The practice of concealing one’s caller identification (caller ID) during a telephone call is achieved through various methods, thereby preventing the recipient from viewing the caller’s number. For instance, dialing *67 before the intended recipient’s number in North America will typically block the transmission of caller ID information. This action results in the recipient’s phone displaying “Private Number,” “Blocked Number,” or similar designations.
Concealing caller ID can be valuable in scenarios requiring privacy, such as contacting customer service to avoid subsequent solicitations or making discreet inquiries without revealing personal contact information. Historically, the ability to block caller ID emerged as a countermeasure to the growing use of caller ID services, offering users a means to control the distribution of their phone number. The practice allows individuals a measure of control over their personal data when initiating communication.
