How to say “who is this?” professionally

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi, I don't have your profile details yet. Which team are you on, and what can I help with?

   Coworker · Chat

   Friendly choice when someone from another team messages you out of nowhere and you haven't met.

   Use for my message
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2. 02

   Hi, thanks for your message. Could you let me know who this is and what it's regarding?

   Customer · SMS

   Suits a text from an unsaved number because it sounds natural on a phone and also asks the reason.

   Use for my message
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3. 03

   Thanks for getting in touch. So that this reaches the right person on my side, could you introduce yourself and your role at your organization?

   Client · Email

   Useful when a new contact writes in and you need to route the request before sharing anything.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Thanks for the message. I don't have your details saved yet. Which company are you with, and which role did you have in mind?

   Recruiter / HR · SMS

   Good for an unexpected text about a job since it asks for context and stays warm.

   Use for my message
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5. 05

   Hi, this came from a number I don't have saved. Is it you? Just want to be sure before I act on it.

   Boss · SMS

   Fits when your manager texts from a new phone and you want to confirm before acting.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   I see you've copied in an address I don't recognize. Could you say who they are and why they're on this thread?

   Someone you manage · Email

   Helps when someone you manage adds an unfamiliar contact and you want to check before replying to everyone.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Hello, your message arrived without a signature, so I'm not sure where it's from. Could you resend it with your role and team?

   Coworker · Email

   Handy for an unsigned internal email where you need a few details before you can act.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Skip “Who are you?” and strings of question marks, which sound like an accusation.
• Hinting that the sender shouldn't be contacting you only adds tension, so ask neutrally instead.
• Hold off on sharing account details, prices or files until you know who you're talking to.
• Ask what they need as well, so the conversation can move forward in one step.
• Leaving the message unanswered is worse than a short, polite question.

Related phrases

• Saying “can I join the meeting?” at work→
• A kinder way to say “it's okay”→
• How to say “it doesn't matter” professionally→
• Saying “no worries if not” at work→
• Saying “who are you?” at work→
• “I'd rather not give my number”: how to say it politely→