8 Ways to Use a Second Phone Number Online to Protect Your Privacy

Written By:

Matt Herron
Reviewed By:

Elizabeth Thorn

Practically every new service or app you sign up for often comes with a request for your personal details. It might start off as just a Gmail account, but before you know it, you're being asked for your phone number, area code, residential address, ZIP code, and even your social security number or bank account in some cases.

The digital footprint you leave behind can seem harmless at first. However, the more services you sign up for, the more your personal data is exposed. If this information falls into the wrong hands, like a skilled cyber-criminal, hacker, or scammer with the right tools, then you’ll likely experience identity theft and more.

We want to enlighten you on how often you share your phone number online and how such a simple act can potentially risk your privacy and cybersecurity. That's why we've curated this list, showcasing the numerous ways you can leverage a second phone number to fortify your online privacy.

8 situations where you should use a second phone number instead of your personal number

1. ONLINE SHOPPING

Since the dawn of the digital shopping era, sharing your phone number has become somewhat of a norm. Whether you're ordering a new book, a trendy gadget, or even everyday groceries, online retailers often request your phone number. However, sharing your private phone number can expose you to potential privacy risks. It could lead to unsolicited robocalls and marketing phone calls that tie your phone line up all night and day. That's where Burner comes in. The next time you're eyeing that latest bestseller, consider using a Burner number to complete your purchase while maintaining your privacy.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES

Think about it. The internet is vast and not everyone has the best intentions. There are individuals who might misuse your information, leading to unsolicited calls, spam text messages, or even identity theft. Using a Burner number on your social media profiles adds an extra layer of protection. If you ever feel the need, you can discard that Burner number anytime and get a new phone number, seamlessly maintaining your privacy.

3. DATING APPS

Not every encounter is going to be a fairytale, and you might cross paths with individuals who miss the memo on respecting boundaries. To help you manage these instances, Burner provides a nifty solution: a second phone number. By using a separate number for online dating, you safeguard your primary contact details while exploring new relationships.

4. SIGNING UP FOR ONLINE COURSES

Burner allows you to create a second phone number to sign up for online courses, webinars, or any educational platform, keeping your private number secure.

5. SIGN UP FOR (MORE) FREEBIES

If you want to sign up for that all-inclusive trip to the tropics or limited-edition memorabilia, our Burner numbers let you do so without compromising your privacy.

6. PARTICIPATING IN ONLINE SURVEYS

With Burner, you can participate freely in online surveys without worrying about your personal number falling into the wrong hands. You can easily distinguish between survey-related calls or messages and those from family or friends.

7. REGISTERING FOR EVENTS

With Burner, using your second phone number to sign up for community events allows you to protect your personal contact information and manage your communications effectively.

8. SMS BOTS

With Burner, you can engage with SMS bots while protecting your personal number, ensuring your contact details stay secure. The Burner API opens up possibilities for building your own SMS bots and implementing OAuth 2.0 for authentication through Burner.

Stay Safe Online By Using Burner

Using a second phone number can significantly protect your personal information. If you haven't signed up already, download the Burner app on your Apple iPhone or Android device for a free seven-day trial.

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