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If you’re like us, then you’d prefer to keep your personal number out of the hands of strangers. Giving out your phone number online is basically an open invitation for phone calls and texts — the annoying kind that makes you want to turn off your phone and cancel your service.
The tricky thing is that even if you’re cautious about giving out your phone number, you’ll still get the occasional request for verification. These are becoming more common as online services are trying to beef up their security. While well-intentioned, they mean giving out your phone number, which is always risky.
Fortunately, you can use a temporary phone number to access your account and keep your personal number private.
Why Do Some Services Require Phone Number Verification?
In the ever-evolving digital age, it’s getting harder and harder for online services to maintain the authenticity of users. The rise of artificial intelligence has made it challenging to ensure a secure environment online.
Many businesses are turning to various authentication methods to help battle back. The goal is to use this process as a way to confirm that you’re an actual person and not an automated bot or malicious actor.
Phone number verification is among the most popular of these methods. By requiring a phone number, these services can use two-factor authentication to keep your account secure. It involves using something that you know (like a password) and something you possess (like a phone).
This extra layer of security can help maintain the integrity of the user base and help protect their data.
What Are Temporary Phone Numbers?
Temporary phone numbers, sometimes referred to as virtual numbers, are phone numbers that are independent of specific phone lines or devices. These digital numbers are born and bred online, where they serve their purpose and are maintained by service providers.
Despite these differences, temporary numbers function much like regular numbers. You can use them to make calls, send texts, receive voicemails, and even use them for verification purposes.
However, the key difference lies in their ability to offer anonymity and flexibility. With a temporary phone number, you're basically giving your personal phone number a digital mask to keep it hidden. You can use it for various purposes online (and off) without your personal contact information.
Another important benefit is these temporary numbers aren't set in stone. You can get a different one, add another one, or drop all of them as per your needs. This ability can be particularly useful when you want to avoid unwanted follow-ups or start encountering spam.
How Can Temporary Phone Numbers Help With Verification?
While we’re constantly signing up for new services or making online purchases, verification has become a common part of the process, and it’s not going away anytime soon. That's where temporary phone numbers come in handy. It works the same way as it would for your regular number, except there are more benefits.
When you use a temporary phone number for verification, you're putting a protective layer between your personal information and the online world. Any verification texts or calls will go to this temporary number, not your personal line.
This approach not only shields your personal number from potentially being exposed but also helps you organize your communications better. You can better separate the different aspects of your life into different compartments.
Plus, even if a temporary number ever falls into the wrong hands, you can simply dispose of it and get a new one, all while keeping your personal number safe and secure. There’s nothing to lose!
Where Can I Get a Free Temporary Phone Number for Verification?
There are several providers in the market that offer free temporary phone numbers for verification. Here's a quick rundown of some popular options:
- Google Voice: This service by Google provides a free phone number that can be used for calls, text messages, and voicemail. It works on smartphones and computers and syncs across your devices. However, it's only available in the U.S., only works with other Google apps, and has caps.
- TextNow: TextNow offers a free phone number and ad-supported calling and texting, even without a SIM card. It's a solid choice, but the free version comes with ads which can be annoying, and call quality can be inconsistent.
- Free Tone: Free Tone provides a free phone number for calling and messaging in the U.S. and Canada. However, it’s not available in Hawaii, Alaska, or other U.S. territories and has an incoming call limit of 500 minutes.
- Hushed: Hushed offers a free 3-day trial for a temporary phone number. It's a fine option for very short-term needs, but you'd need to purchase a plan for long-term use. Some users haven’t been thrilled with their experience, so read the reviews first.
- Telos: Telos provides a free second phone number with the option to add multiple lines. While it offers a host of features, the free version is ad-supported, making it a hassle to use for verification purposes.
How Does Burner Compare to These Options?
Burner stands out from the crowd because we're more than just a provider of temporary numbers. We give you a personal command center for managing and organizing your communications.
With Burner, you can have multiple numbers, each with its own identity. You can assign each number a unique voicemail, line name, and color. It's like having several phones in one but without the added weight in your pocket.
Unlike many other services, Burner provides the flexibility to create and manage as many numbers as you need, making it an ideal choice for practically anyone. Whether you want to separate work calls from personal ones or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with enhanced privacy, Burner is a reliable and efficient solution.
Of course, if all you’re looking for is a phone number for a quick verification, you can start our free seven-day trial to get one. You can experience Burner's benefits for yourself and decide if you want to continue.
Are There Any Risks or Limitations to Using Temporary Phone Numbers?
While temporary phone numbers are a great tool for managing your communications, it's important to be aware of their limitations. For instance, some services might not accept temporary numbers for verification, as they may perceive them as less reliable or secure.
Also, online services reserve the right to authenticate your account at any time. If you use a temporary number to sign up and get rid of the number, then you might be locked out of your account. It might be better to make that temporary number more permanent by signing up for a plan.
Get a Temporary Phone Number
Using temporary phone numbers offers a range of benefits beyond keeping your phone number safe from verifications. From enhanced privacy to improved organization, they're a reliable tool for keeping your personal number secure.
And with Burner, managing these numbers becomes a breeze. Download Burner today, start your free trial, and experience the joy of being anonymous. With Burner, you can confidently tackle the digital world, knowing your personal number is safe and secure.
Sources
The 15 Biggest Risks Of Artificial Intelligence | Forbes
Use These 6 User Authentication Types to Secure Networks | TechTarget
Use Two-factor Authentication to Protect Your Accounts | FTC Consumer Advice
