When choosing a business phone system and communication options, more users than ever are opting for VoIP numbers. They offer many of the same advantages as traditional business numbers, but with an added level of flexibility and mobility that can be especially beneficial for employees who are frequently working remotely or traveling.
How to Identify a VoIP Number
When it comes to identifying VoIP numbers, there are a few different types. These include fixed and non-fixed VoIP numbers, both of which come with their own unique features.
Fixed VoIP numbers require a physical address for registration. These numbers are typically assigned to customers within the same country as their service provider, but they can be transferred to other locations if desired. This process is referred to as number porting and is generally less complicated than other methods of moving or transferring a traditional phone line.
Non-fixed VoIP numbers, on the other hand, don’t have a physical address for registration. These can be connected to any geographic location, which means they’re a great option for businesses that don’t need to provide a permanent location.
How to Trace a VoIP Number
If you want to find out who owns a particular number, you’ll need to know two things: the caller ID and CNAM (caller ID name). Both of these can be found on any device with Internet access that displays caller ID.
You can also use reverse phone lookup sites or your VoIP service provider to determine the owner of a VoIP number. This can be especially useful if you’re suspicious of someone who’s calling you, or if you have questions about a potential client.
How to Detect Fraud/Scams with a VoIP Number
Because a VoIP number is essentially a random number, it can be used by scammers to pose as a legitimate company or individual. This is known as caller id spoofing and is often used by bad actors who are trying to steal your personal information or take advantage of you by pretending to be a government official.
However, if you’re able to identify the number’s owner, you can take steps to block that person from calling you in the future or contacting you through other means. The most common way to do this is by entering the number into the Do Not Call registry, which is maintained by the federal government and is available for free at a variety of public and private databases.
Using a Mobile App that generates random numbers
Another way to find out the owner of a VoIP number is by using an app that lets you create a random number and place a phone call or text message. These apps are particularly popular among people who are looking for ways to avoid their phone bills increasing.
While these tools can help you identify VoIP numbers, they’re not always reliable and may not be able to trace every number. Additionally, you should keep in mind that a lot of spam calls are spoofed, making it difficult to accurately determine the number’s identity.