How to Hide a Cell Number When Calling

For various reasons, you might wish to conceal your cell phone number when calling someone. If you are unfamiliar with the person you are calling, you might not want them to have your number. If you have called the person several times already, you might wish to hide this fact. Or, you might be calling an establishment and would rather your number be hidden from them. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there are a few ways you can hide your cell number.

Instructions

1. Call your cell phone provider and request that they block your number if you would like for your number to be permanently hidden. Once the provider establishes a complete block on your line, your number will not appear on anyone's caller ID.

2. Dial *82 if you have a complete block on your line, but would like to have your number reflected during specific situations. When you dial *82 followed by the number you are calling, your number will appear only for that specific call.

3. Temporarily block your cell phone number by dialing *67 before the number you are calling. Dialing *67 allows you to hide your cell phone number on a per-call basis. Each time you wish to hide your number, you must dial *67 before dialing the number you are calling.

Tips & Warnings

• The FCC has implemented exceptions to blocking rules, stating that you cannot block your number from any toll-free or emergency numbers that you call. Further, telemarketers are prohibited from blocking their caller ID information.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Caller ID and My Privacy