block these calls effectively. If you ever feel threatened, report the call to the appropriate authorities.

By staying informed and using the right tools, you can take control of your phone calls and protect yourself from potential scams.

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