Privacy is a huge concern everywhere. Especially with something as precious as your own private number, a lot of people are thinking twice before using it to verify their identity. After all, we’ve all seen even the biggest corporations become victims of hacks. You probably don’t even give your number except to family and close friends. Why trust the internet with it?
To avoid issues related to privacy, people are looking for alternatives that can be used instead. One of the seen alternatives is the disposable number. Many are talking about how effective it can be, but is this really the case?
If you’re interested to learn more about disposable numbers in general as well as their various potential uses. We’ll also include options in selecting a number sources.
What are disposable numbers? Can they really be used for verification?
Disposable numbers are numbers designed to be used once. After that, it expires. And yes, it can be used for verification.
Particularly, once a text message is sent to the number, it expires. This means you have to get the verification to go smoothly. Otherwise, you may have to pay again.
In what circumstances would using specifically a disposable number be useful?
Let’s be clear. You don’t need one to complete any verification process. You can just as easily use your private number for such purposes. But in some circumstances or in situations where you have some concerns, a disposable number may be a better option. These are some of those situations:
- The service isn’t available in your country
Let’s say that for some wild reason, Facebook got banned in your country. Even though you have an existing account, you can’t access it anymore unless you’re using VPN.
Because you can’t monitor your account as much as you used to, it’s more susceptible to hacking. Therefore, it pays to attach a new number as part of the two-step verification. This way, even though you’re not using it anymore, you’re confident that no one will get inside. Rest assured that you can still use the same number once you’re ready to regularly access the account again.
- You’re not sure about the site’s security
Your privacy is worth more than a few dollars. Because you can get a temporary number for as low as $1, it makes sense to go this route instead. Maybe you need something from the site, but they’re asking for a number.
But when we talk about security, it’s not just about being hacked. It’s also about the relative difficulty to get out of contact with the website should you want to.
Where can you get a disposable number?
If you want to get a disposable number, here are a few of your options:
- Telecom providers
We’re confident in recommending that telecom providers like Virtnum are your best option when it comes to temporary numbers. They are the best combination of affordability and security that you can find out there.
Most importantly, the more established providers allow you to access the number again should you need it. And the fee? It’s as low as $1. Most of them allow various payment methods, giving you all the convenience you need. Not only are you going to be able to complete the purchase online, but you don’t also need to set up anything for a payment method you’re going to use for the first time.
- Burner phones
This may be a little old school, but burner phones actually come with a number. The problem is you have to buy the phone with it. Depending on the source, there may also be issues with its compatibility with text messaging.
If you’re going with this, make sure to clear it up with the seller beforehand. Or at least, it should be able to receive verification calls. You don’t want to end up wasting money!
- Free sites
There are sites that would generate random phone numbers that you can use for verification. This looks like a good option, but you have to ask yourself: how can they afford to give you free numbers? Whether your security is at stake or not, we’ll never know.
There are various effective options for account verification. But if you’re looking for the best option, VoIP providers are the way to go.