How to Avoid Giving Your Phone Number for Verification & Forms

If you’re hesitant to hand out your real number, you’re not alone; many users prefer alternatives for privacy.

Here are a few safer options:

• Temporary SMS services: Sites like Receive-SMS or TextNow let you use a public phone number to get one-time codes.
• VOIP numbers (like Google Voice): These can work for some verifications, though many platforms block them.
• Email-based verification: Whenever possible, choose services that let you verify using email only, which keeps your phone number off marketing lists entirely.
  

Heads up: Some services (especially financial or government-related) require a real number for security, but for everything else? You’ve got options!