Getting endless telemarketing calls or receiving texts you aren't interested in can be quite frustrating. Use a private phone number to have more control. Share it only when necessary and consider getting a secondary number to use when interacting with brands online.
According to a study by Mailgun, only 19.2 % of consumers would like to get promotional messages via SMS. A huge number of people don't want to keep filtering through messages when they want to communicate with their loved ones.
If you want to stop spam texts, be open to using a private number.
Can I Get a Private Phone Number?
Yes. You don't always have to share your phone number when filling out online forms. Research companies providing virtual phone number services.
Some of them offer a phone number you can use to receive calls and texts without having to get a separate SIM card. Keep your main line private by only sharing it with people you trust.
Is a Private Phone Number Good?
Yes. If you ask most people if they want strangers and some businesses to know their area code or call them on their personal number, the answer will most likely be no. A private phone line will make it so much easier to avoid unwanted calls.
Tips for Protecting Your Private Phone Number
You may want companies to give you discounts or update you about their latest deals without selling your number to other parties. Knowing how to protect your private phone number allows you to maintain privacy. You don't have to give up on the benefits of online marketing.
Use Disposable Phone Numbers for Online Activities
If you want to have more communication control, get yourself another number for online activities. This is the one you'll share wherever you want to:
- Share your details with someone on an online marketplace
- Post ads online
- Sign up for offers with companies you don't know that well
Always keep in mind that some banks and websites reject virtual numbers for identity checks. You can use your primary one for this and save the virtual one for your online activities.
Share Your Primary Number Only When Necessary
An online store may need your number for delivery updates. If a business wants to send you a newsletter, it will only need your email address. Don't share your details without asking yourself if they are truly necessary.
Whenever you're filling out a form online, check if some of the sections are optional. Never share sensitive details unless you want to.
Skip sections that aren't related to what you need from the brand. If a form requires a phone number without giving you any clear reason, check the site's privacy policy first.
You should always be careful before participating in any contests that require you to share your phone number. Taking a few minutes to read the terms and information on a form can save you from a lot of unwanted messages or calls down the line. It's quite an effective telemarketing block strategy.
You may have added your phone number on social media when you were using it to connect with only a small number of people.
Remove it from such platforms. Keeping it off public profiles ensures you have a bit more control over who can access it. Don't forget to check your old accounts too. Your private phone number might be on there, and you don't even remember adding it.
Add Your Number to the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is meant to let people reduce most legal telemarketing sales calls. You don't have to pay anything to enlist your phone number there. Once you're registered, telemarketers are obligated to stop calling you within 31 days.
While registration also won't stop every illegal call or scam, it will make a huge difference. If unwanted calls keep coming in, report the violations through the FTC website.
Review Your Marketing and Privacy Settings
So many websites ask people to give them permission to send promotional messages during registration or checkout. Don't click a checkbox when you're in a hurry. Read the message beside it to save yourself from unwanted public marketing.
If a company offers separate choices for order updates and marketing messages, select only the communications you want.
Remove Your Number From Public Listings
Search for your name and phone number to see what appears publicly. If a website provides an opt-out process, follow its instructions to request removal. You may need to confirm your identity or submit a separate request for each listing.
Removing your phone number from public listings can take a while. It's still worth the wait if you don't want to keep receiving so many marketing messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Someone Know My Name From My Phone Number?
Yes. Someone may be able to find your name by searching your phone number online. They can use:
- Public directories
- People-search websites
- Data broker databases
The amount of information available depends on what has been published or collected. Search for your number online to see what comes up. You can then ask websites to remove your details if that's possible.
Can I Stop Spam Texts Without Changing My Number?
Yes. Block the brands you feel are spamming and enable spam filtering through your phone or mobile carrier.
Check the message you get to see if there is an opt-out option. Most marketers often place it at the bottom of the message.
Ensure you don't click any link in the text message. Being cautious will help you protect your data.
How Can I Know if My Phone Number Has Been Shared With Marketers?
You'll probably start getting more promotional texts or sales calls. A sudden spike in such things doesn't always mean a company sold your info.
Consider asking callers how they got your details instead of guessing. You'll know the next steps to take.
Ensure Your Phone Number Stays Private
There's no need to keep changing your private phone number to avoid marketing messages. Have a secondary one to share with people in your circle and the businesses you trust. Adding your number to the National Do Not Call registry will also be helpful.
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