Tracking down a scammer on your own is not impossible, even in the age of the Internet and web anonymity. Moreover, it is thanks to the Internet and its new tools that you can do it. Scammers are growing and evolving, but so are online trackers and search services.
To learn how to track a scammer, you first need to gather all available information about them: name, phone number, and image (at least a screenshot of their profile).
Then, choose the appropriate tool that can help track down someone who scammed you, locate them, or even find hidden social media accounts they have. We’ll review these tools and methods further.
Statistics: According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center report, Americans lost more than $12 billion to fraud in 2023. This figure keeps on increasing from year to year. Phishing is the most widespread scam, surpassing others by five times.
Use Search Engines Like a Pro
One of the easiest methods to track a scammer is using search engines with search operators to find more specific information about an individual on the web.
Here’s how you can utilize Google or Bing like a pro:
Try searching for the scammer’s name, email, or phone number in quotes. For instance, “John Doe” or “John Doe scam” will display pages where it appears precisely like this and not elsewhere.
If you believe the scammer can be found on a specific website, enter site:website.com [scammer’s info] to search just within that website. For example, site:reddit.com “John Doe” or site:reddit.com “+123456789” for scam reports on Reddit of that phone number.
Similarly, you can enter site:facebook.com (or any other social media) to search for information.
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Asterisk for Unknown Information
The asterisk (*) acts as a placeholder for any word(s). For example, if you know only the first name and a phone number, search “John * +1233456789”. If you remember only some digits of a scammer’s phone number, search “John Doe +12***6789”.
Make a Background Search With TruthFinder
Searching for a scammer’s name, phone number, or even email address, if known, can be very beneficial with the help of TruthFinder. This information may help take legal action, but only where the name, phone number, or email address are authentic. Since scammers tend to use fake information, the traceable information may often be limited.
What to track a scammer with Truthfinder?
- Search by name
- Reverse phone lookup
- Reverse email lookup
Each report may give you more personal details about a scammer and associated data, from relatives to hidden social media accounts.
How to Track a Scammer’s Phone Number?
If you have the scammer’s number, there are a few options to trace it.
1) Check it with Truecaller
Truecaller is among the best apps for recognizing unknown callers and possible scam numbers. It has a vast database that enhances users’ security by filtering such calls.
How to track a scammer with Truecaller:
- Enter the phone number to check if other users have reported it.
- You may discover the phone number’s owner.
- Block and report fraudulent numbers.
2) Track the scammer’s live location with Scannero
Scannero is a tool that offers real-time phone number location tracking. You can use it to discover the exact location of a scammer and report this to the police.
Just enter the phone number, and the system will send a scammer an anonymous tracking link for you to stay safe in this process.
Try Reverse Image Lookup to Find a Scammer
If you only have a photo of the scammer or a screenshot of their online profile, use a reverse image search. This tool can help you see if the photo was stolen or posted elsewhere on the internet.
1) How to track a scammer with Google Reverse Image Search
Open Google Images and upload the scammer’s image by clicking the camera icon. Google Lens will show you similar images so you can recognize a scammer on other online platforms.
2) How to track a scammer with AI help
AI can help with reverse image search and, to tell the truth, does this better than Google. Lenso.ai is one such efficient tool that can identify manipulated or cropped images used by scammers. With it, you may learn the scammer’s true identity or see their other profiles online.
Just visit the website and download or paste the image there. If the identical image is available under various names or places, the fraudster may use multiple fraud profiles.
How to Track a Scammer on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most common places for scammers. Here are some suggestions on how to track a scammer there:
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Check the Profile Information
Look at their last seen, profile picture, and about. Sporadically, the scammers expose their real identity just like that.
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Use Phone Lookup and Trackers
If the scammer’s WhatsApp phone number is seen, use it to check with the reverse lookup services and phone number trackers mentioned above.
If you suspect unauthorized access to your WhatsApp, you can confirm the link between your devices through WhatsApp Web.
Open the WhatsApp application on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, and check for any active sessions. If suspicious unknown devices are seen, such devices should be logged out immediately to keep your account safe.
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Report the Number to WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp chat, tap the name/number, select Report, and choose the applicable reason. This way, further scams can be avoided.
Key Takeaways
Chasing down a scammer can be a daunting task. However, the tools and strategies described above should only boost your chances of revealing an identity.
Just remember to start gathering and keeping information about the person in case of any suspicious or risky interaction, especially connected with money.
And don’t leave it just to yourself. If you have evidence of the fraud, report it to appropriate authorities like the Federal Trade Commission. If there was theft of money from you to a more significant extent, call the police instead to get help.
