Unknown caller? There's a secret way to find out who dialed... using apps you'd least expect

Do you panic when you get a text message or call from a number you don't recognize? Here’s how it works: If you get a text from an unknown number, mobile payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal can help you put a name to that number. A caller who shows up on your phone as 'Unknown' or 'no caller ID' has taken premeditated, extra steps to hide their return phone number from you TikToker Liz Perez posted a recent video detailing how to use payment apps to find out who's behind unknown numbers However, this only works if you already have an account with one of those apps, and the sender has to use their real name and number in the app, too. ‘I just want it to stop’ Silencing unknown callers if a quick way to avoid your phone ringing constantly, but you may miss important calls, such as those from your doctor or your child's teacher If you have an iPhone, you can take a more extreme step and automatically block numbers that aren’t on your Contacts list using Silence Unknown Callers. Google Voice gives you a free phone number to use however you like for domestic and international phone calls, texts, and voicemails.