What Is Anonymous Call Rejection?

Anonymous call rejection is a type of screening and blocking feature offered by many home and mobile telephone service providers. While there are variations in how anonymous call rejection (ACR) functions, most approaches allow subscribers to block callers based on the descriptions that appear on caller ID equipped telephones. This process is similar to filtering and blocking services that are based on the automatic number identification (ANI) that is usually passed through for viewing by the call recipient, but allows the added benefit of blocking inbound calls that are made using some type of masking technology to conceal the true identity of the caller.

Many consumers make use of anonymous call rejection to prevent the receipt of unwanted calls from charities or other types of telemarketers. While the actual process for blocking a call will vary, most will involve using a series of keystrokes on designated keys found on the telephone keypad. By entering the code at the time an unwanted call is placed, the data is saved and added to a block list by the service provider. When that particular caller makes a second attempt using the same caller ID information as before, the caller usually receives a prerecorded message that states the receiving party does not accept private calls. Depending on the structure of the service, the caller may be provided with instructions on how to unmask their identity and allow that data to be transferred to the recipient via the caller ID feature.

While ACR is a relatively common feature on many landline services, it is less likely to be included with a mobile or cellular service. In addition, the scope of protection provided by a given service will vary from one provider to the next. In some instances, subscribers can flag inbound calls for rejection regardless of whether the caller is local, domestic, or international. Other services may allow subscribers to block in-state callers but not national or international ones. Specifics on how to make use of the anonymous call rejection service, as well as what type of calls can be effectively blocked, are usually obtained from the service provider.

The intent of anonymous call rejection is to minimize customer exposure to individuals and businesses that would attempt to engage the call recipient without revealing true information to the recipient in advance. By using the feature, the subscriber can effectively avoid dealing with callers who send information through a caller ID feature that is suspicious. While ACR is usually included as a free feature with telephone service plans, there are some providers who will charge a modest monthly fee for rejecting calls based on caller ID captured information.