A method and system are described for operating a source communication device. The source communication device receives a first request from a user through a user interface requesting a first communication session with a target communication device. The source communication device transfers a first signal to a network requesting the first communication session with the target communication device, wherein the target communication device provides an overt communication alert for the first communication session. The source communication device receives a second request from the user requesting a second communication session requesting that the target communication device provide a covert communication alert for the second communication session. The source communication device transfers a second signal to the network requesting the second communication session with the target communication device and indicating the request for the covert communication alert, wherein the target communication device provides the covert communication alert for the second communication session.