Is that random number popping up on your screen again? Before you hit decline or fall for a convincing scam, get the answers you deserve. Whether it’s a landline number you don’t recognize, a persistent call that won’t quit, or a random international number that looks like a local one, our platform gives you the tools to check this phone number and find out the truth.
We’ve built Australia’s most practical reverse phone lookup resource because we know how frustrating (and sometimes scary) mystery calls can be.
Inside, you’ll find everything from carrier identification and state-by-state area codes to real user reports flagging the latest scammer tactics. Get clear answers when you need to know who is calling me from that unknown number or why a premium line keeps lighting up your phone.
What sets us apart is that we do more than simply provide a search box and leave the rest to you. Our phone number reverse search tool connects you with: why 04 always means mobile, how to see the difference between legitimate 1300 business lines and sketchy 190X traps, and which free directories deliver reliable results.
Australia Phone Number System Overview
| Category | Details |
| Country | 🇦🇺Australia |
| Country Calling Code | +61 (used when calling from outside Australia) |
| National Trunk Prefix | 0 (added before area codes for domestic long-distance calls) |
| International Direct Dialing (IDD) | 0011 (used to make international calls from Australia) |
| Number Format | +61 X XXXX XXXX *(international) / 0X XXXX XXXX (domestic) |
| Example Mobile Number | +61 4XX XXX XXX |
| Example Landline Number | +61 2 XXXX XXXX |
| Area Codes | 02 (NSW/ACT), 03 (VIC/TAS), 07 (QLD), 08 (WA/SA/NT) |
| Regulator | Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) |
Australian Phone Number Format
Knowing the type of number can instantly tell you whether it’s safe to answer or not. Australia’s phone system isn’t just a random mix of numbers — it’s actually pretty organized. You’ve got mobile, landline, VoIP, and special service numbers, each with their own format and purpose. For example, if you see a number starting with 04XX, you’ll know right away it’s a mobile number, and you might even guess the network.
This table makes it easy to tell if a number is personal, business, or might be a premium call. It’s super handy when you’re looking through missed calls, suspicious texts, or trying to decide whether to block a contact.
How to check who’s calling you:
- Check out the first 2–4 digits of the number.
- Find where it matches in the “Prefix / Range” column.
- Take a look at the “Description” to see what type of number it is.
| Number Type | Prefix / Range | Description |
| Mobile | 04XX, 05XX | Personal cellular numbers used across all carriers. |
| Landline (Geographic) | 02, 03, 07, 08 | Fixed lines tied to a state or territory region. |
| VoIP / Internet Numbers | 0550–0599 | Internet-based calling services and digital numbers. |
| Toll-Free | 1800 | Free to call from anywhere in Australia. |
| Local Rate / Shared Cost | 13, 1300 | Cost shared between caller and receiver, used by businesses. |
| Premium Rate | 19XX | Entertainment, voting, or subscription services (higher charges apply). |
| Short Codes | 112, 000, etc. | Emergency or service-specific codes. |
Australian Mobile Operators and Prefixes
If you receive a mobile call from an unfamiliar number, identifying its network operator can reveal whether it’s a genuine user or part of a bulk SMS/scam network. This table helps you spot carrier-based patterns in mobile numbers during a reverse lookup — super handy for double-checking contact details or figuring out where those suspicious calls are coming from!
What to do:
- Find the first four digits of the number (after the +61 or 0).
- Match that prefix to the table below.
- Check which operator originally owned that range (note: numbers can be ported).
| Prefix (04XX) | Mobile Operator | Notes |
| 0400–0419 | Telstra | Widespread national coverage; legacy ranges. |
| 0420–0439 | Optus | Major network with broad consumer reach. |
| 0440–0459 | Vodafone (TPG Telecom) | Common in metropolitan regions. |
| 0460–0469 | Multiple (MVNOs) | Shared with virtual operators like Boost, Amaysim. |
| 0470–0489 | Mixed Allocations | Used by smaller or newer carriers. |
| 0490–0499 | Telstra/Optus Shared | Assigned to recent mobile broadband and secondary services. |
Australia Landline Area Codes and Regions
Landline numbers in Australia are geographically based. Understanding these codes helps you determine where the call originated. How to identify the number:
- First, find the two digits right after the “0.”
- Then, compare those to the area codes we’ve listed below.
- After that, you can check out the sub-prefixes and major regions to pinpoint the exact location.
| Area Code | State / Territory | Common Sub-Prefixes | Example Number | Major Cities / Regions |
| 02 | New South Wales, ACT | 20–29 | (02) 9123 4567 | Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle |
| 03 | Victoria, Tasmania | 30–39 | (03) 9555 1234 | Melbourne, Hobart, Geelong |
| 07 | Queensland | 70–79 | (07) 3210 9876 | Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns |
| 08 | WA, SA, NT | 80–89 | (08) 8221 2345 | Perth, Adelaide, Darwin |
Trusted Reverse Number Lookup Resources in Australia
Reverse lookup services differ in accuracy, coverage, and data type. Official registries (like ACMA) show number allocations, while community-based tools collect crowd reports about spam and scams. Using a mix of both gives the most reliable picture of who’s behind a number.
| Tool / Website | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scannero.io | Reverse Lookup Tool | Comprehensive global and Australian number search with identity insights, spam-risk detection, and real-time cross-database matching. |
| PersonLookup Australia | Public Directory/Lookup | Provides name, address, and landline match results for Australian residents using domestic directory-style data. |
| Reverse Australia | Community-Based Reverse Lookup | Identifies callers through user reports, spam warnings, scam patterns, and community feedback. |
| ACMA Number Checker (Australia Communications and Media Authority) | Official Registry Lookup | Shows official number allocations (carrier, region, service type). Useful for verifying legitimacy but does not reveal personal identity details. |
The Technology Behind Reverse Phone Lookup Tools
Got a call from an unknown number and dying to know who it is? In Australia, reverse phone lookups can make that super easy! They tap into all sorts of databases – from phone numbers and subscriber details to business directories and community reports. Let’s dig into how it all works:
- Information is gathered from a variety of sources like official telecom registries, public phone directories, and online platforms that track spam calls. To paint a more complete picture, some advanced services might even check out social media profiles and other online details linked to a specific number.
- Right after you enter your phone number, the instant analysis kicks off! Smart algorithms immediately get to work, scanning millions of records, comparing patterns, and pulling out all the relevant info from countless sources. You might expect this to take ages, but it’s actually done in less than a minute!
- You’ll see the results and all the details! It really just depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s something basic, you’ll instantly spot the caller’s name and their general location. But if you need more info, a detailed search can uncover things like their workplace, email, court records, and more.
Factors That Affect Accuracy
You might have noticed that there can be a big difference in the results you get from different lookup services. But why is that?
- Some platforms update weekly, others haven’t refreshed in months. If someone recently ported their number or changed providers, older systems won’t reflect that switch.
- Australians can switch carriers while keeping their numbers. An 04 prefix might show “Optus” in one database but “Telstra” in another if the data hasn’t synced.
- Budget services pull from a single directory, while comprehensive tools cross-reference multiple registries, user reports, and telecom records simultaneously.
The smartest approach? Use services that aggregate data from multiple verified sources rather than relying on a single directory. Tools like Scannero pull from telecom registries, community reports, and real-time scam databases simultaneously, which explains why they often succeed where basic lookup sites come up empty.
Common Scam and Spam Call Patterns in Australia
Ever notice how scammers often hide their real numbers or make them look local to trick you? Well, once you learn to spot these common red flags, you can totally avoid getting caught in phishing, refund, or subscription scams. This handy table will help you figure out what kind of scam it is, show you some real-life examples, and tell you exactly what steps to take next.
What to do:
- Check if the suspicious number matches any example pattern.
- Read the Type of Scam/Spam column to understand its intent.
- Follow the Comment/Recommendation for a safe response.
- Report confirmed scam calls to Scamwatch.gov.au or block them immediately.
| № | Indicator | Type of Scam / Spam | Example Format | Comment / Recommendation |
| 1 | Calls with a number similar to yours (spoofing) | Caller ID manipulation to appear local | +61 2 9xxx xxxx (if you’re from Sydney) | Don’t call back unknown numbers, even if they look familiar. Common in “neighbor spoofing” scams. |
| 2 | SMS from 048x or 049x with a link | Phishing / delivery / tax scams | 0480 123 456: “Your package is waiting…” | Never click embedded links. Verify delivery directly through the official website. |
| 3 | WhatsApp numbers with foreign country codes | Romance / investment / social engineering scams | +44…, +234…, +63… | Ignore unknown contacts who say “hi” or offer financial help. Block and report suspicious profiles. |
| 4 | Short numbers starting with 19xx | Premium-rate services / paid content | 1902 333 999 | May cost over $5 per minute. Avoid calling unless you fully trust the service. |
| 5 | Calls claiming to be from ATO, MyGov, or banks | Government or financial impersonation | +61 2 6216 0000 (spoofed) | Real agencies never request payment or personal data by phone. Hang up and contact the agency directly. |
| 6 | Repeated missed calls within minutes | Robocall verification systems | +61 401 200 789 (multiple attempts) | Used to confirm active numbers. Don’t return the call — block and report instead. |
| 7 | Numbers with unusual international prefixes | “One-ring” or Wangiri scams | +252…, +223…, +685… | Scammers hang up quickly to make you call back costly overseas lines. Never return missed foreign calls. |
Quick safety recommendations
- Remember, legitimate organizations like the ATO, banks, and government agencies will never ask for your personal details, passwords, or payment info over the phone.
- It’s a good idea to avoid calling back missed calls from unknown numbers, especially those single-ring attempts that might lead to premium charges.
- If you get a suspicious message, always verify it by going directly to the official website yourself instead of clicking any links in the message.
- Please help by reporting any scams you spot to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au, and feel free to forward suspicious texts to your mobile carrier.
Free Australian Public Directories
Free directories are great for checking business or residential listings, verifying who’s calling, and confirming if a number belongs to a legit organization. They can also help you figure out if a number is active, disconnected, or recently assigned.
| Directory / Tool | Type | What It’s Best For | What You Can Check for Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Pages Australia | Residential & Business Directory | Verifying who’s calling; checking if a number belongs to a real person or business | Landline numbers, residential listings, business profiles, addresses |
| Yellow Pages Australia | Business Directory | Confirming legitimacy of business callers | Business phone numbers, categories, websites, physical locations |
| ACMA Number Checker | Official Government Registry | Determining whether a number is active, disconnected, or recently allocated | Carrier information, number allocation, service status |