It’s time for some good news! Our Alternative ID product has evolved and now includes an amazing new feature — Alternative Number. Brace yourself as we unveil everything you should know about this upgrade.
Table of contents
What is Alternative ID?
It’s a product that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. You provide us with the details, and we create an alternative persona, keeping your real self private.
Our users have already been using Alternative ID to minimize scams and shield their data from websites with vague security practices. Now, it’s been added to all Surfshark bundles, so even if you just have a VPN, Alternative ID is waiting for you without any extra costs.
What is a premium Alternative Number?
Alternative Number is a feature of Alternative ID that generates a virtual phone number, masking your real one. Use this generated number to steer clear of spam, online stalking, data leaks, & more.
Alternative Number is a paid addition to your Alternative ID. It can be used exclusively for receiving calls or receiving and replying to messages. At the moment, only US numbers are available. So keep that in mind, and stay tuned for even more numbers!
Why should I get Alternative Number?
If you’re still not sure if Alternative Number is the tool for you, here are a few situations it will come in handy:
To avoid giving your phone number to strangers online
Placing an ad in classified ad listings or simply selling your stuff online requires you to publish a working phone number. That’s a goldmine for scammers!
But you can make this whole procedure safer. Don’t connect your regular phone number to online listings. As simple as that! Use Alternative Number and shield your real number from all eyes online.
To minimize spam calls & messages
You need to give your phone number to get a nice discount in exchange for ads flooding your messages app? Or maybe you have to provide your contact data to a website you don’t fully trust?
Luckily, there’s a solution to help in these situations and avoid all marketing spam. You guessed it — it’s Alternative Number. Use it to mask your real number online and reduce unwanted robocalls or ads.
To shield your phone from untrusted sites
Services that require phone numbers are a pain in the back, we know. Even worse, you’re willingly giving the business your phone number to possibly use it for marketing purposes.
With Alternative Number, you can overcome security risks and spam by using your generated virtual number with food delivery services, small e-shops, local businesses, and anywhere you wish to keep your actual number under wraps.
How do I get Alternative Number?
If you think Alternative Number will be a great addition to strengthen your online security game, let’s dive deeper into how to get it & use it.
To purchase your Alternative Number, you should:
- Choose any Surfshark plan.
- Go to your account and upgrade to Alternative Number.
- Click Add to plan in the Alternative Number field.
That’s it! Once you get your Alternative Number, click Set up and generate. If you need in-depth information on how to use it, check out this article.
What’s the difference between burner phones and Alternative Number?
If you have ever looked for disposable numbers online, you probably know about burner phones. Here’s how Alternative Number differs from them:
Alternative Number | Burner phones | |
|---|---|---|
What’s included | A full online persona with a name, age, gender, address, email, and, of course, a phone number. | Phone number |
Privacy policies | Maintains your privacy and has a transparent privacy policy available online. | Lacks transparent privacy policies and formal contracts. |
Duration of use | Works for as long as you want and can be changed every 30 days free of extra charge. | Is thrown away or deleted after a short time. |
Supported traffic | Supports incoming traffic and allows receiving calls and messages. Allows outgoing text messages only as a response to messages initiated by the sender. | Can support receiving and sending messages & calls. |
Final note: when should I use Alternative Number?
Use Alternative Number when you don’t fully trust the business and want to prevent your data from appearing in leaks and beaches.
