Phone number masking (Call Masking) is one of the VoIP features that facilitates the masking of real phone numbers of clients and business providers with a designated number. The phenomenon of phone number masking is facilitated by Voice APIs, which are enabled with the help of codes developed by software developers. The masking feature is also available for some SMS text messaging services. To understand the phenomenon better, take a look at this example of service businesses, such as a cab service or food delivery service. A Google study reports that 79percent of people, or clients, are reluctant to share their phone numbers with delivery executives. Hence, call masking is one of the solutions to this problem.
In order to keep data such as phone numbers safe and also provide a quality experience, call masking is used. Call masking is facilitated through call masking software. For example, if a sender is calling the number xyzzy, the call is then routed through the masking software and sent to the receiver of xyzzy. The receiver, too, does not see the original number of the sender. Instead, they see another number, abc. The number is a company-owned number and is generated for a short duration of time. The numbers developed may also be the real numbers used in short codes. (For example, 8095678677 may be written as 809+) The identities of both parties are eventually masked. Similarly, if someone wants to reconnect again to the receiver via call, they can connect to the masked number and their calls will be rerouted to the receiver through the phone number masking software. Similarly, if using masking for sms, the phone number will be masked through SMS text messaging service.
Is Call Masking the Same as a Virtual Number?
Virtual phone numbers are phone numbers that are not associated with a specific phone location. The digitalization of office spaces creates an increasing need for virtual numbers, where there is no need to be in a fixed physical location to answer your phone. Virtual phone numbers are internet-based and are often confused with phone number masking due to similarities. There is a fundamental difference, however, which is that virtual phone numbers are associated with existing telephone numbers. While there is a completely different designated phone number masking the already set up number in phone number masking. Both call masking and virtual numbers serve the common goal of providing quality customer assistance and increasing brand accountability.
Virtual numbers are used by organizations such as Oyo Rooms, Zomato, Just Dial, and Make My Trip. Phone Number Masking is used by various companies, such as Ola and Uber for calls and SMS communication through Global SMS Gateway API Service.
The Benefits of Call Masking
Examples of Call Masking, or Phone Number Masking
Call masking (or phone number masking) is an important method for ensuring secure communication without the risk of data leakage. Call masking is highly business-oriented. However, phone number masking is also used by individuals. Many individuals want to hide their phone numbers. There are many businesses that work efficiently with call masking enabled, with one point of contact. Some examples of the use of call masking in real life are as follows:
Even though we have already gone over the benefits of phone number masking, some individuals do use this security feature. A lot of people are involved in illegal acts such as the sale of drugs, fraudulent acts, and misuse the call masking software.
Despite all these risks, call masking is increasingly becoming the need of the hour. The digitalization of data, remote workspaces, and the growing emphasis on digital security are some of the factors that contribute to the growing importance of call masking. SMS text messaging services further help in masking numbers for SMS communication.
