How to Hide a Cell Phone Identity

It has become increasingly difficult to hide your identity now that cell phones are a primary method of communication and caller ID is a standard feature. Many people enjoy this feature, and are grateful for the ability to see who’s calling before having to answer the phone. However, there are times when you don’t want the person on the other end to know who’s calling. This can be accomplished with the push of a button. But it's impossible to conceal your phone number from all contacts. Emergency services, for instance, always see incoming call numbers.

Things You'll Need

• Cell phone

Instructions

Using Star Codes

1. If you want to block your phone number on a per-call basis, you can type star (*) 67 ahead of the number you are dialing. This will cause your number to show up as “Private” or “Restricted.” This is a service that companies are required to provide free of charge.

2. You should contact your phone company to find out if there is a charge for line-blocking, and whether or not it is offered in your state. Once you have established the availability of this service and accepted any potential charges, dial *82 before the number you wish to conceal your identity from. This will activate the service. To deactivate the service on a per-call basis, redial star 82 before placing your call.

3. If you want to block your identification for all outgoing calls, contact your wireless service provider and ask if they offer the service. While many companies offer this feature, they will often charge a fee.

Tips & Warnings

• You should find your wireless service provider to be very helpful in helping you access identity blocking systems. Also be aware that they are required by law to offer some form of identity protection.

• Toll-free numbers may use Automatic Number Identification to access your number even if you have blocked caller ID. Even so, they are not allowed to use this information without your consent.

• Emergency operators such as police, fire, and ambulance are always given identification information in order to assist them in aiding the caller.

References

• Federal Communications Commission
• Verizon