A method for querying by telephone a receiver centre (2) is characterised in that the querying party dials the telephone number of the receiver center (2) using a fixed or mobile apparatus (1) capable of receiving data (3,4,5,6,7), via a telephone network or data transmission, allowing the called telephone bell to ring a specific number of times, the receiver centre (2) automatically identifies the call number of the querying party and the number of ringing signals and automatically transmits to that number a reply (3,4,5,6,7) audible or visible on the fixed or mobile apparatus (1), the reply corresponding to the number of specific ringing signals. The invention is applicable to queries by telephone.