Spam calls and scams are an all-too-common occurrence. It’s exactly why Surfshark unveiled its shiny new Alternative Number tool in July – and it’s an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to stop endless spam.
Alternative Number generates a virtual phone number you can use instead of your real one, shielding it from snoopers and scammers. It’s nice and easy to use, too (which isn’t a surprise – Surfshark is one of today’s best VPNs, after all).
So, keep reading, and I’ll explain how Alternative Number works and how you can get started using the spam-busting tool as soon as possible.
How does Alternative Number work?
Previously, if you wanted to avoid handing out your number to dodgy sites or demanding marketers, you’d likely invest in a burner phone. Sure, you’d keep your real contact details out of harm’s reach, but you’d also give yourself another device to manage.
With Alternative Number, you can generate a new virtual phone number using the Surfshark app on your mobile phone. It’ll mask your original number, but you use it the same way, like when signing up for a discount or filling out an online form.
With Alternative Number, you can generate a new virtual phone number within the Surfshark app
As a result, you’ll enjoy an extra layer of privacy going about your digital day. You won’t have to worry about sharing your real details with strangers, during verification checks, or on social media.
This means your real number won’t be exposed on the internet as often – and you’ll receive less spam. You won’t be sharing your real details anywhere where opportunistic bad actors can see and use it to launch SMS scams either.
Plus using Alternative Number you can send and receive messages and even take calls. It all happens in the Surfshark app, and it all happens without sharing your real phone number.
Adding an Alternative Number to an existing plan is simple – just remember that it’s a paid extra and that, for the moment, only US numbers are available. However, you don’t have to have an existing Alternative ID to use an Alternative Number.
What are the benefits of Alternative Number?
Okay, so, Alternative Number spins up a shiny new virtual number for you – but what’s the big deal? Here are the biggest and best benefits of Surfshark’s undersung feature:
- Hide your original number: punching in your real number online puts it at risk of being added to databases which, if they leak, can be used by scammers to launch spam campaigns or social engineering scams (like smishing). Alternative Number ensures you don’t have to part with personal details
- One-time uses: we’ve all done it – signed up for a site or service that we only plan to use once. Alternative Number means you won’t be connected to it for years to come (and endure a ton of spam).
- Bag that bargain: if you’ve spotted a sweet deal online but have to share your number to access it, Alternative Number ensures you’re not exchanging your privacy for a halved price tag.
- Secure your listings: plan to part with your unused goodies? Sharing your number with would-be customers is exactly what scammers dream of as they comb through social media and listing sites – but you can throw a spanner in the works with Alternative Number.
How to enable Alternative Number
Enabling Alternative Number couldn’t be easier! First things first, however, you’ll need an active Surfshark account. The good news is that Surfshak is currently the best budget VPN on the block – and you can pick up a Basic 2-year plan for just $2.19 per month (remember, though, that you pay the full cost upfront).
Once you’ve picked your plan, registered your account, and have the app ready to go on your mobile device, follow along with these steps to enable Alternative Number:
- Open up the Surfshark app
- Select “Alternative ID” and the “Number” tab
- Select “Learn more”
- You’ll be taken to the Surfshark site, where you can add an Alternative Number to your plan – hit “Learn more” again, log in,
- Select “Products”, then “Alternative ID”, then scroll down to Alternative number. Tap to add it to your plan.
- Once you reach the checkout page, select your payment method
- Confirm the purchase
- You’ll see a screen inviting you to set up Alternative Number – hit “Start”
- On the next screen, you’ll see your new virtual phone number. Hit “Continue”
- You’re ready to go!
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river.hart@futurenet.com (River Hart)
