Digital Armor: Using Virtual Numbers to Shield Your Identity
The Concept: Treat your primary mobile number like your National Insurance number—give it only to trusted entities (bank, doctor, family). For everyone else (pizza delivery, Gumtree buyers, random websites), use a disposable "virtual" number.
Every time you enter your phone number into a "required field" on a website, you are potentially handing it over to data brokers, marketing lists, and eventually, scammers. Once your number is out there, you can't get it back. The solution? Don't give them your real number in the first place.
What is a Virtual Number?
A virtual number is a telephone number that isn't tied to a specific SIM card or landline wire. It lives in an app on your smartphone. When someone calls the virtual number, the app rings. You can answer it just like a normal call, but the caller never sees your "real" private number.
When Should You Use One?
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1. Buying & Selling Online (Gumtree/Facebook/eBay)
You're selling an old sofa. You put your number in the ad. The sofa sells, but your number remains on the internet forever. Use a virtual number and delete it once the item is sold. -
2. Online Dating
Moving from a dating app to WhatsApp? Use a secondary number. If the person turns out to be a creep or a stalker, you can delete the number and they have no way to reach you. -
3. Sign-Up Forms & Quotes
Need a car insurance quote but don't want 50 callbacks? Use a virtual number.
How to Get One (UK Options)
1. WhatsApp Business (Free)
You can have both the standard WhatsApp and "WhatsApp Business" apps on the same phone.
- The Trick: Use an old landline number or a cheap Pay-As-You-Go SIM to verify the Business account.
- Result: You now have a second WhatsApp account for "public" use, keeping your personal one private.
2. "Burner" Apps (Paid)
Apps like Burner, Hushed, or TextMe allow you to rent a UK mobile number for a small monthly fee (often £3-£5).
- Pros: You can "burn" (delete) the number instantly if it starts getting spam. You can text and call from the app.
- Cons: Monthly subscription cost.
3. Skype Number
Skype allows you to buy a UK landline number (e.g., 020 London code) that rings on your Skype app. This is great for freelancers who want a "business line" without installing a new phone line.
