How to Call Someone Privately: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Have you ever needed to call someone but didn’t want them to know it was you? Maybe you’re planning a surprise party, or you want to get a second opinion from a colleague without them knowing it’s you. Whatever the reason, calling someone privately is an important skill to have in today’s world. In this article, we’ll explore several different methods for calling someone privately and provide step-by-step instructions on how to use each one.

Using *67

*67 is a call blocking feature that allows you to hide your phone number when making a call. When you dial *67 before the phone number, the person you’re calling won’t be able to see your phone number on their caller ID. This is a quick and easy way to call someone privately if you want to keep it simple.

To use *67:

1. Dial *67 before the phone number you want to call
2. Make the call as usual

It’s important to note that not all phone carriers support *67, and some people may have blocked anonymous calls on their phone, so this method may not always work.

Using a Burner App

A burner app allows you to create a temporary phone number that you can use to call and text people without revealing your real phone number. These apps are particularly useful if you need to make multiple calls or texts to the same person without revealing your identity.

Some popular burner apps include:

• Burner
• Hushed
• MySudo
• CoverMe

To use a burner app:

1. Download and install the app on your phone
2. Follow the app’s instructions to create a new temporary phone number
3. Use this temporary phone number to make calls or send texts to the person you want to contact

Keep in mind that burner apps may not be free, and you may need to pay for call minutes or texts. Additionally, some people may be suspicious of receiving calls from a temporary phone number and may not answer.

Using a Landline

If you’re looking for a reliable way to call someone privately, using a landline may be a good option. Landlines don’t have caller ID features, so it’s impossible for the person you’re calling to know who’s on the other end of the line. This method is especially useful if you want to make sure your call is secure and can’t be traced back to you.

To use a landline:

1. Find a landline phone (either at home or in a public place)
2. Dial the person’s phone number
3. Make the call as usual

One potential drawback of using a landline is that you may not have easy access to one. Additionally, if someone is already using the phone (or if the line is busy), you won’t be able to make your call.

Using a Voice Over IP Service

Voice over IP (VoIP) services allow you to make phone calls over the internet. In many cases, this means you can use a fake phone number (or a temporary VoIP number) to call someone privately. This method is often easier and more convenient than using a landline, and it can be a good option if you need to make a lot of calls to the same person or if you’re calling from a remote location.

Some popular VoIP services include:

• Skype
• Zoom
• WhatsApp
• Google Voice

To use a VoIP service:

1. Download and install the app on your phone or computer
2. Create a new account (if necessary)
3. Follow the app’s instructions to make a call using your fake or temporary phone number

One potential downside to using a VoIP service is that you may need to have a strong internet connection to make calls. In addition, some people may not be familiar with these services and may be hesitant to answer a call from an unknown number.

Using a Payphone

If you’re truly concerned about your privacy, using a payphone may be the best option. Payphones are public phones that don’t require you to use your own phone number, so you can make a call without revealing your identity.

To use a payphone:

1. Find a payphone in a public place
2. Insert the required amount of money into the machine (or use a prepaid phone card)
3. Dial the person’s phone number
4. Make the call as usual

One potential issue with using a payphone is that they’re becoming increasingly rare. You may need to do some research to find a working payphone in your area.

Using a Middleman

If you’re really concerned about your privacy, you may want to consider using a middleman. This means finding someone you trust (such as a friend or family member) to make a call on your behalf.

To use a middleman:

1. Explain the situation to the middleman and ask them to make the call for you
2. Provide them with any necessary information (such as the phone number and what you want to say)
3. Wait for them to make the call and relay the message back to you

The benefit of using a middleman is that you can completely remove yourself from the equation and ensure that your identity remains hidden. However, this method can be time-consuming and may not be feasible for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several different ways to call someone privately, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Whether you choose to use *67, a burner app, a landline, VoIP service, a payphone, or a middleman, it’s important to consider your specific situation and needs before making a decision. Ultimately, the best way to call someone privately will depend on your unique circumstances and personal preferences.

For more information on privacy and security, check out resources such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff.org) and the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org).