How to identify unknown numbers in South Africa in 2024

In our era of advanced telecommunications, it's easy to feel harassed or intimidated by anonymous phone calls. Whether you're trying to avoid telemarketing calls or tracing potential fraudsters, understanding how to determine the caller's identity can be a powerful tool. If you've ever wondered, "How do I check who called me in South Africa?" you've come to the right place. You can quickly unravel the mystery using your smartphone and a few handy online services.

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How to identify unknown numbers in South Africa

Utilizing Inbuilt Caller ID

In South Africa, many people enjoy the benefits of smartphones. Some Android devices come with a pre-installed caller ID or phone number checker, making it simple to determine the identity of the callers. However, only some devices have this feature.

Leveraging Third-Party Applications

You can always resort to third-party applications for devices not equipped with a built-in caller ID. These apps offer comprehensive caller identification services that go beyond what your device might offer. Examples of these apps include:

1. Truecaller
2. CallApp
3. Phone Dialer & Contacts: Drupe
4. Contact
5. TrapCall

One app that has found a large user base in South Africa is Truecaller, thanks to its extensive database and easy-to-use interface.

Utilizing Truecaller

Truecaller offers a quick and straightforward way to identify unknown callers. Follow these steps to set up Truecaller on your device:

1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Visit the Google Play Store or the App Store and search for the Truecaller app.
3. Download and install the app on your device.
4. Open the app and follow the prompts to create an account. This process will include verifying your phone number.
5. Grant the necessary permissions to the app, including access to your contacts.
6. When you receive a call, Truecaller will identify the caller's information on your screen, allowing you to decide whether to take the call.

If you encounter a number you don't want to interact with again (for example, a scammer), Truecaller provides an option to block or report the number.

Investigating Unknown Landline Numbers

For unknown landline numbers, services like ZLOOKUP can come in handy. ZLOOKUP is a free reverse phone number lookup service that works in South Africa and globally. Here's how you can use ZLOOKUP:

1. Visit the ZLOOKUP site using an internet-enabled device.
2. Enter the phone number you want to investigate into the dial pad.
3. Click "Lookup" to reveal the caller's identity.

Preventing Unwanted Calls in South Africa

Once you've identified unwanted callers, you should prevent them from contacting you again. Apps like Truecaller allow you to block these numbers, ensuring a more peaceful phone experience. To block numbers on Truecaller:

1. Log into your Truecaller app.
2. Navigate to Settings, then Block.
3. Click on "My Block List" and add or remove the numbers you wish to block.

Remember that while Truecaller offers free basic features, premium features require a monthly or annual subscription fee. Also, remember that many phone models have an inbuilt feature for blocking numbers.

What are some common signs of scam calls in South Africa?

Scam calls are a growing problem in South Africa. In 2022, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) reported over 1.2 million scam calls, totaling over R1 billion. Scammers use a variety of tactics to trick people into giving them their personal information or money. They may pose as government officials, bank employees, or representatives of well-known companies. They may also use threats or intimidation to pressure their victims into complying.

It is important to be aware of the common signs of scam calls to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Here are some of the most common signs of scam calls in South Africa:

• The caller asks for your personal information, such as your bank account number, credit card number, or Social Security number.
• The caller tells you that you have won a prize or owe money.
• The caller asks you to pay with a gift card or wire transfer.
• The caller is aggressive or threatening.
• The caller hangs up when you ask them to identify themselves.

If you receive a call that you suspect is a scam, there are a few things you can do:

• Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or give them any personal information.
• Be aware of the latest scam trends. The SABRIC website lists the most common scams in South Africa.
• Report the call to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or SABRIC. You can do this by using the below details:

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Conclusion

In a world where unwanted calls can cause significant disruptions, knowing who's on the other end of the line is incredibly beneficial. Now, equipped with the knowledge to check who called you in South Africa, you can maintain better control over your communications. From leveraging in-built features in your Android device to utilizing potent third-party apps, you have several tools to manage your calls effectively.