How to Make an Anonymous Call: Protect Your Privacy

In today’s interconnected world, protecting your privacy is more important than ever. There are various reasons why you might want to make a phone call without revealing your phone number. Whether you’re contacting a business, reporting suspicious activity, or simply want to keep your personal information private, making an anonymous call is a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods for making anonymous calls, providing detailed steps and instructions for each.

Understanding Anonymous Calling

Before we delve into the methods, it’s crucial to understand what anonymous calling entails. Anonymous calling allows you to make a phone call where your phone number is hidden from the recipient’s caller ID. This prevents them from seeing your number and potentially calling you back or storing your information. However, it’s important to note that anonymous calling should be used responsibly and ethically. It should not be used for illegal activities, harassment, or any other malicious purposes.

Methods for Making Anonymous Calls

There are several methods you can use to make anonymous calls, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common and effective techniques:

1. Using *67 (North America) or 141 (UK and Europe)

This is the simplest and most widely used method for making an anonymous call. It involves dialing a specific code before the phone number you want to call. This code temporarily blocks your number from being displayed on the recipient’s caller ID.

Steps:

1. Dial the appropriate code: In North America (United States, Canada, etc.), dial *67 before the phone number. In the UK and many European countries, dial 141.
2. Enter the phone number: After dialing the code, enter the phone number you wish to call, including the area code.
3. Make the call: Press the call button on your phone.

Example (North America): To call 555-123-4567 anonymously, you would dial *675551234567.

Example (UK/Europe): To call 020 7946 0000 anonymously, you would dial 14102079460000.

Important Considerations:

• This method works on most landlines and mobile phones.
• It’s a temporary solution, meaning your number will only be blocked for that specific call.
• Emergency services (like 911 in the US or 999 in the UK) can still see your number even when using this method. This is crucial for safety reasons.
• Some people may be hesitant to answer calls from blocked numbers, as they are often associated with spam or telemarketing.
• This method doesn’t work in all countries. Check the specific code for your region.

2. Using Your Phone’s Settings to Block Caller ID

Most smartphones allow you to block your caller ID by default, meaning your number will be hidden for all outgoing calls until you change the setting back. This is a more permanent solution than using *67 or 141.

Steps (iPhone):

1. Open the Settings app: Locate and tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap “Phone”: Find the “Phone” option in the settings menu and tap on it.
3. Tap “Show My Caller ID”: In the Phone settings, tap on the “Show My Caller ID” option.
4. Toggle the switch to the “Off” position: This will disable your caller ID for all outgoing calls. The switch will appear white or grey when turned off.

Steps (Android): The steps may vary slightly depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer and version, but the general process is similar:

1. Open the Phone app: Open the Phone app that you use to make calls.
2. Tap the Menu icon (usually three dots or lines): Look for a menu icon, typically located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap “Settings”: From the menu, select “Settings”.
4. Tap “Calls” or “Calling accounts”: The specific wording may vary, but look for an option related to calls or calling accounts.
5. Tap “Caller ID” or “Additional settings”: Again, the exact wording may differ. You might need to tap “Additional settings” to find the Caller ID option.
6. Select “Hide number” or “Unknown”: Choose the option that hides your phone number from being displayed.

Important Considerations:

• Once you disable your caller ID in your phone’s settings, it will remain disabled until you change it back. Remember to re-enable it when you want your number to be displayed.
• As with the *67 and 141 methods, emergency services can still see your number.
• Be aware that some people may be less likely to answer calls from blocked numbers.
• The exact steps for disabling caller ID may vary depending on your phone’s operating system and manufacturer. Consult your phone’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your device.

3. Using a Burner App

Burner apps provide temporary phone numbers that you can use for making calls and sending texts without revealing your real phone number. These apps are particularly useful for situations where you need a disposable phone number for privacy or security reasons.

How Burner Apps Work:

Burner apps typically work by providing you with a second phone number (or multiple numbers) that is separate from your primary phone number. When you make a call or send a text using the burner app, the recipient will see the burner number instead of your real number. You can then dispose of the burner number when you no longer need it.

Popular Burner Apps:

• Burner: This is one of the most well-known and popular burner apps. It offers a range of features, including the ability to create multiple burner numbers, customize voicemail greetings, and block unwanted callers.
• Hushed: Hushed is another popular burner app that offers similar features to Burner. It allows you to create temporary phone numbers for calling, texting, and voicemail.
• TextFree: While primarily a texting app, TextFree also allows you to make free calls to other TextFree users and offers the option to purchase a phone number for making calls to non-TextFree users.
• Google Voice: While not strictly a burner app, Google Voice provides a free phone number that you can use for calling and texting. It’s a more permanent solution than burner apps but can still be used to mask your real phone number.

Steps for Using a Burner App (General):

1. Download and install a burner app: Choose a burner app from the app store (e.g., Burner, Hushed, TextFree) and download it to your smartphone.
2. Create an account: Open the app and create an account. You may need to provide an email address or phone number for verification purposes.
3. Purchase or obtain a burner number: Most burner apps require you to purchase a burner number, typically through a subscription or pay-as-you-go plan. Some apps may offer a free trial period or a free number with limited features.
4. Make a call: Once you have a burner number, you can use the app to make calls and send texts. The recipient will see your burner number instead of your real number.

Important Considerations:

• Burner apps typically require a subscription or payment for a burner number. Be sure to check the pricing and features before signing up.
• While burner apps provide a good level of privacy, they are not completely anonymous. The app provider may still have access to your usage data.
• Avoid using burner apps for illegal or unethical activities.
• Read the app’s terms of service and privacy policy before using it.

4. Using a VoIP Service

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services allow you to make calls over the internet instead of using a traditional phone line. Many VoIP providers offer the option to mask your caller ID or use a different phone number for outgoing calls.

How VoIP Services Work:

VoIP services convert your voice into digital data and transmit it over the internet. This allows you to make calls from your computer, smartphone, or a dedicated VoIP phone. Because VoIP calls are made over the internet, they can be routed through different servers, making it possible to hide your real phone number.

Popular VoIP Services:

• Skype: Skype is a popular VoIP service that allows you to make calls to other Skype users for free. You can also purchase Skype Credit to make calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide. Skype offers the option to display your Skype number as your caller ID or hide it altogether.
• Google Voice: As mentioned earlier, Google Voice is a free VoIP service that provides a phone number for calling and texting. You can use Google Voice to make calls from your computer or smartphone and choose whether to display your Google Voice number as your caller ID.
• Vonage: Vonage is a paid VoIP service that offers a range of features, including unlimited calling, voicemail, and caller ID management. Vonage allows you to choose which phone number to display as your caller ID for outgoing calls.
• MagicJack: MagicJack is another paid VoIP service that offers a similar range of features to Vonage. It allows you to make unlimited calls to the US and Canada and provides options for managing your caller ID.

Steps for Using a VoIP Service to Make Anonymous Calls (General):

1. Sign up for a VoIP service: Choose a VoIP service from the list above or another provider that meets your needs and sign up for an account.
2. Download and install the VoIP app or software: Download and install the VoIP app or software on your computer or smartphone.
3. Configure your caller ID settings: In the VoIP app or software, look for settings related to caller ID. You should be able to choose whether to display your phone number, hide it, or use a different phone number as your caller ID.
4. Make a call: Once you have configured your caller ID settings, you can use the VoIP app or software to make calls. The recipient will see the caller ID that you have chosen.

Important Considerations:

• VoIP services typically require a subscription or payment for making calls to landlines and mobile phones. Be sure to check the pricing and features before signing up.
• The level of privacy offered by VoIP services can vary. Some providers may collect and store your call data. Read the service’s privacy policy before using it.
• Ensure that you have a stable internet connection when making VoIP calls, as poor internet connectivity can affect call quality.
• As with other methods, avoid using VoIP services for illegal or unethical activities.

5. Using a Calling Card

While less common today, calling cards provide a way to make calls from public phones or even your own phone without revealing your personal number directly to the recipient. The recipient might see the calling card’s access number or a generic number instead of your actual phone number.

How Calling Cards Work:

Calling cards typically work by providing you with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) that you use to access the calling card’s network. When you make a call using a calling card, you first dial an access number, then enter your PIN, and finally enter the phone number you want to call. The calling card company then connects the call for you.

Steps for Using a Calling Card:

1. Purchase a calling card: You can purchase calling cards from various retailers, such as convenience stores, gas stations, and online retailers.
2. Scratch off the PIN: On the back of the calling card, there will be a PIN that is covered by a scratch-off layer. Scratch off the layer to reveal the PIN.
3. Dial the access number: Dial the access number that is printed on the calling card.
4. Enter your PIN: When prompted, enter your PIN.
5. Enter the phone number: Enter the phone number you want to call, including the area code and country code if necessary.
6. Make the call: The calling card company will then connect the call for you.

Important Considerations:

• Calling cards typically have expiration dates. Be sure to use the card before it expires.
• Calling card rates can vary depending on the destination and the calling card company. Check the rates before making a call.
• Be aware of hidden fees, such as connection fees and maintenance fees.
• Calling cards may not be the most convenient option for making frequent calls, as you need to dial the access number and PIN each time.

6. Using a Public Phone

Using a public phone is a traditional method for making anonymous calls. Since public phones are not associated with any specific individual, they provide a high level of anonymity.

How to Use a Public Phone:

1. Locate a public phone: Public phones are becoming increasingly rare, but you may still be able to find them in some public places, such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
2. Insert coins or use a calling card: Depending on the public phone, you may need to insert coins or use a calling card to make a call.
3. Dial the phone number: Dial the phone number you want to call.
4. Make the call: The recipient will see the public phone’s number on their caller ID, or the call might appear as “Unknown.”

Important Considerations:

• Public phones are becoming increasingly rare and may not be available in all areas.
• Public phones may not be well-maintained and may have poor call quality.
• Using a public phone may not be the most convenient option, as you need to physically locate a public phone and have coins or a calling card available.

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Use

It’s important to use anonymous calling responsibly and ethically. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Avoid using anonymous calling for illegal activities: Do not use anonymous calling for harassment, threats, fraud, or any other illegal purposes.
• Be transparent when possible: In many situations, it’s better to be transparent and identify yourself. Anonymous calling should be used as a last resort when privacy is a concern.
• Respect the recipient’s privacy: Be mindful of the recipient’s privacy and avoid calling them at inappropriate times or for inappropriate purposes.
• Be aware of the limitations of anonymity: Remember that anonymous calling is not completely foolproof. Law enforcement agencies may be able to trace anonymous calls in certain circumstances.

When to Use Anonymous Calling

Here are some legitimate situations where you might want to use anonymous calling:

• Reporting a crime or suspicious activity: If you’re reporting a crime or suspicious activity and fear retaliation, anonymous calling can protect your identity.
• Contacting a business for the first time: You might want to use anonymous calling when contacting a business for the first time to inquire about their services without revealing your personal information.
• Making a complaint: If you’re making a complaint about a product or service, anonymous calling can protect you from potential harassment or discrimination.
• Protecting your privacy from telemarketers: Anonymous calling can prevent telemarketers from obtaining your phone number and adding you to their call lists.
• Calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time: You might want to use anonymous calling when calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time to gauge their reaction before revealing your identity.

Conclusion

Making an anonymous call can be a valuable tool for protecting your privacy in various situations. By understanding the different methods available and using them responsibly, you can control who sees your phone number and when. Whether you choose to use *67, your phone’s settings, a burner app, a VoIP service, a calling card, or a public phone, remember to prioritize ethical considerations and use anonymous calling only when necessary and for legitimate purposes. Always remember that emergency services can still see your number, and avoid using these methods for illegal or harmful activities. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you can confidently make anonymous calls while safeguarding your personal information.