An unknown number is calling me: what to do, step by step
You keep getting calls from a number you don't recognise. Learn how to identify the caller, check the number before you answer, and protect yourself from spam.
Summarize this article with
An unknown number is calling me: what to do, step by step
Getting calls from numbers you haven't saved is more and more common. Before you answer or call back, it pays to check who's behind it: the NoCall community maintains a large database of user-contributed reports on phone numbers.
1. Don't answer with your details
If you decide to pick up, listen first. Don't say your full name, don't confirm your date of birth, address, Medicare number or driver licence number, and don't share codes that arrive by text. A genuine caller will identify themselves without asking for sensitive details upfront.
2. Look the number up on NoCall
NoCall's database holds a large catalogue of numbers identified by the community. For each number you can see its risk score, category and comments from other users:
- Risk score: from 0 (safe) to 100 (dangerous).
- Category: spam, telemarketing, scam, debt collection, surveys.
- Comments: what other users who got the same call reported.
3. Read the prefix
The first digits give you immediate clues about the type of call (there's more in our prefix guide):
- 04xx xxx xxx: an Australian mobile number.
- 02, 03, 07, 08: landlines by region (02 NSW and ACT, 03 Victoria and Tasmania, 07 Queensland, 08 SA, WA and NT).
- 1800, 13 and 1300: freecall and local-rate numbers, mostly used by businesses and organisations.
- 19 (such as 1900): premium-rate numbers, so don't call back unless you know who it is.
- + and a country code other than +61: an international call; check the country before calling back, as it can be expensive.
4. Decide: call back, block or ignore
- Low risk and a plausible reason: call back as normal.
- Spam or pushy telemarketing: block the number and report it on NoCall. Adding your number to the Do Not Call Register reduces calls from legitimate telemarketers, although scammers ignore it.
- Possible scam: don't call back; if you've already shared details, contact your bank and report it.
5. Protect yourself from now on
Turn on your phone's spam filter and the NoCall app to identify incoming calls automatically. If the call seemed suspicious, also read our guides on what to do about a suspicious call. And if your phone provider doesn't help with scam calls on your service, you can complain to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).
Should I answer a call from an unknown number?
You can answer, but never share personal or banking details. If the call matters, they'll leave a message or call back. Afterwards, look the number up on NoCall to see whether other users have reported it.
How can I find out who called me from an unknown number?
Look the number up on NoCall: you'll see its risk score, category (spam, telemarketing, scam), the carrier and comments from other users who got the same call.
Is it dangerous to call back an unknown number?
It can be: some premium-rate and international numbers charge high fees when you call them. Always check the number on NoCall before calling back.
Sources and review
Reviewed:
Numbering, carrier tools, and reporting procedures can change. Verify sensitive steps with the linked primary authority.
Article details
Editorial content reviewed by NoCall with practical context for spotting suspicious calls and messages.
Received a suspicious call?
Look up the number in NoCall before sharing data, calling back, or clicking any link.
Search a phone number or a company name (Telstra, Telstra and Optus...) to check if it has been reported as spam.