To disguise your cell phone number, dial *67 before the number you call to block your caller ID for that single call. For ongoing privacy, use a second phone number app that generates a temporary or alternate line. Always avoid illegal spoofing that misleads for fraud.
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Compare Plans →Free to compare · No credit check to browse · Affiliate-supportedWhat Does Disguising Your Cell Phone Number?
The direct answer: disguising your cell phone number means preventing the recipient from seeing your real caller ID. This is legal when done without intent to defraud or cause harm. The most common methods include per-call blocking codes, permanent carrier settings, or using a secondary number from an app. According to the FCC, over 75,000 spoofing-related complaints were filed in 2025, but legitimate privacy tools remain widely used and lawful. Always distinguish between hiding your identity (legal) and impersonating someone else (illegal under the Truth in Caller ID Act).
Method 1: *67 Per-Call Blocking
The simplest way to disguise your number is by dialing *67 before the phone number you want to call. This sends a signal to your carrier to block your caller ID for that single call. The recipient will see “Private,” “Blocked,” or “Unknown” instead of your number. This works on almost all major national carriers and landlines. It is free and does not require any app or subscription. However, it does not work for toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) or emergency services (911). For ongoing blocking, you can request permanent per-line blocking from your carrier—but this may affect all calls you make.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (no carrier charges) |
| Works on | Most U.S. landlines and mobile networks |
| Limitations | Not for toll-free numbers or 911 |
| Effect | Shows “Private” or “Blocked” |
Method 2: Second Number Apps
For ongoing privacy, a second number app gives you a separate phone number that rings on your existing device. These apps (often called “burner” or “virtual number” apps) provide a temporary or permanent alternate line. Pricing typically ranges from $5 to $15 per month depending on features like voicemail and text support. You choose the area code, and calls from that number do not reveal your real line. This is ideal for online marketplaces, dating apps, or business use. The Federal Trade Commission advises using such tools to reduce exposure of your primary number to potential scammers.
- Monthly cost: $5–$15
- Provides a real alternate number
- Can be discarded to stop spam
- Works on both mobile operating systems and mobile operating systems devices
Method 3: Carrier Privacy Settings
Most major national carriers offer a permanent caller ID block feature in your account settings. This hides your number on every call you make until you turn it off. To activate, log into your online account or contact customer support. Some budget providers also include this option. Note that blocking your number may cause some recipients to reject the call if they have “Anonymous Call Rejection” enabled. According to the Consumer Expenditure Survey (2025), the average monthly bill for a postpaid plan is $115, and most carriers include this feature at no extra cost. Prepaid plans often charge a small monthly fee (around $3–$5) for additional privacy features.
Legal Warning: Spoofing vs. Disguising
Disguising your number is legal when you are not trying to deceive or harm someone. The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 makes it illegal to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value. Penalties can reach $10,000 per violation. Using *67 or a second number app for legitimate privacy is fine. However, using software to display a fake number (like a bank’s customer service line) to trick someone is illegal. The FCC and FTC jointly enforce these rules, and complaints can be filed at fcc.gov/complaints.