Lexi Webster
In Australia, a private number is a phone number that is kept hidden or unlisted. This means that when a person with a private number makes a call, their phone number will not be visible to the person receiving the call. This is also known as CND (Caller Number Display) blocking or having a silent number. There are various ways to make your number private in Australia, including dialling a specific code before making a call or requesting a silent number from your telco provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the service | Silent number, unlisted number, private number, CND blocking |
| How to activate | Dial #31# before the number, dial 1831 before the number, request the service from your telco |
| Number visibility | The number will not be visible to the person receiving the call |
| Exceptions | The number will be visible when calling a telco, emergency services, or a business that uses ANI software |
| Additional information | Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, your number will always be visible when sending a text or MMS |
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What You'll Learn
How to make your phone number private
In Australia, a private number is also known as a silent or unlisted number. This means that your phone number will not be displayed when you make a call. However, it may still show up when calling some telcos or emergency services, such as 000 and 112.
If you wish to make your phone number private, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, you can contact your telco and request a silent number. Some telcos may charge a fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around. Alternatively, you can temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis by dialling 1831 from a landline or #31# from a mobile, followed by the number you wish to call. This method will not work when sending text or multimedia messages. Additionally, if you have an Android phone, you can usually block your caller ID by tapping 'Caller ID' in your settings and selecting the option to hide your number.
It is important to note that even with a silent number, your phone number may still be visible to some callers, such as telemarketers. To prevent unwanted calls, you can register your number on the Do Not Call Register. If you have a silent number and it is displayed when calling a business, you can make a privacy complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
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Blocking your caller ID
There are several ways to block your caller ID in Australia, depending on your device and whether you want to block your number permanently or just for a single call.
Temporary block
If you want to block your caller ID for a single call, you can dial #31# followed by the number you want to call. This method works for both mobile phones and landlines. This method is offered by several service providers, including Vodafone and ALDImobile.
Permanent block
If you want to permanently block your caller ID, you can do so through your phone settings or by contacting your service provider.
Phone settings
For Android phones, the process varies depending on the device, but typically involves going to Phone > Settings > Call Settings > More Settings > Caller ID and turning it off. On iPhones, there is a "Show My Caller ID" option that can be toggled off.
Service provider
You can also contact your service provider to request that your caller ID be blocked. For example, Telstra offers an "unlisted service" for a small monthly fee.
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Silent numbers
In Australia, a silent number, also known as an unlisted number, is a phone number that does not show up on the phone of the person you are calling. Telcos are responsible for keeping your phone number private and can provide you with a silent number, sometimes for an ongoing fee. When you sign up for a silent number, your telco automatically blocks your number from appearing on the phones of those you call. However, your number may still be visible when calling some telcos or emergency services, such as 000 and 112. Additionally, if you make your number public, such as by putting it on a flyer or online, telemarketers may obtain it and you could still receive unsolicited calls.
To temporarily block your caller ID for a single call, you can dial 1831 or #31# before the number. This will hide your number from appearing on the recipient's phone. However, it's important to note that your number will still be displayed when sending text or multimedia messages. If you wish to block your caller ID permanently, you can enable an 'unlisted service' or 'silent line' with your telco. Each telco has its own process for activating this service, so be sure to check with your provider.
It's worth mentioning that having a silent number does not prevent your number from being obtained by scammers or telemarketers. Scammers often use technologies that generate random numbers, so they may still reach you even with a silent number. Additionally, if your personal information or unlisted number is disclosed without your authorisation, you can file a complaint with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. They will consider the law, industry practices, and fairness in all circumstances and work to resolve the issue.
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Unlisted numbers
In Australia, you can request a silent number or unlisted number from your telecommunications provider (telco). A silent number does not show up on the phone you are calling, except when calling some telcos or emergency services. Your telco will automatically block your number from appearing on outgoing calls. However, your number may still be discovered by telemarketers, and you may still receive unsolicited calls.
To request a silent number, contact your chosen telco and ask for a silent number. Some telcos may charge an ongoing fee for this service, so it is worth shopping around. You can also temporarily block your caller ID on a call-by-call basis by dialling 1831 or #31# before the number. This will prevent your number from being displayed on the recipient's phone.
It is important to note that if you make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000), your number will always be visible to the operator, even if you have a silent number. This is to assist the emergency services in their work. Additionally, some call centres may use Automatic Number Identification (ANI) software that can override call blocking, so your number may still be visible in certain situations.
If you wish to permanently block your caller ID on all calls, you can do so through your telco. This is known as an "unlisted service" or "unlisted number." Telstra, for example, allows users to enable this feature in My Telstra, and it is included in their unlisted service option. However, it is important to note that this may not stop telemarketing calls, and you may need to register your details on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register to reduce such calls.
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Stopping telemarketing calls
Telemarketing calls are voice calls where the caller aims to sell, advertise, or promote goods or services. In some instances, no prior contact is made or consent provided. If you are receiving unwanted telemarketing calls, there are several actions you can take to stop them.
Firstly, you can register your Australian telephone, mobile, or fax number on the Do Not Call Register. This is a free service provided by the Australian Government, which allows individuals and organisations to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes. It is quick and easy to add your number to the register, either online or by calling 1300 792 958. After registering, telemarketers will have 30 days to stop calling your number. Note that the Do Not Call Register does not block calls, but instead allows businesses to check their calling lists and remove registered numbers. Therefore, you may still receive telemarketing calls from exempt organisations, such as charities, research companies, registered political parties, and educational institutions.
Another option is to change your home phone number to an unlisted or silent number, which will not appear in the print or online White Pages directory. Contact your telecommunications provider to find out how to unlist your number. Additionally, you can ask the caller directly to remove you from their list. If you continue to receive calls from the same organisation, you can submit a direct complaint to them. If that doesn't work, you can contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
To prevent unwanted calls on your mobile phone or landline, you can use call blocking and screening features. Refer to your device's guide to find out how to block calls. For example, Samsung phones have the built-in Hiya app, which blocks spam and telemarketing calls. Alternatively, you can download apps such as TrueCaller, which block calls by matching incoming calls to their database of blacklisted phone numbers. However, be sure to read the privacy policy of any app before downloading it.
If you are receiving scam calls, where the caller is asking for your financial details, report them to Scamwatch or the National Anti-Scam Centre. You can also report scams and instances of fraud to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN), which will assess whether to refer the report to law enforcement agencies for possible investigation. If you have sent money or shared your banking or credit card details, contact your bank immediately to stop or reverse the transaction or lock your account.
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Frequently asked questions
A private number in Australia is a phone number that has been set to not appear on the recipient's phone when they receive a call. This is also known as CND blocking or having a silent number.
To make your phone number private on a call-by-call basis, dial 1831 or #31# before dialling the number you are calling. To permanently block your number, contact your telco and ask for a silent or unlisted number.
No, your number will always be displayed when calling emergency services, even if you have a silent number.
