What Is a Dummy Phone Number, and What Are the Benefits?

|A dummy phone number is one that works like a regular number

What Is a Dummy Phone Number, and What Are the Benefits?

When you think of dummy phones, it’s not unusual to conjure up visions of an actual dummy, but where does a dummy phone number fit in. Don’t worry, it’s not a derogatory term, it’s just one of the many names given to a number that works like a regular number, but isn’t tied to your cell phone. Which gives you options for how/ when you use your number!

A dummy phone number can be obtained in several different ways.

As such, it’s important to know what options are available when looking for a dummy phone number, and what benefits these platforms offer.

The way in which we use information means that those who have access to our personal information may as well have access to our PIN number and house keys. This hasn’t gone unnoticed and has led businesses around the globe to invest in their security protocols but is this enough.

Although its good that so many companies take security seriously, there will be those that look to break through such protocols, and in some instances, could even phish the information from the person directly, without them ever knowing.

This is especially true when it comes to online banking, especially among vulnerable people. Although it’s not nice to think off, there are people out there who look to prey on vulnerable people and their lack of understanding of how information is used.

Although you can ensure that your password is changed regularly and that you’re always logging out of public computers, there’s no harm in being proactive and putting our own safeguards in place.

Why Use a Dummy Phone Number?

When talking about security risks, you may be wondering where a dummy phone number fits into the proceedings, but you’d be surprised at how beneficial they can be.

stone wall with tiny window that has bars in it

Worried about elderly or vulnerable relative receiving sinister phone calls? Then a dummy phone number can be set up that only the family know, giving the person some additional peace-of-mind.

Depending on the boxes we tick when signing up for certain platforms and goods, there can be instances where the information is shared among several companies. It only takes one company with work security practices to leak your information, which means it’s available for anyone to use, including those with unsavory motives.

When using a dummy phone number, you’re still able to receive notifications in relation to the product or service, but should you receiving communications you don’t want, in most instances, you can simply dispose of the number.

This is where the importance of using the right platform comes into play, as not all solutions allow for such a flexible solution when it comes to a dummy phone number.

Perhaps Another Phone?

locked iphone with colourful lock screen, lots of blue lights in the background

Those who haven’t used a dummy phone number in the past may assume that the use of such a number also needs a second handset. Although you can create a second number this way, it’s often one of the most expensive ways, as well as one of the more complex.

The worst-case scenario is that you must purchase another handset and a second SIM. Focusing on budget phones and cheap SIM deals may seem like the most appropriate way to ensure costs are kept low, but this isn’t always possible.

Some SIMs may have a limit on how much can be spent when topping up, where contract alternatives can mean that users must pay for the number for up to 24 months. Even opting for the cheapest SIM deal will mean that you’re going to be paying more than you should for a dummy phone number.

Some people may have access to a handset that was used in the past, which can help reduce the cost when using this method of obtaining a dummy phone number, but again, the price of topping up could exceed what you want to spend, especially if you’re using the number for a short time.

Of course, there will be times when people prefer to adopt this method, and in some instances, it can be beneficial. However, those looking for full control on how much they spend and what numbers they use will find that it becomes very expensive over time.

Is Skype Worth a Subscription?

Skype needs little introduction, in fact it would be harder to find someone who hasn’t heard of the online chat service, but you may not be aware that Skype also allows users to gain a phone number that can be used just like an everyday phone number.

Unfortunately, when it comes to registration, you’re going to have to supply a wealth of information, which will be used to create a Microsoft account. Only then will you be able to use the platform.

Some may not have an issue with this, but those looking to safeguard their information may be a little reserved in providing so much information if they’re only planning to use the dummy phone number for a short time.

Skype offers customer several payment options, the price depending on their location. The plans available are a mix of PAYG and subscription-based options.

Although there are free trials available in some regions, these too can vary, again depending on the location of the user.

This can mean that some will end up paying more than they need to in relation to a dummy phone number, and if you’re looking to obtain an international number, there will be limitations on what number can be obtained, with some options requiring additional paperwork. Not ideal for those looking to create a number on the fly.

Google Voice

Like Skype, Google is a company that almost everyone has heard off, so it should come as no surprise that the search engine giant has introduced its own platform on which callers can make phone calls, albeit in a very different way.

Rather than allow you access to several options, you are given one, and that’s a standard number for US and Canada-based users. Those outside of these regions will not be able to use the service, and those who can use the service are limited to the one number Google offer.

For some, this may be all that they need, but like before using the service means registering for a Google account. Although this may be okay for some, it doesn’t offer the flexibility of a dedicated app such as Hushed.

What Is Hushed?

hushed app 2

Hushed is an app that’s available on iOS and Android platforms. Rather than have to go through a series of complicated options for a dummy phone number, Hushed asks for basic information that means your account is set up within minutes as opposed to hours, or in some instances, days.

Once an account is set up, users simply pick their number of choice, a plan that suits them, and they’re ready to use their new dummy phone number within seconds.

All the action takes place within the app. So, regardless of whether you’re creating a new number or answering a phone call, anything is possible with a few simple swipes.

Users only ever pay for what they need in relation to Hushed. The tariffs are cost-effective and can be used for as long or as little as you’d like. An outline of the tariffs is set out below.

  • 7 Days with 60 SMS/MMS or 20 Minutes Talk Time – $1.99
  • 30 Days with 150 SMS/MMS or 50 Minutes Talk Time – $3.99
  • 90 Days with 250 SMS/MMS or 100 Minutes Talk Time – $9.99
  • 30 Days with Unlimited SMS/MMS or Talk Time – $4.99
  • You can also buy some plans annually at a discount which is pretty powerful.

As you can see, even the most expensive option is easy on the pocket, meaning there’s very little reason to source your dummy phone number solution elsewhere.

Other Uses for a Dummy Phone Number

It’s not only your security details you can safeguard using a dummy phone number, but also yourself. Giving someone out phone number may seem innocent and harmless in the interim, but It could have ramifications if given to the wrong person.

An Excellent Solution for Online Dating

Date

One of the most common ways of meeting people nowadays is via the use of online dating, and the security put in place by many different dating websites ensures that users are protected against those with sinister intentions. Unfortunately, this protection doesn’t extend to the outside world.

Of course, you need to take the normal precautions in relation to online dating such as ensuring you meet in a public place, but what about the exchanging of phone numbers.

Before the birth of the Internet, this will have been the most common form of communication for those looking to find their soulmate, but in the modern age, information can be found almost instantly.

If your phone number is listed on any website, social media platform or forum, then it’s likely Google will pick up this information and display it within its search results, so how does this tie into the world of dating?

Should you give your phone number to a date, and the date doesn’t go well, then you could be on the receiving end of some angry texts. Of course, the majority will accept the situation and move on, but when looking to protect yourself, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and this is where a dummy phone number can come in useful.

As well as safeguarding you against unwanted communication, it also ensures that the person who has the dummy phone number can’t find out any more about you online.

It may surprise some to learn that entering a phone number into Google could potentially reveal more about you, such as your social media profiles, or in more severe instances, your address.

A dummy phone number has none of this information attached to it, so even if the date doesn’t go to plan, the number you gave out is effectively useless, especially if you delete it.

A Cost-Effective Business Line

Using a dummy phone number for a business? Is that even possible? Not only is it possible, but it’s also practical and cost-effective.

Many new businesses already face a mountain of expense when starting a business, and the last they need is a business phone that costs more than the profit they make. What’s more, the early days of the business will mean that the managing of phone calls is easy.

Although you could use your own personal number when starting a business, this can often be a complex way of balancing your personal and work life.

Creating a business number via the Hushed app not only ensures that you’re given access to a number that can be used just like a conventional number, but you’re also able to use the app on any device that uses iOS or Android.

So, if you happen not have your phone handy, and only have your tablet to hand, there’s no reason to miss that important phone call you’ve been waiting on.

The benefits don’t end here. As well as being affordable, there are app integrations that lighten the workload of modern professionals.

Looking for a quick and easy way to store incoming media and messages. Then simply integrate the Dropbox app to ensure that all the vital information is stored safely in the crowd to be viewed at any time.

If you happen to be working with other professionals, such as a freelance project, then the number can be used to upload information to the slack profile. This ensures that if anything needs to be worked on straight away, it can be thanks to the Hushed dummy phone number app.

Downloading the Hushed App

When using the Hushed app, there’s no need to be altering settings to download APKs or having to enter information for access to a link, as the app can be downloaded directly from the relevant app stored. Android users can find the Hushed app via Google Play, whereas Apple users need to head over to the App Store.

Once the app is downloaded, it’s simply a case of registering some minor details and setting up your payment details. From here, you’re free to create as many numbers as you like, be it for business, dating or a mixture of both.

Overall

As you can see, a dummy phone number can be very beneficial and practical and can even offer more benefit than a conventional phone number.

There’s also the fact that you’re not having to spend more than you need to if you just need access to a dummy phone number for the short-term.

It’s easy to dismiss a dummy phone number as nothing more than a gimmick, but it’s only once you’ve experienced the benefits on offer you realize why so many are relying on Hushed as opposed to more complicated options.