The present invention provides a method for limiting the number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts for a mobile unit. A call is made for a mobile unit. The call request is sent to the MSC associated with the mobile unit. When the mobile unit is not currently active at the MSC, the MSC sends a location request to an SCP. The SCP responds with a return message that includes a temporary location directory number (TLDN) and an indicator. The MSC checks the current number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts being made for the mobile unit. If the current number of simultaneous call forwarding attempts exceeds a threshold, the MSC does not forward the call. If the number of simultaneous attempts does not exceed a threshold, the MSC forwards the call to the mobile unit by sending it to the TLDN.