A phone call where the originating number is hidden from the recipient, preventing caller identification. This often appears as “Private Number,” “Unknown Number,” or a similar designation on the receiving device’s display. For instance, a business might use number blocking to protect the direct lines of its employees when making outbound calls.
Concealing one’s telephone number offers privacy and can be beneficial in specific circumstances. It can safeguard personal contact information from unwanted solicitation or harassment. Historically, this feature evolved alongside caller ID, providing a countermeasure for individuals or organizations seeking to control the dissemination of their phone numbers.