Fake Phone Numbers: How Are They Obtained?

For a large number of users, the concept of a phone number already seems a bit anachronistic. Many people don't even remember their own number, and that reflects (partially) a certain change in our habits. However, interest in so-called "fake phone numbers" has not followed the same path. Some users want them for privacy reasons, while others have... different objectives in mind. How are they obtained? What can be done with them?

The 'burner' essence: Fake, virtual and temporary phone numbers

Remember the scene in The Bourne Ultimatum at the London station? One of the first things Jason does is buy a prepaid phone. No contracts, no commitments, no signatures. He pays and leaves. Of course, the idea of the burner phone is not new: in the past, a public phone worked the same way, but the advance of mobile phones and GSM technology in general made it explode around the world. The burner phone is also a burner number. Want to change your number? Replace the SIM. Game over.

But the burner number goes much further. We know well that fraudulent call centers in India can generate thousands of fake phone numbers for their campaigns, and there is always a disturbed person stalking their ex through mobile or messaging with half a dozen different numbers. In the right hands, fake numbers fulfill their task: protect user privacy and poison the information collected by different online services. On the other side, fake phone numbers can do a lot of damage. But where do they come from?

How fake phone numbers are obtained

Hushed (Android / iOS)

Many articles from colleague sites point to Hushed, an app for iOS and Android that in its trial mode offers a "second phone number" for 72 hours. Some examples of use that Hushed mentions for its virtual numbers are sales in local classifieds, dating portals, and international travel to avoid roaming charges. Hushed offers benefits like free calls among its users, and technically it is VoIP over WiFi or data, so it does not consume minutes from your line. The problem? The latest reviews are not stellar, to say the least.

Burner (Android / iOS)

Probably the best name to compete in this market. However, Burner is a different beast. First, it uses a forwarding system, meaning it depends on our real phone line to make calls, and the receiver only sees the Burner number on their Caller ID. And second... it is limited to the United States and Canada. International phone numbers and calls are not yet available. A pity, because its plans for "prepaid burners" are interesting.

Obviously, the list goes on. Many users swear by 2ndLine or TextMe with a more complete international profile. On the other hand, if you have no interest in making calls or receiving texts, the portal Fake Number offers fake phone numbers that can be used in fiction works, or on annoying services that absolutely require a numeric registration.

Using fake phone numbers on WhatsApp: Is it possible?

As with many other things in computing, the answer is "it depends". If the number is compatible with WhatsApp, or at least supports its basic verification methods (SMS/call), then there should be no issues. However, the potential for abuse is very high, and some virtual number services decided to cut their losses and leave WhatsApp behind.

The setup process is exactly the same as we explored when using WhatsApp on PC with BlueStacks, or installing it on a tablet. The only thing that matters is that the fake phone number lets you pass the verification phase. Now, what is the risk of using fake phone numbers on WhatsApp? Essentially, that the number is assigned to someone else or ends up blocked in some way, and you lose access to the account.

In summary

I'm going to assume you are a person concerned about your privacy, and you don't want the inexhaustible legion of online services to capture your phone number. I know that risk, and I lived it firsthand: my number ended up in a call center database in India, and every two or three months I receive an intentional call in absolutely broken English that follows the line of "bili-bili-bili-bili-I'm-Microsoft-your-PC-has-a-virus".

The most direct, simple and economical defense is the prepaid SIM. Many mobile devices have dual-SIM support, and you should take advantage of it without hesitation. If the spam or calls become too annoying, all you need to do is let that SIM die, and your real number will remain intact. Now, that doesn't mean it's a perfect strategy: In some countries, buying prepaid SIMs is as easy as buying candy, while in others it requires identity confirmation.

If the secondary SIM option is not viable, try one of the apps. With a little luck, their trial modes will be more than enough to get you out of a jam. Good luck...