Whether you're getting quotes from car dealers, setting up an online dating account or returning a work call from your personal phone, there are times when keeping your phone number private makes sense. Fortunately there are options for short term anonymous "burner" numbers, virtual phone lines and caller ID blocking. Here's what I recommend.
1. Use a Temporary "Burner" Number
For a temporary disposable number, I like Burner (available in your browser and as an app for iOS and Android). Like a regular cellphone plan, you can choose from prepaid or subscription, which auto renews. Both cost $4.99 per month. The prepaid Picture Burner package comes with 100 messages (with or without photos), 50 minutes or 30 days, whichever comes first. Or, you can subscribe with unlimited talk and texts for $4.99 per month or pay $47.99 upfront for a year.
2. Use a Free Long-Term Private Number
For a more permanent calling solution, I recommend Google Voice. You get unlimited calling within the U.S. for free as well as voicemail, call screening and do not disturb, among other features. To receive a call or text, you'll need a smartphone or computer with Internet access and the Google Voice app (free for iOS and Android). Or, you can choose to forward all of your Google Voice calls and texts to an existing number. Outbound calls made with the Google Voice app will show your Google Voice number, instead of your real number.
3. Block Your Outbound Caller ID
If you don’t want to use your disposable phone number minutes, you can block your outbound Caller ID by turning it off in your phone’s call "settings" on your mobile phone, setting it up in your phone management software if you use a digital phone service or dial *67 before the number on a regular landline phone or cell phone (for both you'll need to use the country code, so it would look like *6712125551212). Your number will appear as unavailable. Here are steps to block your number permanently on Android, iPhones and landline phones. However, you may not want to permanently block your caller ID because some people choose to set up their phones to automatically block incoming private numbers or choose to not answer calls when the caller is listed as "Private."
[Editor's Note: *67 will not work when calling toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) and emergency services, like 911.]
While I value openness — even when it comes to Caller ID, I can see real value in protecting my privacy in a situation where I would be dealing with strangers. It’s safer and smarter.
Updated Burner pricing and package information on 3/21/2022
[woman dialing smartphone via Shutterstock]
No "Burner" on iApp store
From Bcap on July 28, 2014 :: 11:58 am
Found other similar, but not “Burner” as described
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Click link in story
From Josh Kirschner on July 28, 2014 :: 1:15 pm
The link in the story will take you to the app on iTunes or you can find it here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/Burner/id505800761?mt=8
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