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Use Call Trace to identify harassing calls

Telephone harassment is a crime. If you're receiving threatening or obscene calls, you can trace who's sending them.

The next time you receive a harassing call: 

  1. Hang up on the caller (or don't pick up at all).
  2. Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone. 
  3. Press
  4. Dial 57.
  5. Follow the recorded instructions.

At the conclusion of a trace, you'll hear a recorded message telling you whether or not the trace was successful. 

Download the Call Trace User Guide

Calls that can (and cannot) be traced

In most instances, the last incoming call you received -- whether or not it was answered and even if it's forwarded via a service -- is traceable.

There's no minimum time the caller needs to be on the line. In fact, if the caller hangs up before you can pick up the phone, you probably can still trace the call. A connection simply needs to be made, and that usually happens once the phone rings at least 2 times.

Unknown, unavailable or out-of-area calls are not traceable because they don't contain the data needed for a successful trace. On the other hand -- and maybe surprisingly -- private, blocked or restricted calls can usually be traced just fine. 

What's included in a successful trace

A successful trace captures the calling party's phone number and -- if the phone number is serviced by CenturyLink -- the name and address as well. The phone number, name and address (if available) are turned over to the CenturyLink Call Identification Center. 

For legal and privacy reasons, we aren't able to share this data with you. We can only release this information if we receive a subpoena, court order or -- in some cases -- a call from a law enforcement agency. 

Note: We can't answer questions about subpoenas or provide legal advice to our customers.

What you can do next

Under normal circumstances, 3 successful traces of calls -- originating from the same number -- are required before CenturyLink or local law enforcement can take action. Once you've traced a number 3 times, you can request action be taken against the calling party. 

Follow up with CenturyLink at 1-800-244-1111, and discuss what they can do. Be prepared to share any relevant information with them such as the dates/times you've received (and traced) harassing calls. 

You can also contact your local law enforcement agency. Tell them that you've been receiving harassing calls and that you've traced those calls. Be sure to get the name of the officer who records your complaint. Make a note of the date and time you called, the agency's complete name, phone number and fax number. If an officer opens a case for you, write down the case number.

If your law enforcement agency has questions, have them contact the CenturyLink Law Enforcement Support Team at 1-877-451-1980. 

Other useful things to know:

  • Call Trace is already installed on your line. You don't have to order it or have it installed.
  • You're only charged to use this calling feature when you successfully complete a trace. Depending where you live, the fee can be up to $10 per call. 
  • If you successfully trace a call, at the conclusion of the trace, you hear this message: The last call has been traced, and a $ charge will be added to your bill. Call tracing is a serious business. If the call was life threatening, call the police. If harassing or obscene calls persist, after 3 traces, call 1-800-244-1111 for further instructions. You will not receive the name and number of the party who called you. 
  • If you attempt to trace a call, but the trace is unsuccessful, you hear this message: The last call to your telephone cannot be traced so no charge will be added to your bill. If the problem continues, call CenturyLink at 1-800-244-1111 for further assistance. 
  • If you're trying to trace a call and are interrupted by call waiting, the call waiting number will be traced because it would be the last incoming call. 
  • Call Trace is available in most areas, and charges appear on the Pay Per Use page of your CenturyLink bill.
  • While telemarketing, solicitation and collection calls are annoying, they are not illegal and should not be traced -- unless they become harassing, threatening or obscene.
  • If you attempt to trace a call but hear a fast-busy tone instead of recorded instructions, Call Trace may not be available in your area. 

For printer-friendly instructions, download the Call Trace user guide. If you have questions about this calling feature, chat with us.

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