Who called me? How to look up an unknown number
Called by an unknown number? Type the number into the Calmido Directory to see reports from other callers. Rule of thumb: a Dutch 06 mobile number is usually safe to call back, but you're better off not returning a call from an unknown foreign number (+xx) - that's often a scam (such as wangiri / ping-call fraud).
A missed call from a number you don't recognise - a company, a courier, or a scammer? Instead of calling back blindly, you can find out in a few seconds what others report about the number.
Look the number up right away
The fastest way to find out who called is to look the number up in the Calmido Directory. You'll see whether the number is known, how often it has been searched, and whether other people have reported it as spam, phishing or a scam.
The more people report a suspicious number, the faster others are warned. The network gets stronger as more people take part.
What does the area code tell you?
06 - a mobile number. Usually a private individual or an employee; generally safe to call back.
088 / 085 - business numbers used by companies and institutions.
0900 / 0906 / 0909 - paid information or service numbers; calling costs extra. Be careful about calling back.
0800 - free numbers.
+xx (foreign) - a country code other than +31. An unknown foreign number that rings once is often a lure call (wangiri): don't call back, because returning the call can be expensive.
When is it safe to call back?
A known Dutch 06 or landline number is usually safe to call back. If in doubt, look it up first.
Never call an unknown foreign number back on impulse, and if you pick up and hear a computer voice claiming to be from a bank, courier or government body - hang up. No genuine organisation asks you to transfer money or share codes through a call like that.
Common reasons for an unknown call
Telemarketing - unsolicited sales. Spam/robocalls - automated calls, often in an English robot voice. Spoofing - the displayed number is faked to look trustworthy. Ping-call fraud - a single ring to make you call back to an expensive number.
Read more about how spoofing works and how to stop robocalls.
Report it yourself and help the community
Was it an annoying or suspicious call? Report the number. It takes a few seconds and protects the next person - an elderly relative or a busy entrepreneur - who gets the same call later and can calmly decide whether to answer.
Just got a call from an unknown number? Look it up in the Calmido Directory and see what others report.
Open the Calmido Directory