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Remember those golden days, the adrenaline-charged slumber parties where phoneanonymous calls were our secret mischief? The charm of dialing an unknown number, only to ask if their refrigerator was running?
Gone are those innocent days, replaced by the somber reality of telemarketers spam calls and robocalls. Now, maintaining the privacy of your phone number isn't only a prankster's game; it's a necessity to shield you from those pesky fraudulent calls.
Enter the star performer (quite literally), *67 — your ally for anonymous phone calls and personal privacy.
What Is *67?
Before the era of the smartphone, before apps could obscure our identity with a simple tap, we had humble tricks up our sleeves.
*67, a legacy of the classic landline era, is one such trick that still proves handy in our digital age. Are you dialing from an Android device, an iOS device, or your trusty old landline? Well, no matter which one, *67 is your ticket to making anonymous outgoing calls, ensuring your caller ID is a mystery to your call recipient.
But *67 isn't the only player in this game. Along with it, we have a series of other codes designed to offer control and privacy over your phone communications. Ever needed to block an unknown number from bugging your daily routine? Or perhaps, needed to forward your calls to a different line? Enter *60 and *72, respectively.
While these codes are legal to use (so long as they're not employed for illicit activities such as phishing or scams), they do come with a word of caution. Not every provider treats these codes the same way, especially for toll-free numbers.
For instance, if you’re dialing from a mobile phone in Australia, #31# takes the place of *67.
While you can always use *67 for those prank calls, remember not to abuse these features. After all, privacy is a two-way street.
How Does *67 Work?
You might be wondering how this magic trick works. It's surprisingly simple:
The moment you dial *67, your phone sends a signal to your provider requesting a caller ID block. From that point forward, your outgoing calls become shrouded in mystery, appearing as "private" or a "blocked number" on the recipient's end.
For those unfamiliar with the jargon, think of call forwarding as a postal mail redirection. Just as *72 (the code for call forwarding) directs your calls to a different line, *67 redirects your caller ID, concealing it from appearing on the recipient's phone.
Under "Additional Settings," you’ll find features ready to guard your privacy. Note that the steps to follow may differ slightly depending on your phone, be it an Android or an iOS device.
These codes primarily shield your number during outgoing calls, but they can also come in handy when you're receiving calls. If you're constantly pestered by unknown numbers, these codes can help put a barrier, ensuring your peace of mind.
To sum up, using *67 is like wearing a cloak of invisibility for your phone number, helping you maintain your privacy in an era where spam calls and robocalls are an unfortunate reality. Luckily, with these tools at your disposal, you'll be prepared to tackle them head-on.
When To Use *67
There are some situations where dialing *67 before making an outgoing call isn’t just helpful but necessary. For example, if you've met someone on an online dating site but aren’t sure if you want to give out your personal cell phone number, *67 can help you spark a conversation without risking your privacy.
Likewise, if you've recently purchased a charming piece of furniture from an online retailer and need to arrange delivery, *67 lets you maintain your privacy (i.e., the delivery guy who now knows where you live won’t have your phone number, too).
In this digital age where scams are all too common, keeping your identity safe is crucial, particularly when dealing with new entities.
Whether it's a personal call to a potential partner or even that very first call to an online seller, *67 is a reliable safeguard for your private number.
How To Use *67 on an iPhone
For iPhone users, utilizing the *67 feature is straightforward.
To start, navigate to the "Settings" menu on your iOS device. From there, scroll down and tap on "Phone." Within the "Phone" menu, you'll find a section dedicated to calls. Here, you need to look for the option that says "Show My Caller ID."
You'll notice a toggle switch next to this option. If the switch is green, it means your caller ID is visible to those receiving your calls. To hide your caller ID, simply tap the toggle switch, turning it white or off. Now, all your outgoing calls will show up as "No Caller ID," effectively concealing your number.
All of that said, note that the procedure to hide your caller ID might vary slightly. While the *67 feature is generally free, certain providers may charge for the service or restrict its use, particularly when dialing toll-free numbers.
How To Use *67 on an Android Phone
If you're an Android enthusiast, concealing your phone number is just as simple.
Launch the "Phone" app on your Android device, and locate the search bar on the menu. Here, you'll notice three dots near the dropdown menu. Click on these dots, then select "Settings" from the options that appear.
Once you're in the "Settings" menu, hit the "Calls" button. Next, you'll need to click on "Additional Settings." Within these additional settings, you'll find an option labeled "Caller ID." Click on this option.
A pop-up interface will appear on your device. Select the "Hide Number" icon. And voila! Your phone number will now be hidden during all your outgoing calls, appearing as a "blocked number" to the recipients.
Like iPhone users, Android users need to be aware that the specifics of this process can vary slightly depending on your location and service provider. Always verify the features and costs associated with *67 and caller ID blocking with your service provider before proceeding.
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Are There Any Alternatives to *67?
While *67 is a fantastic feature, it isn't the only method you can employ to protect your privacy when making phone calls. In fact, the advent of smartphone technology has introduced several other ways to maintain your anonymity.
Let's dive into some alternatives that can help you safeguard your identity during both outgoing and incoming calls.
Secondary Phone Number Apps
The ideal option to maintain your privacy is with a secondary phone number app like Burner. This app gives you a second phone number, separate from your primary number, which you can use to make and receive calls.
Burner routes all calls made to your secondary number to your primary phone number. This means you can still use your regular phone but with an additional layer of security. It's an ideal solution for those who are often required to give out their number but want to protect their primary number.
Call-Blocking Apps
If you're frequently plagued by unwanted spam calls or robocalls, consider installing a call-blocking app.
Call-blocking apps can automatically block known spam numbers and even filter out suspected spam calls.
These apps use large databases of known spam numbers and clever algorithms to filter your calls. Some provide caller ID services, giving you more information about who is calling and allowing you to make a more informed decision about whether to pick up the call.
Check With Your Service Provider
Some service providers, like Verizon, offer their own solutions for maintaining privacy during phone calls. They may have features or services designed to hide your number during outgoing calls or to block unwanted incoming calls. Some providers include it as part of the service (you just have to ask to turn it on), while others may charge extra, so be sure to clarify this before moving forward.
Take Control of Your Privacy
In the digital landscape of the modern age, safeguarding your personal information is paramount, and your phone number is one such piece of data that deserves the utmost protection.
Using *67 or similar features helps ensure that your number remains concealed during outgoing calls, whether dialed from a traditional landline or a cutting-edge iOS or Android device.
In addition, numerous alternative solutions are at your disposal. These range from tweaking your caller ID settings in your phone app and using secondary phone number apps like Burner to employing robust call-blocking apps that thwart pesky spam calls and robocalls.
You can also reach out to your service provider to learn about any additional settings or services they offer to bolster your privacy.
Whether you're dialing out from Montreal to New York or anywhere in between, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your personal phone number is safe, and it’s never been more affordable to do so with Burner.
*67 and similar features aren’t just about reviving those nostalgic slumber party prank calls — they can be a vital tool in your digital security arsenal, designed to protect your privacy and ward off potential imposters, allowing you to make phone calls with confidence.
Sources:
Vertical Service Codes - Code Definitions | NANPA
