How to Check Phone Numbers for Scams | Geekify

Scam calls are becoming a big problem in Australia. Every day, thousands of people receive strange calls that pretend to be from banks, government offices, or delivery companies. These callers often try to trick people into giving away personal information or money. That’s why it’s so important to know how to check phone numbers for scams before you trust them.

In this blog, we’ll explain in simple words how you can find out who called me from this number, whose number is this, and how to do an Australia reverse lookup phone number search. We’ll also share some easy steps you can follow to stay safe from scam phone numbers.

 

1. Use Phone Number Lookup Tools

The first step when you get a suspicious call is to use a phone number lookup Australia tool. These online services allow you to type in the number and see if it has been reported as a scam. Many Australians use reverse phone lookup websites to check if the call is safe or dangerous.

 

How it helps:

• You can see if others have reported the number as a phone scam.

• You may find details about the unknown caller, such as the company name.

• It helps you quickly decide whether to answer or block the phone call.

 

Example:

Imagine you receive a call from +61 412 345 678. You’re not sure if it’s a real or a scam number. By doing an Australia phone number lookup, you might see that many users have marked this number as a scam pretending to be a bank. Now you know it’s better to block the scammer phone number.

 

Step-by-step guide:

• Copy the suspicious phone number from your call log.

• Go to a trusted phone number lookup Australia website.

• Paste the unknown number in the search box and press Enter.

• Read through user comments to see if it’s marked as dangerous for phone scams.

• Decide whether to block or ignore the spam call.

This method is quick, reliable, and completely free for scammer phone number lookup.

 

2. Search the Number on Google

Sometimes the easiest way to check phone numbers for scams is by searching them online. Type the phone number into Google or another search engine with quotation marks (like “+61 412 345 678”). You may find forums, complaint websites, or even news articles linked to the number for identity theft.

 

How it helps:

• You can quickly see if the unwanted call number has been flagged as a scam by others.

• Many people post online warnings like, “Who called me from this number? It was a potential scam pretending to be the ATO.”

• Saves time compared to calling back for fraudulent activity.

 

Example:

Suppose you receive a call from +61 300 200 111. When you search this unknown calls number on Google, you see multiple forum posts from people saying it’s a fake delivery phishing scam. Right away, you know you shouldn’t trust it and give scam reports.

 

Extra tip:

• Add words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” to the search. For example:

• “+61 300 200 111 known scam numbers”

• “+61 300 200 111 who called me”

• This will give you even more relevant results for identity theft protection.

 

3. Check Caller ID Apps

Check phone numbers for scams; there are mobile apps designed to identify scam calls and fake website. These apps work like an Australia reverse lookup phone number tool but in real time. When someone calls, the app will show you if it’s a trusted caller or a suspected phone scammer.

 

Popular apps include:

• Truecaller – One of the most popular caller ID apps in the world.

• Hiya – Blocks spam calls and alerts you instantly with a reverse phone lookup service.

• Whoscall – Useful for checking unknown SMS senders too.

 

Benefits:

• Instant warning when a suspicious number calls.

• Easy to block spam numbers.

• Helps you avoid scams without extra effort.

 

Example:

If you get a call and your app flashes a warning like “Suspected Spam – Fake Insurance Call,” you can safely ignore it. You don’t need to waste time picking up and listening.

 

Step-by-step guide:

• Download a trusted caller ID app from your app store.

• Allow the app to access your call log (this is necessary for it to work).

• The next time you receive an unknown call, the app will show details about the number.

• Block any number that is marked as spam.

These apps are updated regularly, which makes them very effective against scammers.

 

4. Watch Out for Red Flags in the Call

Even if you don’t use lookup tools, you can still protect yourself by paying attention to how the caller speaks. Scammers often use the same tricks to fool people.

 

Common red flags include:

• Caller asks for personal details like your bank account or Medicare number.

• Caller pressures you to act fast (“Your account will be closed today if you don’t pay”).

• The caller pretends to be from the ATO, banks, or delivery services but refuses to provide proof.

 

Example conversation:

Caller: “This is the ATO. You have unpaid taxes. If you don’t pay $500 now, police will come to your house.”

You: “That sounds serious. Can I call back on your official number?”

Caller: “No, you must pay now.”

This is a clear scam. Real government agencies never pressure people like this over the phone.

 

Step-by-step guide to handle such calls:

• Stay calm and don’t panic.

• Avoid sharing any details.

• Tell the caller you will call back through official channels.

• Hang up immediately.

• Use an Australia phone number lookup to double-check.

 

5. Use Official Contact Channels

If the caller claims to be from a bank, government agency, or delivery company, never trust the number straight away. Instead, call the official number listed on their website.

 

Example:

A caller says they are from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and demands payment. Instead of trusting them, go to the official ATO website and call their listed number. You will find out if the call was genuine or a scam.

 

Why it works:

• Scammers can fake caller IDs to look like real companies.

• Only official channels can confirm the truth.

 

Step-by-step guide:

• Ask the caller for their name and department.

• Politely tell them you will call the official number to confirm.

• Hang up and go to the official website of the organisation.

• Call the official number and ask if they tried to contact you.

• If they say no, report the suspicious number immediately.

This step adds extra protection and gives you peace of mind.

 

6. Report and Block Scam Numbers

After you check phone numbers for scams and confirm they are fake, the next step is to report them. In Australia, you can report scam numbers to Scamwatch or your mobile service provider.

 

Steps to take:

• Block the number on your phone.

• Report the number online so others can stay safe.

• Update your phone’s spam filter if available.

 

Example:

You get a call from +61 499 999 999 claiming to be your bank. You realise it’s fake. You block the number on your phone and go to the Scamwatch website to report it. This way, others will be warned about the same number.

 

Why reporting matters:

• It helps protect other people from falling victim.

• Authorities can take action to shut down scam operations.

 

Step-by-step guide:

• Open your phone settings and block the number.

• Go to Scamwatch.gov.au and fill in their report form.

• Contact your mobile provider if you continue to receive spam calls.

• Save the Scamwatch helpline number in case you need future help.

 

Extra Tips to Stay Safe:

• Never give out personal or banking information over the phone.

• Avoid clicking links sent by SMS from unknown numbers.

• If in doubt, let the call go to voicemail first.

• Always double-check before calling back.

Teach family members, especially older relatives, how to recognise scams.

 

FAQs about Checking Phone Numbers for Scams

 

Q1. How do I know who called me from this number?

You can use a phone number lookup Australia tool, caller ID apps, or search the number online to see if it’s linked to scams.

 

Q2. Can I find out whose number this is?

Yes, with an Australia reverse lookup phone number service, you can sometimes see the owner’s details or whether it has been flagged as spam.

 

Q3. What if I accidentally answered a scam call?

Don’t share any information. Hang up, block the number, and run a quick security check on your accounts if you shared details.

 

Q4. Are all unknown numbers scams?

Not always. Some may be delivery drivers, doctors, or genuine services. But it’s always safer to check before responding.

 

Q5. Where can I report scam phone numbers in Australia?

You can report them to Scamwatch, your bank (if money is involved), or your mobile service provider.

 

Q6. Can scammers use local numbers in Australia?

Yes, many scammers use technology to make their calls look like they come from local numbers. That’s why checking is so important.

 

Final Thoughts

Scammers are clever, but you can be smarter. By using simple steps like phone number lookup Australia, caller ID apps, and checking official sources, you can easily find out whose number is this and stay safe from fraud. Always remember if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and check the number before you respond.

Protect yourself, your family, and others by learning how to check phone numbers for scams. And if you ever face issues with phone safety or IT security, Geekify is here to help you with expert advice and solutions.