How to Disguise Your Cell Phone Number When Calling Someone
By Keith Evans
Updated September 13, 2017
There are many reasons why you may want to disguise your cell phone number when calling someone, whether it’s to keep them from knowing who is calling so you can surprise them or it’s for safety reasons. Regardless of whether you’re on an Android or iPhone device, there are at least a couple different options for disguising your cell phone number.
Block Your Number
One option for disguising your cell phone number is to use the 67 Vertical Service code when placing a call. The 67 Vertical Service code masks your number so that the recipient of your call sees your number as either “Blocked,” “Unavailable,” or “Private.” You can use the 67 code by simply dialing the numbers 67 right before your recipient’s phone number. For instance, if you are calling the number 555-433-4343 and wish to keep your number hidden, you would dial 675554334343.
Use an App
Another option for disguising your cell phone number is to use an app. There are many apps that allow you to do this both on an Android or iPhone device. One app is SpoofCard, which allows you to mask both your phone number and your voice. This app is free but allows you to make in-app purchases to add features. Another app is Line 2, which allows you to make calls from a separate number in the app so that your recipient doesn’t see your real cell phone number. This app is also free with in-app purchases to add additional features. The Phoner 2nd Phone Number app is another free app with in-app purchases that allows you to make anonymous phone calls. All three apps are available in the Google Play or iPhone App Stores.
Tips
Some parties will not accept calls from blocked numbers, and you may receive a recording when you dial *67 before calling these parties.
Warnings
Some government agencies, like law enforcement offices and 911 services, will be able to find your cell phone number even if you dial *67. Do not attempt to disguise your cell phone number when calling these agencies.
Telephone harassment laws forbid disguising your cell phone number when making annoying or nuisance telephone calls. If you disguise your cell phone number, even through a proxy service, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties if you make unwanted, obscene, harassing or nuisance telephone calls.
References
Tips
- There are a number of proxy services for both Android and iOS smart phone platforms. Some are free, and some require payment.
- Some parties will not accept calls from blocked numbers, and you may receive a recording when you dial *67 before calling these parties.
Warnings
- Some government agencies, like law enforcement offices and 911 services, will be able to find your cell phone number even if you dial *67. Do not attempt to disguise your cell phone number when calling these agencies.
- Telephone harassment laws forbid disguising your cell phone number when making annoying or nuisance telephone calls. If you disguise your cell phone number, even through a proxy service, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties if you make unwanted, obscene, harassing or nuisance telephone calls.
Writer Bio
Keith Evans has been writing professionally since 1994 and now works from his office outside of Orlando. He has written for various print and online publications and wrote the book, "Appearances: The Art of Class." Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication from Rollins College and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in strategic leadership from Andrew Jackson University.