4 Cheaper Alternatives to Truecaller That Don’t Spy on You

If you’re into number lookup tools, you’ve probably heard the rumors about TrueCaller’s privacy risks. Most engines save your info and sell it; if you sync your contacts, your 60-year-old uncle ends up in their database.

You might not even realize it, because let’s be real…who actually reads 10 pages of privacy policies? Well, I did. And I found some gems that make searching just a bit safer. 

What Data Does Truecaller Collect?

From the moment you install the app, Truecaller starts gathering info – lots of it.

• Device & Location: Your IP, device ID, SIM card, location, and browser.
• App Usage: What apps you have, what you click, what you scroll.
• Calls & Contacts: Who you call, when, and even your contact list.
• Ads & Tracking: What you search, what you skip, and what you interact with.

TrueCaller Privacy Policy (1.2). 

That’s just the tip of the data-berg. And yes: accepting cookies means your data could be shared with third parties. Now that you know what’s going on, here are some tools that do things differently.

1. CatfishNumr – Safest Number Lookup Engine

CatfishNumr isn’t just another lookup tool. It’s built to keep your data safe while giving you solid results; there’s no creepy tracking or selling your info to advertisers.

Unlike other platforms, it doesn’t snoop through your messages or upload your contact list. Everything is encrypted, and access is tightly controlled.

What info does CatfishNumr collect?

• Name, email, or phone. Only if you give it voluntarily (like when contacting support).
• IP address, device ID, browser type, and operating system.
• What pages you visit and for how long
• Cookies (you can disable them). 

This info is used strictly to help you catch shady behavior or when you need help from the support team. 

In rare cases, your data might be shared, but only if it’s with trusted partners (web hosting or legal support), or the law demands it.

And you’re in control. You can ask what info they’ve got on you, or have them delete it completely. Besides being secure, CatfishNumr is also affordable:

1. $6 for 2 searches
2. $10 for 5 searches

Both plans offer social media profiles like Telegram, Signal, Quora, Reddit. It also reveals messaging apps like Viber, TikTok. And sometimes, even platforms like CashApp and Spotify.

And don’t worry. If the number belongs to a known scam caller or someone using a fake number, you’ll know.

2. IPQualityScore – Free & Built for Protection

IPQS’s mission is to detect fraud, scams, and sketchy behavior, not flood you with ads or sell your data to the highest bidder. No excessive info is collected – only what’s needed to function effectively:

• Personal info (if you give it): name, email, phone, IP
• Device & browser details
• Cookies (optional)

You can also stay in control. Ask to see, fix, or delete your data anytime. And if they start sending promotional emails or SMS alerts? Opting out is quick and easy.

Needless to say, security at IPQS is as tight as it comes. Data is encrypted, access is limited, and systems meet strict standards.

IPQS Pricing:

1. 1,000 searches for free (35 per day)
2. 5,000 searches – $100/month (250 per day)
3. 10,000 searches – $500/month 

The more you pay, the more you get. From carrier, line type, active status, risk score, to owner/business name, enriched details, and more.

Besides spotting fraudulent calls, it also helps you block them. You can use the free tier just by signing up. No credit card needed. And even better…it works globally!

3. NumLookup – Useful For Casual Number Searches

NumLookup collects some data, but nothing extreme. If you register or fill out a form, it might ask for your name, email, company, and basic usage habits.

Your information isn’t shared UNLESS you give permission, it’s legally required, another company buys it, or it’s needed to keep the site working.

But here’s where it gets tricky: NumLookup doesn’t own the machines holding your info. So, your data is stored on third-party servers. Also, cookies aren’t optional.

You can unsubscribe from promotional emails and ask for your info to be fixed or removed. However, there’s no privacy dashboard to manage settings yourself.

As for any updates, only account holders get notified. Others have to check the site themselves. NumLookup works in a few countries, including the U.S. and U.K. 

Pricing is simple, but be careful because subscriptions auto-renew:

1. Free
2. $10/month – 40 searches
3. $20/month – 80 searches
4. $50/month – 200 searches

It’s great for landlines and older cell numbers. It shows names, addresses, and history. And paid plans may also show age, relatives, or social profiles.

4. SpyDialer – Free and (Kind of) Private

If you want to check a number without signing up, paying, or giving away your life story, SpyDialer seems like a solid pick. But how private is it, really?

Well…they don’t clearly say what data they collect. Most sites track your IP, device, and behavior by default unless they clearly state otherwise. SpyDialer doesn’t.

You don’t need an account to function. On the surface, they’re not keeping tabs on you specifically. 

They do offer a “Remove My Info” option, but it only applies to public data they show about other people, not cookies or device data. Also, data comes from public records and your voicemails.

It’s legal but not FCRA-compliant, which means you can’t use it for hiring, renting, or credit checks.

So it’s mostly safe. They don’t collect much personal info and don’t create user profiles. But no strong privacy policy, no cookie opt-outs, and no clear data protections mean you’re probably still being tracked low-key.

Are These Number Lookup Tools Worth It?

Compared to Truecaller, BeenVerified, ClarityCheck, and other tools, the ones mentioned above offer far better control over your data. 

Other number lookup tools often require permission to store (or straight-up sell) your data in exchange for access. 

Whereas, CatfishNumr, IPQS, NumLookup, and SpyDialer don’t demand access to your contacts or sell your info just to function. If you care about privacy but still want results, these four give you a safer middle ground.