Dial Up the Privacy: How to Never Give Out Your Real Phone Number Again

Remember the good ol’ days when moving to a new place meant getting a fresh phone number?

Now, we cling to our digits like they’re a precious heirloom, dragging them across continents and lifetimes.

But, as convenient as it is to keep that number, it also makes you a prime target for every scammer, stalker, and telemarketer out there.

Luckily, you never have to give out your real phone number again—thanks to the wonders of the Burner app.

What’s the Deal with Burner Numbers?

In spy novels, a “burner” is a cheap, disposable phone that secret agents use for a mission and then toss into the nearest river.

The app version of that is similar but much more sophisticated.

The Burner app lets you create temporary phone numbers that you can use for specific purposes—buying and selling online, dating, job hunting, or any situation where you want to keep your real number under wraps.

Burner: The App That Lives Up to Its Name

There are other apps that provide temporary numbers, but Burner stands out from the pack. A few of us here at Senior Tech Cafe have it on our cell phones and use it regularly.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Trial and Pricing: Burner offers a 7-day free trial so you can test the waters. If you like what you see, you can get unlimited texts, calls, and picture messages for just $4.99 per month or $47.88 per year.
2. Multiple Numbers: Need more than one alias? No problem. With a premium subscription, you get up to three phone numbers with unlimited minutes and texts. Perfect for juggling all those secret identities.
3. Privacy and Security: Burner goes the extra mile to keep your info safe. A PIN lock secures the app, and it integrates with your phone’s fingerprint or face scanner. Plus, it’s 100% ad-free.
4. Easy Setup: Download the app, pick a number, and voila! You’re now the proud owner of a shiny new phone number. No need to visit a store or talk to a real human (because let’s face it, sometimes people are overrated).
5. Spam Be Gone: Burner has more spam-blocking capabilities than a tin of mystery meat. Say goodbye to those pesky robocalls about your car’s extended warranty!
6. Texts and Pics, Oh My!: This isn’t your grandpa’s burner phone. You can send texts, pictures, and even make calls. It’s like having a whole other phone without the hassle of carrying another brick in your pocket.

Why Use a Burner Number?

You might be wondering why you’d need a second number. Here are some scenarios where Burner might be your new best friend:

• Online Marketplaces: Let’s say you’re selling that hideous lamp your mother-in-law gave you on Facebook Marketplace. Do you really want Creepy Carl from two towns over to have your personal phone number? I think not!
• Dating: Online dating can be a minefield. Use a Burner number until you’re sure Prince Charming isn’t a frog.
• Real Estate and Insurance Quotes: Shopping around for real estate or insurance? Don’t let your phone get swamped with calls from eager marketers. Use a Burner number and keep the sharks at bay.
• Ride Sharing Apps: Protect your identity while using apps like Lyft or Uber. A Burner number helps you stay safe and sound.
• Traveling: When you’re off exploring, use a temporary number to contact restaurants, tours, and Airbnbs.
• Suspicious Calls: Get a call from an unknown number? Use a Burner number to return the call and see if it’s legit without risking your privacy.

The Catch

Of course, nothing’s perfect. Here are a couple of caveats:

1. Emergency Calls: Burner numbers generally can’t be used to dial 911. So, you’ll need to use your “real” cell phone number for emergencies.
2. Recycled Numbers: Occasionally, you might get a number that was previously owned by someone else. This could mean some unexpected calls, but it’s a minor hiccup compared to the privacy benefits.

How to Get Started

Ready to keep your real number under lock and key? Here’s how to start with Burner:

1. Download the App: Get Burner from your app store, but remember to register via the web to avoid the extra $5 Apple or Google tax.
2. Set Up Your Number: Follow the easy steps to create your new number.
3. Use Freely: Call, text, and send photos without a care in the world. Your privacy is protected, and your real number stays secret.

Keep Your Personal Number Safe and Sound

Thanks to Burner, you never have to hand out your real phone number again.

Whether you’re selling your old golf clubs, swiping right on a dating app, or looking for a new job, Burner keeps your personal number safe and sound.

So go ahead, give Burner a try and reclaim your privacy—one temporary number at a time.