Privacy Protection: A Way to Keep Your Phone Number Private

In 2023, people quietly leave contact information online without even thinking about the consequences, and they can be unpleasant. For example, many online services require you to provide your phone number during the registration process to confirm your identity. This seems correct and logical. However, in this way, you expose yourself to danger. Experts told us how to put your phone number on the web and leave it to strangers with no danger to yourself. Also, we will tell you why you should be very careful about sharing your phone number and what it can threaten you with.

What is a Virtual Phone Number to Receive SMS Online?

An SMS virtual number (SMS virtual number) is a special type of phone number that is not tied to an actual physical device or SIM card, but is capable of receiving SMS messages. These numbers are created and managed by virtual services and are used for a variety of purposes, including anonymous registrations on websites and applications, and for privacy purposes.

What Can Be The Threat of Sharing Your Phone Number Online?

• Spam and calls. Some websites and online stores sell their customer database to third parties, most often phone numbers. In this case, you risk getting into the database of “spammers” and you will start getting calls with various annoying advertising offers. This is not a serious threat, but it will ruin your nerves a bit.
• Search for information. In this age of technology, just by one phone number you can learn a lot about a person, up to his address and financial situation. An attacker can find your social media page and get information from your profile.
• Fraud. This is the worst thing that can happen. Scammers are constantly coming up with different schemes to defraud you. They most often use phone numbers for this purpose. It happens that criminals call and offer different interesting services or introduce themselves as bank or police officers. It is especially dangerous if the fraudsters get your phone number, which is tied to a bank card.

However, your phone number is required for registration on many websites and when placing ads. In order not to become a victim of deception, it is worth using and remembers a few important rules:

• Only entrust your number to reliable and trusted sources. When registering on websites or applications, it is preferable to use your phone number only on resources that you consider reliable and trusted. If you don’t trust a website, use a virtual phone number. 
• Read the privacy policy. Before providing your phone number, read the service’s privacy policy. Make sure they promise to protect your personal information and not share it with third parties without your consent.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). If the service provides the option to enable two-factor authentication, take advantage of this feature. This will increase the security of your account.
• Do not share SMS codes or passwords. Never share SMS codes or passwords received via SMS, phone or messaging. Fraudsters may try to intercept them.
• Be careful about publicly sharing your number. Don’t post your phone number in public places such as social media, forums and public directories.

If there is a choice of leaving a phone number or email, it is better to specify the second option. In this case, no one will recognize your data. But if confirming the number is a mandatory step, the best solution is to use a virtual phone number.