In fact, the term "unlisted number" isn't very precise, but it will continue to be used as an umbrella term in this article because of it's widespread usage.
Anyway, the main kind of unlisted number is one whose owner has requested the phone company not to list in their phone book. However, these numbers are generally still accessible through online databases.
Numbers regarded as "unpublished" are not included in phone books or listed in online databases. Both unlisted and unpublished number services generally result in higher charges from the phone company.
Then there are numbers called "private numbers". While both unublished and unlisted numbers still display as actual numbers on a caller ID, private numbers don't display any information at all. In fact the caller ID will usually show "Private Name, Private Number."
What Is A Private Number?
There are two ways to get a private number that won't show up on caller ID. The first is to enter a code (usually a * and then a few numbers) into the phone before dialing the number you want to call.
The second is to specifically request from your phone company to always have your number displayed as private.
Be aware, though, that whether entering the code before dialing or having that special service from the phone company, this is a fairly expensive service. In addition, it is still possible for the receiver of your call to unblock yur privacy settings.
If you're interested in the different codes that you can enter into a phone before dialing, do a quick web search and you're sure to find comprehensive lists, but first, keep reading about one of the ways to get around unlisted, unpublished and private numbers.
Reverse Phone Directories
Regardless of the type of unlisted number, you can still find information about the person calling as long as you know where to look. Your best bet is to go to an online reverse phone directory service.
Here, you can enter the phone number and get back all sorts of information about that number's owner, like name, address, other phone lines owned, and so on.
Some of you may have seen a problem with this, though. Should you be receiving calles from a private number that does not display information on the caller ID screen, how can you input the number into a reverse directory?
Well, in that case, do that search mentioned above to unlock the privacy setting and then enter the number into a reverse directory.
