Here’s How to Get the Secret Phone Number You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you think that your phone number is the “one number” for life, you have another thing coming. You may have been using it for a year, a decade, or even an eternity. You may have given it to friends, social media, or an online store. This is where the danger can start to happen. It is a magnet for thieves looking to steal your bank account details or even your identity. It can wreak havoc on your privacy and mess up your digital life. Here’s how you can prevent this from happening: getting a secret phone number.

It may not be a 100% fool-proof solution, but it’s an excellent start. Below are a few things you need to know:

Your Privacy

Think about the last time you changed your phone number. Many people are actually proud of having a single number for the longest time possible. What they don’t know is that this can be a threat to your privacy and your sanity.

There are such companies that are called “data brokers,” they get people’s phone numbers through various means. You may not have heard of Spy Dialer Inc. or Applecart, but you can be sure they have heard of you. You may have given them your number through your doctor’s office or a frequent shopper card. Whatever route they used, you’re still at risk.

A secret phone number will prevent shady marketers from getting hold of your first phone number. You can use it as a “junk number,” as you have the option not to tie it with your real name. Think of it as a secondary email that you use to sign up for random discount codes or memberships.

Your Security

Know that in the unfortunate event that your phone number gets into the wrong hands, anything can happen. From gaining access to your voicemail or hacking your financial details, a second phone number can help you avoid these. 

Hackers may find it challenging to get into your online accounts, but with the help of your phone number, it becomes easy. You can use a secret phone number that you will link to these accounts. This will help lessen the risk of your accounts being hacked.

Consider this second phone number as a throwaway number that you can ditch once it serves its purpose. You can then get a new one and start all over.

Get a Second Line

Now that you’re convinced that a second number can prevent you from falling victim to many online thefts and hacking, it’s time to get one. How do you go about it? Get a second phone line.

Although it will cost you, think of the safety and security a second number will give you. You can buy a new SIM card, preferably one that is prepaid. You can easily insert it into your phone and use it as you would your first number. Most smartphones nowadays come with two SIM slots, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

You can also use apps specifically for this purpose. A few good examples would be Burner, CoverMe, Hushed, or Flyp. While these are seen as band-aid solutions, they are still significant measures in protecting your privacy, security, and identity. 

Do this while we wait for the system to find ways that won’t require us to tie our phone numbers to our accounts and identities. Many people will find these solutions to be burdensome and would not like the idea of having a secret phone number. However, prevention is still better than finding the cure.

And for other news, stories, and tips, read more here at Owner’s Mag!