2026-03-02
There are several ways to make phone calls without revealing your real number. Each method has different levels of privacy, cost, and control over what the recipient sees.
Dialing *67 before a number hides your caller ID on that call. The recipient sees "Private" or "Blocked". This is free and built into all US carriers.
Pros: Free, no setup required
Cons: Many people don't answer blocked calls. Some businesses reject them. Doesn't work for international calls from all carriers.
Using a service like SpoofGlobal, you can display any number you choose instead of showing "Private". This is the most flexible option because you control exactly what the recipient sees.
Pros: Full control over displayed number, works internationally, recipients answer because they see a real number
Cons: Requires a SIP client app and internet connection
Prepaid phones purchased with cash provide a temporary number with no link to your identity. Once depleted, you discard it.
Pros: No link to your identity
Cons: Expensive per call, can't choose the number, must physically purchase
Services like Google Voice give you a second number. Calls show the Google Voice number instead of your real one.
Pros: Free, easy to set up
Cons: Can't choose any number (assigned to you), limited to US/Canada, tied to your Google account
VoIP caller ID spoofing gives you the most control. You choose exactly what number appears, you can change it anytime, and calls go through as normal. Recipients see a real number and answer. It works for any country SpoofGlobal supports.
VoIP caller ID spoofing gives you the most control. Unlike *67 which shows Private, spoofing displays a real number of your choice so recipients actually answer.
Yes, dial *67 before the number on any US cell phone. The recipient sees Private or Blocked. Note that some people and businesses don't answer blocked calls.
All calls can potentially be traced through carrier records with a legal order. *67 hides your number from the recipient but not from the carrier. VoIP calls route through providers that maintain logs.
Contact your carrier to enable permanent caller ID blocking. Or use a VoIP service like SpoofGlobal for all outgoing calls to display a different number instead.