Anyone know how to identify a text sender?

[DiscGo]

A good friend of mine has a son that is 13 and has a cell phone. Someone sent his son a pornographic text message from a number they don't recognize. They called the police and the police said that if they don't know who sent the text, it is unlikely anything will come of it. So my friend asked me to track down the sender, but my IT background does not give me a crystal ball (sadly).

Do any of you have any experience or had any luck with tracking down the identity of a text sender?

[Iceaxe]

Why all the 007 stuff? Why not try the direct approach.... and just call the number and see who answers? And then have a short discussion with whomever answers.

[DiscGo]

I did call the number (first thing). I have even called it like 7 times. I get a voicemail (of a guy) and it sounds like he says "Aaron" but it is too garbled.

[Iceaxe]

Have you tried googling the number? I was just messing around and noticed if you google my cell number you can trace it back to me.

[DiscGo]

Yeah, I tried googling it and just got a bunch of paid sites to give you information. I told my friend he could find out for $15 and he quickly did it. They now have the name, area code, relatives names, etc.. He has given the info to the police and is now waiting anxiously and hoping the police do something about this. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Sombeech]

yeah, google the number first, 50/50 chance of getting a name or location, or you could post the photo here if it's pornographic there's a good chance all recognize it.

edit: NM

[blueeyes]

Can they put the number on a block list?