Can Calling Cards Be Traced?
By Michael Wolfe
Instead of being placed directly from a phone, some calls are made using pre-paid calling cards. Calling cards allow users a certain number of minutes of use. Some cards require users to dial a special number before placing their call, while others can be used while inserted into special machines.
Features
Instead of receiving a display of the number of the phone from which a call was placed, the recipient of a call made using a calling card will see the outdial number of the card's issuer. This makes the call not immediately traceable, as a *57 or other redial trace will result in an error message.
Considerations
Although the call cannot be traced directly by the recipient of the call, the origination of the call can be ascertained by other means. Phone companies, while probably unable to directly identify the phone from which a call was made, will be able to ascertain the calling card company that directed the call.
Solution
Nearly all calling card companies maintain records of what calls are routed through their system. Once the calling card company that issued the call has been identified, their records can be checked to identify the caller. However, companies may be unwilling to relinquish this data unless legally ordered to.
References
Writer Bio
Michael Wolfe has been writing and editing since 2005, with a background including both business and creative writing. He has worked as a reporter for a community newspaper in New York City and a federal policy newsletter in Washington, D.C. Wolfe holds a B.A. in art history and is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y.