Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing incoming telephone calls includes structure and process steps whereby an incoming telephone calling signal having a data message associated therewith is received. The data message is processed to determine whether it is a first type of message or a second type of message. An alert signal is output only if the received data message is determined to be a first type of message. Preferably, the alert signal is a ring signal, and the first type of message is an ICLID message indicating the identification of the telephone call initiator or calling party. If the incoming signal is detected as an ICLID PRIVATE signal, the phone ringer will not be activated, an off-hook signal will be returned to the caller, and a display device will indicate that the received call is an ICLID PRIVATE phone call.