How to use a virtual number to stay safe from scammers

The Global State of Scams Report 2024 from Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Feedzai revealed that in the past year, scammers stole a staggering $1.03 trillion globally. Most of these scams came through phone calls or text messages, highlighting just how vulnerable our personal information can be — and why protecting it is more important than ever.

Scammers often get their hands on phone numbers by harvesting leaked information from data breaches or through malicious apps or websites that collect users’ data without their consent. So, how can we make sure we don’t fall victim to these risks? Luckily, there is a way — and that’s Alternative Number.

What is Alternative Number?

Alternative Number is a virtual phone number generator, made by Surfshark — a globally-acknowledged online security company. Alternative Number, generates a virtual phone number that you can use to mask your regular number from online threats. It allows you to receive and respond to messages, and receive calls via the Surfshark app without sharing your personal data.

You can now get Surfshark’s Alternative Number for $3.49/month_, together with a 2-year Surfshark Starter subscription, and also get 4 extra months. Surfshark Starter also includes an award-winning VPN and masked email generator Alternative ID to help you better protect yourself online.

Why should you use Alternative Number?

• Even if you only use well-protected, reputable websites (and that’s pretty hard to do), there is no guarantee your data will not be leaked — even big companies such as Meta and T-Mobile experienced major data breaches in recent years;
• Having your personal data leaked puts you at risk for several types of cybercrime: identity theft, targeted phishing attempts, spam, and more;
• The best way to prevent websites from leaking your number is to not share it with them in the first place, and the easiest way to do that is by using an alternative virtual number like Alternative Number instead.

When can you use Alternative Number?

• Use Alternative Number for deliveries and online listings to keep your real number hidden from strangers on the internet;
• Register for discounts and keep your real phone number spam-free;
• Minimize the risk of robocalls, smishing (SMS-phishing), and identity theft;
• When booking a flight or creating an account, use Alternative Number for notifications and updates about your flights and deals;
• Communicate with hosts on short-term apartment rental platforms and ensure your real number stays private during check-ins, check-outs, and other processes.

How to use Alternative Number

Once you purchase Alternative Number, you will be guided through setting it up on the Surfshark app. The process is easy and only takes 4 steps.

Once you complete the setup, you will need to open your Surfshark app, enter the Alternative ID tab, and tap on Number at the top. Here, you can easily copy your virtual number, as well as check any text messages sent to your Alternative Number.

Surfshark

When you register to websites, just paste your alternative number into the phone number slot, and avoid sharing your actual number.

Alternative Number — your tool against scams and spam

With scams on the rise, using a virtual number is a smart way to protect yourself and avoid spam. By keeping your real phone number private, you can minimize the risk of unwanted calls, messages, and data breaches, ensuring your privacy stays protected. Try Alternative Number today for $3.49/month and get 4 months extra.