In today’s digital world, receiving calls from hidden or unknown numbers isn’t just annoying, it can be dangerous.
Across the globe, and particularly in Africa, scammers and fraudsters often hide their numbers using “No Caller ID” or “Private Number” tricks to deceive people, harass them, or steal personal data.
In 2023 alone, over 29.8 billion spam calls were flagged worldwide, with a significant share coming from regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Truecaller.
Whether you’re in Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, or London, the concern remains the same: Who is calling me, and why can’t I see their number?
Here’s a detailed, practical, and globally relevant step-by-step guide on how to uncover unknown caller IDs and stay protected.
Dial *57 – Report and Trace the Unknown Call (Where Available)
This method is available mostly in North America and parts of Europe, where dialing *57 after receiving an unknown or harassing call sends a trace request to your telecom provider.
How it works: The provider logs the last incoming call, and if it’s serious (like threats or fraud), the data may be forwarded to law enforcement.
However, it is important to note that the traced number is not shown to you, only released to authorities during investigations, and may attract extra fees.
In Africa: This feature is rare or unavailable. However, similar trace services may be accessible through some South African, Egyptian, or Moroccan networks.
Alternative in Nigeria: While *57 isn’t supported, victims of harassment can contact NCC’s toll-free number 622 or report to their provider.
Dial 69 – Call Back the Last Number (Even If Hidden)
This old-school USSD code allows you to call back the last number, even if it was hidden.
Global Use: In the US, UK, and Canada, *69 is widely used and sometimes reveals partial caller ID details.
In Africa: It works on some Nigerian lines (Airtel, MTN), especially if the hidden number wasn’t heavily masked (i.e., not spoofed).
It is important, however to know that calling back unknown numbers can confirm your line is active, making you a target for future spam.
In a 2022 Ofcom report, less than 1 in 5 mobile users knew about this feature, yet it remains a fast, no-cost solution to trace a recent call.
Enable Caller ID Settings on Your Phone
Both Android and iPhone devices offer caller ID options that can help filter or block anonymous calls.
On Android: Open Phone App – Tap three dots (⋮) – Settings – Caller ID & Spam – Enable spam filter or caller ID.
On iPhone: Settings – Phone – Show My Caller ID – Toggle ON.
In Nigeria and Africa particularly, this method doesn’t force hidden numbers to show up, but it helps manage incoming call visibility and spam warnings. Some network providers also use AI to auto-label scam calls.
Countries with strong telecom regulations like Sweden, Kenya, and South Korea, have seen up to 40% fewer spam complaints thanks to stricter ID enforcement.
Contact Your Network Provider for Call Trace Services
In many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, your best option to trace an unknown number is through your mobile network provider.
Nigerian networks, MTN Nigeria offers ‘WhoCalled’ to notify you of missed unknown calls. Airtel Nigeria’s customer care (111), on the other hand, can assist with complaint-based tracing and Glo and 9mobile’s support available via 121 and 200, respectively.
While Nigerian carriers don’t typically show the hidden number, they may log repeated harassing numbers and cooperate with authorities on request.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 85% of users don’t report phone harassment, which weakens tracking efforts. Engaging your provider can help curb this issue.
Use Trusted Caller ID Apps and Reverse Lookup Tools
Once you’ve obtained a number via *69, voicemail, or missed call logs apps can help identify who owns it.
Most Trusted Apps:
Truecaller (over 500 million global users, 2 million+ in Nigeria)
Hiya (used in US, Europe, parts of Africa)
TrapCall (effective at unmasking hidden or spoofed numbers, limited in Africa)
Reverse Lookup Sites:
Whitepages, NumLookup, Spokeo, ZLookup, and Sync.me offer public record-based results. Some are free; others charge a fee.
It is equally important to note that some of these apps may require access to your contacts or SMS. Be cautious and review privacy settings before use.
How to Block Spam and Report in Nigeria
To reduce spam and scam calls.
Block commercial messages/calls via:
MTN: 1235*1#
Airtel, Glo, 9mobile: *2442#
Report scam calls directly to the NCC: Call 622 toll-free.
And remember: No bank, government agency, or police officer will ever ask for your PIN or OTP over the phone.
Your Digital Safety Is in Your Hands
Whether you’re navigating city calls in Nairobi or dodging scammers in Abuja, knowing how to check unknown caller IDs is now a personal security necessity, not just convenience.
From global tracing codes to mobile apps, and from adjusting phone settings to reporting to local providers, you now have five clear ways to take back control over who can access your line, and how.
In a world where phone fraud is evolving fast, your knowledge is your strongest firewall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Checking Unknown Caller IDs
Can I find out the real number behind a “No Caller ID” call in Nigeria?
No, Not directly. Nigerian telecoms don’t publicly reveal hidden numbers due to privacy policies.
However, if the call is threatening or harassing, you can report it to your network provider or the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) via 622. They can trace the number through internal records if necessary for investigations.
Does Truecaller or any app work for “No Caller ID” calls?
No, apps like Truecaller cannot reveal numbers hidden as “No Caller ID” or “Private Number.”
These apps only identify numbers that are already visible (e.g. after using *69). For blocked calls, you’d need services like TrapCall, which can unmask some anonymous calls, but it has limited functionality in Africa.
Is it safe to call back a number after using 69 or from my call log?
It depends. If the caller was a scammer, calling back may confirm to them that your number is active, potentially increasing spam.
If you’re unsure about the number, search it using Truecaller or reverse lookup tools before calling back.
Are there any free tools to identify unknown numbers in Nigeria?
Yes, there are free versions of apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and NumLookup that offer basic caller identification features.
However, advanced features (like real-time spam alerts or full details) may require premium upgrades. Always verify app privacy policies before installing.
What should I do if I keep getting calls from unknown numbers every day?
- Block the numbers manually or use your phone’s built-in spam filter.
- Activate Do Not Disturb (DND) or block spam messages via *2442# in Nigeria.
- Contact your network provider for enhanced blocking or call filtering services.
- For persistent or threatening calls, report to NCC (622) or your local police.
