You receive a random phone call from someone, but don’t answer it since it’s from a private phone number. Once the phone number goes to voicemail, you realize it’s actually an important phone call that you should’ve answered. You panic as you realize that you can’t easily call back the number that just called you. However, you’re in luck because calling back a private number is actually simple! In this article, we are going to teach you the different ways on how to call back a private number.

How to Call Back a Private Number

1. Dial *69 for Landlines or #69 for Mobile

On a landline phone number, you can dial *69 and on a mobile phone, you can dial #69 to call back a recent private number. Keep in mind though that your network carrier will most likely set a time limit for returning the private call.

Most phone service providers state that you will only have 30 minutes from the time the private number called to return the call. Keep in mind that while some carriers will automatically make this call for you, other carriers will give you the phone number to call the private number back.

Also, don’t call the private number back using this method unless you know who called you. Scammers use private numbers to see if someone’s number is active once they answer. If you call the wrong private number back, the scammer knows that your phone number is active. If you accidentally call a scammer back, report their information to the FTC. 

2. Check Your Phone Call Logs When You Receive Your Monthly Statement

Most of the time, your phone service providers will save a phone log of callers that have either called you or that you have called. In some cases, your phone log will include the private numbers that have contacted you so that you can call them back.

This can be done by matching the phone number that called you to the time the private phone number called you, then connecting the dots to see which phone number was the private phone number. Call logs from years ago can also be stored by your phone service providers, the time differs depending on each company.

3. Dial *57 for Landlines or #57 for Mobile Phone Numbers to Trace the Phone Number

There are some phone service providers that offer a call screening service if you enable it. If you receive a private phone call you would like to call back, you can dial *57 if you are using a landline phone or #57 if you are using a mobile phone to trace the number.

By doing this, you can find out the name, address, and phone number of the person that tried to call you. However, you need to be careful if you use this service because some companies will charge you for it.

4. Perform a Reverse Phone Number Search with Social Catfish

At Social Catfish, we want to help you verify the identities of those who might seem suspicious to you. If you have their name, email address, phone number, social media username, or image, you can reverse search and see who the suspected person was that you’ve been in contact with.

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