It’s late at night and you’re chatting with your wife. Suddenly there it is again
“RING RING!”
Your cellphone’s buzzing. The number’s unknown and it’s the upteenth time that someone’s ringing you- but doesn’t answer when you (or your irate wife) picks up. Your wife suspects an affair. You swear there isn’t. Still, you’re in hot water.
Don’t you just wish that you can trace that call and set the law on him? The sad fact is, it’s quite tough to trace cellular calls. Landlines are easier. Even if the number’s not listed, you can have the law track down land calls in a jiffy. But don’t despair. With a bit of savvy, you can still corner that miscreant haunting your cellular. Here’s how to unmask the sneak:
- Simply Search The Internet. Type the cellular number down in google- there’s a strong chance that the number will come up. For all you know, it can have appeared on facebook, myspace, twitter or even mafia wars. People tend to leave all sorts of details around. Google is your friend and if this number was posted anywhere, even on an obscure forum page, it’d come up. From there, it’s easy. Simply track down the fellow behind the profile, post, or account information. To facilitate this, type down the whole number, including the country code, like 559-898- 0920. That will eliminate false leads and drop the target right onto your lap.
- Mosey to Cellphone Directories. Sites like Nonpublished collect cellular numbers, carrier, and even billing statements. The information is provided free and can provide a few good leads. Take note that info on sites like these tend to be a little dated, but at least you’ll have a jump point like the owne’rs previous address.
- Tap the Reverse Search Sites. These webs (popular ones include Free Reverse Cell Phone Directory or National Cellular Directory) offer one service and do it well: track down mobile numbers , region, account holder and even billing address. The initial queries come free, but subsequent ones carry a price. I don’t know about you, but even a $30 charge is worth it if some shmoe is wrecking my relationship or costing me sleepless nights. This way, you stop the prankster dead on his tracks. Imagine how HE would feel when you show up at his doorstep the very next day? Sweet karma!
- Block Your Cell. If you feel that you can’t really trace down the prankster (for instance, he keeps changing numbers), then fix the problem on your end. First, change your number. Second, give it out only to trusted associates. And third, avail of the carrier’s service whereby your number appears ‘anonymous’ when you call. This will confound your prankster, and until he gets the new digits from your associates, you’ll have a breathing spell.
- Give Him A Dose of His Own Medicine. If all the above doesn’t work, then fight fire with fire. Gather your good friends together and disseminate HIS cellnumber around. Ask your friends to miscall the miscreant ten times to fifteen times a day. Preferably after midnight. He’ll get the message. The downside is that you can give him ideas. The next day, his friends can start a phone barrage on you and your friends.
- Ditch Mobiles Altogther. It’s the extreme but it works for many people. Renowned author Timothy Fenriss asserts that people are chained to their mobiles, pagers and email. He says that you can reclaim your life by using these devices less than 10% of your day. Sure, it can be jarring at first, but once you learn to distance yourself from them, you’ll taste an unbridled freedom. Plus, no one can stalk you anymore.
So, are you ready to ditch that mobile? Good luck!
