Privacy and security are two primary concerns for both organizations and customers. One of the most accessible forms of information in the modern digital age is the phone number. In almost 80% of cases, consumers must use their telephone numbers to make purchases online, pay money digitally, find directions, or perform other tasks. This frequently exposes these customers’ phone numbers to numerous sources, increasing the likelihood of data breaches, theft, and misuse.
The use of mask phone numbers has, therefore, become necessary. For some, masking their cell phone number is a way to avoid unwanted calls or other forms of harassment, while for others, it’s just a matter of protecting their privacy. This blog will give a detailed analysis of phone number masking, including its meaning, working procedures, and the advantages of using this technology.
What Does It Mean To Mask A Phone Number?
Call masking is a feature of your phone that shows a specific phone number when you make a call.
Phone masking means the practice of keeping the actual phone numbers of two parties who are using their personal cell phones and numbers to communicate. A phone number that is masked or encrypted is the one that appears on the caller ID screen of the subsequent connection.
Businesses can assist customers and agents remain private by using phone number masking, a VoIP function that acts as an enhanced data protection security. Number masking lets two on-call parties communicate without sharing their phone numbers, maintaining their privacy.
Instead of viewing your actual number or extension when you make a call, the receiver gets to see a temporary number that you choose.
The usage of temporary phone numbers allows both parties to interact privately for a specific period, which helps businesses protect their customers’ phone numbers.
A mask phone number is also very simple to use, makes the customer experience better, and keeps personal information safe.
What Is the Difference Between Call Masking and a Virtual Number?
Virtual phone numbers are permanent numbers associated with people or businesses. It is typically used to reduce long-distance calls while also promoting local presence. But it’s not used to safeguard customer privacy.
But with call masking, you can connect two people without disclosing any personal information. It is valid for a limited duration. Calls are redirected to the recipient using a new, masked number after passing through call masking software.
Why Would An Organisation Implement Mask Phone Numbers?
This mechanism has many uses, and the top three are listed below:
Data privacy
Data privacy is the primary and most important reason for using this number. It will safeguard your clients’ and agents’ phone numbers from unauthorized use. Your agent, customer, or third-party hacker cannot misuse the contact information, which may harm your brand. It’s all because of phone number masking.
Business model protection
People often steal clients for cheap benefits. A mask phone number assists in protecting your company and revenues from this type of issue. Since no one gets the real phone number, it’s almost hard to talk about making more deals at affordable prices. This protects your company, revenue, and business strategy.
Streamlined call tracking
In addition to providing other benefits, call tracking is a necessity for many organizations to ensure service quality. Recording all calls for quality checks becomes a challenge when your agents’ direct numbers are involved. A phone number masking tool makes this easier. You can log and record calls for quality assurance.
How Can Call Masking Safeguard Your Number?
A person can hide their phone number with a mask phone number. People who are well-known but yet value their privacy will find this service useful.
Through call masking, one can hide their contact information by having an outbound caller display a “proxy” phone number. Several kinds of call masking software recycle the phone numbers after a specified time duration has passed, assigning new ones to each participant.
Call masking features are critical for maintaining your privacy. Call masking lets remote workers use their own devices without sharing their personal information.
How Does A Mask Phone Number Work?
It is an easy procedure. The goal is to establish a connection between two people without revealing their phone numbers to one another. Call masking software hides phone numbers.
Although phone masking has been a trend in the industry for many years, it has recently gained popularity as a result of consumers’ growing concern for data privacy and the rising demand for secure communication. Many companies offer solutions or mask phone numbers. The simplicity and relevance of these numbers will determine which one your company chooses to use.
The following is a simplified step-by-step guide to how it operates, prepared by qualified professionals.
- A pool of temporary masked phone numbers will be available.
- The system automatically selects a number from the pool for communications. The consumer and agent must converse via your application, which masks their phone numbers, to use this feature.
- This number will connect the customer with the agent by acting as a bridge, routing and connecting their calls. Both parties can converse as they normally would.
- Remove the proxy number from the list and discard it after call completion and disconnect.
This implies that neither the representative nor the consumer may use the same number after the conversation ends. Your business app can help them reconnect by creating another communication route.
The Advantages of Call Masking
Call masking helps businesses of all sizes gain customer trust. Some advantages of call masking include the following:
- Secure Your Telephone Number: Protect your number against unauthorized calls by using the Call Masking feature. An unused phone number can hide your call, allowing you to secure both the number and your privacy.
- Use Main Number: Your company’s main phone number is the one that receives all business calls.
- Control the Callers: You have complete control over every call that reaches you. Those who want to contact you directly can use your extension.
- Boost Sales: Call masking is a technique used to attract local customers. Local calls can be answered directly instead of sent to voicemail.
- Maintain Customer Privacy: Calls are encrypted end-to-end using the call masking server, protecting customer data.
- Monitoring and Call Tracking: Monitoring and recording all incoming and outgoing conversations between agents and clients is necessary for data analysis and quality control.
- Real-Data Perspectives: Call logs provide valuable insights into call performance, which increases customer engagement and assesses agent efficiency.
Conclusion
Call masking is the process of hiding your real phone number and giving other people an imitation to keep you safe. Maintaining the privacy of customers’ phone numbers is a crucial step in earning their trust and confidence. Customers feel comfortable using your products and services when their mask phone number is used. By remaining anonymous, they can also take advantage of several other benefits. However, with this small investment, your company can set up a strong brand that emphasizes service and experience.
I'm experienced SEO expert currently working at Fonada, a leading provider of cloud telephony solutions. With 3+ years in the digital marketing industry, he leverages his technical knowledge of search engine optimization and analytics to boost website visibility and traffic for Fonada's suite of customer experience solutions.