As more people switch to VoIP phones, the number of harassing calls from these locations is growing at an exponential rate. Unfortunately, learning how to trace unknown callers based on an IP address is not as easy as tracing a conventional land line or mobile phone number. That said, there are two things you can do in order to figure out whether or not the call is originating from a VoIP based phone.

Software Based IP Tracers

If you have a VoIP system on your computer, you may be able to install software that will allow you to trace the path taken from the origin phone to yours. In some cases, you may even be able to use the troubleshooting software that comes with your router. While it may take some time to learn how to trace unknown callers with these programs, at least you can find out which company is providing service to the caller that is harassing you. Unfortunately, it may be impossible to obtain a conventional looking phone number.

Web Searches

When your caller ID shows an unconventional number, you are most likely receiving a call generated on a VoIP phone. In most cases, a web search will help you determine if others people are receiving annoyance calls from the same number. Even if you cannot find an exact number match, you may still be able to learn the name of the VoIP carrier. In most cases, the first few numbers will be the same for all calls generated by a specific company.

As consumers and 911 emergency systems struggle to deal with annoyance calls from VoIP phones, more technologies will be made available to trace these calls. At the present time, if you are dealing with an annoyance call from a VoIP user, it may be best to turn the matter over to the police. That said, if you want to do some sleuthing on your own, there are at least two methods that may be of help to you.


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