Learn How to Use AT&T Call Trace (*57) (2024)

Call Trace helps you handle obscene, harassing, or threatening calls. It should only be used to trace harassing or threatening calls that warrant legal action. After activating Call Trace, you must contact your local law enforcement agency. AT&T will only provide trace information to your law enforcement agency, not to you.

Call Trace enables you to dial a designated code to automatically trace the last incoming call received. You must dial the designated code to activate the option each time you want to trace the last call. You don't need to keep the caller on the line for any length of time. Call Trace is a pay-per-use option; charges will be reflected on your bill following usage. By dialing the code, you agree to accept charges for using the service.

Activate Call Trace

Here’s how to activate Call Trace:

1. Hang up the phone after receiving a harassing call.
2. Pick up the phone and press *57 (touch tone) or 1157 (rotary).
   • You’ll hear a confirmation tone and message will be heard If the trace is successful. You must keep a written log of the date and time of harassing calls to retrieve Call Trace information.
   • You’ll hear an error message if the call can’t be traced.
   • In case of an emergency, contact your local law enforcement agency.

After call trace activation

• Contact your local law enforcement agency.
• Information is released to law enforcement only if they follow the proper legal process to request records.
• The time, date, and phone number involved are recorded at an AT&T location and saved for approximately one year.

• Call Trace traces the last number that called you. *57 (or 1157) must be dialed immediately after the harassing call. and prior to receiving another call or hearing the call waiting tone.
• You aren’t charged for unsuccessful attempts. You are billed for all successful traces, even if there is no follow-up action. Charges vary by area of service.
• This option isn’t available in all areas.