Have you ever been called by an 800 phone number? There’s a decent chance you’ve received one, because most businesses use these numbers for their telemarketing or customer support needs. But before you go ahead with picking any phone calls, you should always run an 800 phone number lookup.
This is because hackers and scammers have also learned to use these numbers to trick their victims into giving away sensitive data or money. Luckily, we will teach you how to look up 800 numbers in this guide.
What is an 800 phone number?
An 800 phone number is a toll-free number used by organizations and businesses, allowing callers to reach them without incurring charges for the calls. Instead, the company handles the cost for all incoming and outgoing calls from the phone number. These numbers typically have prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, and 833. Although customer service is one of the most popular reasons companies use them, here are others:
- Sales agents: Customers can reach out to sales and marketing agents by calling these toll-free numbers to make inquiries.
- Telemarketing: Companies also use these numbers to make cold calls or send messages to new customers.
- Nonprofits & Helplines: Charities and crisis centers also use them. For instance, most suicide lines set up are toll-free numbers.
- Professional image: Businesses use toll-free numbers to establish themselves as more local and credible, thereby enhancing their image in the eyes of their customers.
- Scams: Scammers mimic real toll-free numbers (caller ID spoofing) to make it seem like calls are coming from trusted entities to impersonate and get customers to share their personal information or money.
How to look up an 800 telephone number?
Considering how receiving a spoofed call can put one in danger, you should always validate an 800 phone number before answering. Let’s talk about the free and low-cost ways to do so quickly.
Google the 800 numbers
The easiest way to conduct an 800 phone number lookup is to search for it on Google. As long as the number is used by a public company or even a small business with a decent online presence, you will find it. Here’s how:
- Type the number directly, and the first few results will show who it belongs to.
Use an 800 number directory
Some websites maintain databases of various phone numbers, including 800 numbers. So, you can also search through their index to uncover more information about the owner of that number. The good part is that these directories will pull together all the information you need in one comprehensive report.
800forall
800forall is a popular directory for looking up 800 numbers. It’s also pretty easy to use and will find the verified mobile carrier or operator company that’s connected to that phone number. That said, what it won’t find is the business that currently uses that phone number for its support or telemarketing needs. All you have to do is:
- Visit the 800forall.com website and enter the 800 phone number in the box.
- Next, complete the CAPTCHA and read the pop-up, which will show the company name and the last time they verified that phone number.
WhitePages
WhitePages isn’t a dedicated 800 phone number lookup. However, it has a reverse phone lookup feature that combines all available resources, websites, and associated data about the owner of that phone number. So, using this tool, you’ll identify the company connected to that phone number and make other important decisions to aid in how you interact with it. Here’s how it works:
- Type the 800 phone number and hit the “Search” button.
- Immediately, you’ll be able to tell if the phone number is associated with spam. Then to find the owner’s name, tap the ensuring button.
Businesses also list their support phone numbers on social media to provide customers with all the information they need to connect with them at their convenience. So, you can use this as an avenue to find them. Usually, you’ll see the support phone numbers listed in their bios, posts, or even ads. That said, the best social media platforms for your phone number search include Twitter and Facebook. Another thing about social media is that you can even find information about how people complain about their services, and also to provide first-hand insights into what it’s like doing business with them. Here’s how it works on Facebook:
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Go to the search bar and type it in to look up 800 numbers.
- Tap the Enter key and browse through the results.
Check business directories
Businesses often set up profiles on directories as a means to reach more customers. So, you can search within these directories to access their profile page. That said, the key is knowing which directories to use. If the business is local, look up directories in your county, city, or state. In this case, you can try local Chamber of Commerce websites. Alternatively, you can also use industry-specific directories like HomeAdvisor for contractors and Yelp for restaurants. A popular general directory to start with is the Better Business Bureau. In truth, people use BBB.org to review the legitimacy of any local business, as they will find reviews from other customers there. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.
- Type in the phone number in the column section (without country code)
- Browse through the results.
- If you aren’t getting any matches, consider using other lookup tools to find associated businesses. Then, you verify by searching for the business name here to see their phone numbers.
Use reverse phone lookup
You can also look up 800 numbers using reverse phone lookup tools. All you need is a powerful tool to find insights about which legitimate businesses use such phone numbers for telemarketing or spamming. These tools will also find the owner’s name, addresses, and connected social media profiles. A fantastic example is using LocatePhone. LocatePhone offers an 800 telephone number lookup that provides the business or caller’s name, carrier information, and location details, among other details. All of these happen swiftly and are a fantastic option to verify unknown numbers. To give LocatePhone a try;
- Pick the correct country code (for instance, the United States is +1).
- Enter the phone number and click the “lookup” button.
Can you track the exact owner of 800 phone numbers?
Yes, you can track the precise owner of 800 phone numbers using reverse phone lookup services like LocatePhone. Alternatively, use Google search, or search on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, business directories like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and phone directories like WhitePages can provide valuable insights. The key is to be as creative and meticulous as possible in gathering all the necessary information about the person behind the 800 phone number.
How to report suspicious 800 numbers
Reporting suspicious 800 phone numbers is a necessary step to be proactive while helping others stay safe as well. Fortunately, many governments around the world have dedicated channels for reporting suspicious 800 phone numbers or any other nefarious phone numbers that have been calling you. Let’s talk about them:
- FTC: If you’re in the U.S, you can register your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry (.gov) via the website or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register. This alerts telemarketing companies that you don’t wish to receive their promotions. However, you can only report unwanted calls beginning after 31 days of registration.
- FCC Compliant Center: In the U.S., you also have the FCC Compliant Center to help search 800 phone numbers or other suspicious contacts.
- UK report channels: In the UK, you can simply dial the number 7726 and follow the prompts to report the phone number that called you. This service also allows you to block future interactions with them.
- Action Fraud: Action Fraud is the UK’s reporting center for fraud and cybercrimes. You can report to them by calling 0300 123 2040.
- Signal Conso in France: In France, you have the Signal Conso run by the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention. You can report spam on the website or by forwarding spam SMS messages to the number 33700.
- ICO: The UK also has the ICO, which is dedicated to receiving reports from unwanted electronic marketing via email, text, and telephone.
Use your phone carrier’s spam reporting tool
Many mobile network operators also offer a way to report nuisance calls. These reporting channels will also help you block future communication with these phone numbers. Plus, they will be dedicated to your phone number while adding a spam flag. This allows that when other people try to run an 800 phone number lookup, they will find that the phone numbers have been reported for spam or scam activities. Some carriers and their spam tools include:
- AT&T: AT&T ActiveArmor
- Verizon: Call Filter App
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield
FAQ
How to check if an 800 number is available?
You can check if an 800 number is available using lookup tools like NumLookup, TollFreeNumbers.com, and 800forall. These websites will show if any carrier companies have registered the phone number and whether they are active. Your phone’s carrier portal can also help you find available 800,888, or 877 numbers.
Should I answer 888 numbers?
Yes, 888 numbers are commonly used by legitimate businesses for their support and telemarketing needs. And usually, businesses keep these numbers toll-free for their customers. But be careful, as scammers can also spoof them. If you don’t recognize the caller, let it go to voicemail and verify the number with an 800 telephone number lookup before responding.
How can I check if a number is toll-free?
Typically, phone numbers with the prefixes 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 are toll-free. However, you can confirm using tools like LocatePhone, WhitePages, TextMagic, IPQS, Twilio, search engines, or your phone’s caller app monitoring services.
Where is the +800 phone number from?
The 800 phone number and six other toll-free numbers (833, 844, 8555,866, 877, and 888) are part of the North American Numbering Plan. The NANP, however, covers the U.S, Canada, and many other countries. Hence, companies in these countries utilize them for their customer service support, charitable endeavors, and telemarketing needs.
Conclusion
800 phone numbers are toll-free numbers widely used by businesses. But they can be spoofed by scammers and spammers. This is why you should always verify unknown calls using 800 phone number lookup tools, including LocatePhone, or online directories like WhitePages. Also, consider setting up a call blocking service or registering with the national Do Not Call lists to reduce your exposure to spam further. Ultimately, remaining vigilant about unknown calls or text messages will protect your privacy.
