How Virtual Phone Numbers Can Help Protect Your Identity

Do you give your phone number freely when you sign up for a shopping website or meet a new acquaintance? If so, you should know that criminals can use your phone number to steal identities.

For example, scammers might try Evil (Incognito) Your legitimate phone number pretends to be you, to communicate with your friends and family. Or they may try a SIM swap scam, porting your phone number to a SIM card in their possession to capture your personal accounts.

One way you can help protect your identity is by hiding a virtual phone number linked to your home or mobile phone. Here’s how it works.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

Virtual phone numbers are ten-digit numbers created online that are not tied to a single location or device. You can use them to make and receive phone calls from your laptop, mobile phone and other devices.

You can link virtual phone numbers with your existing phone numbers Then, when you make a call, you have the option to use your virtual phone number instead of the number associated with your phone. And if someone calls your virtual number, that call can be routed to your landline or cell phone. You can even send and receive text messages.

There are several virtual phone number companies, but many are ready for business because virtual phone numbers are suitable for business lines and remote employees. However, some low cost and free options, such as Google Voice, are suitable for personal use.

How Virtual Phone Numbers Can Protect You

Criminals can scam using your phone number, but first they need to know what it is. If your phone number is listed on social media, data is compromised or otherwise compromised, your number is at risk for exploitation.

This is where the virtual phone numbers come in You can use them instead of your existing phone number to reduce your exposure For example, whenever you sign up for a website or app, list your number online, or share your number with someone you know, you can use your virtual phone number. This helps protect your privacy and limit the number of people and organizations who have access to your “official” phone number.

Scammers cannot run SIM switching scams on virtual phone numbers because the number is not linked to a SIM card. And friends and family who have your landline or mobile number will be able to more easily identify an impersonator using your virtual number.

Phone numbers are valuable information, but unfortunately, they are often unprotected Consider using a virtual phone number for your protection