Alternative ID

The service is part of Alternative ID, which provides users with an alternative identity and email address to hide their true identity online.

Cybersecurity company Surfshark has released a new addition to its Alternative ID product — Alternative number. The service provides users with a virtual US phone number (accessible through the Surfshark app) that can be used to receive calls or to receive and reply to messages. Alternative Number helps users protect their phone number from strangers on the internet, minimize spam calls and messages, and protect their phone number from untrustworthy websites.

“It can be difficult to keep your phone number private online. We are constantly asked for our numbers when we place ads, shop online, or sign up for free products/services. But you never know where your number ends up once you give it away online. Spammers can scrape it from online ads, data brokers can potentially buy it from the companies you share it with, and hackers can potentially steal it if the company you share it with is not secure enough. Alternative Number is designed to protect you from these threats,” says Sarunas Sereika, Product Manager for Alternative ID.

Alternative Number is similar to so-called “throwaway phones” in that it offers an alternative phone number that allows you to hide your primary number. However, what sets Alternative Number apart is that it can be paired with even more alternative details from Alternative ID. It also has a transparent privacy policy available online, and it works for as long as you want (it can be changed every 30 days for free). However, Alternative Number users cannot make calls or be the first to send messages – they can only receive calls and receive and reply to messages.

“Alternative Number is intended for use on websites with unclear privacy practices or when you are asked to publicly post your number (e.g. for ad listings or when registering for public Wi-Fi at airports or other establishments). However, Alternative Number is not intended for use with official and trusted establishments such as government institutions or banks that require your real data,” adds Sarunas Sereika.

Unlike regular phone numbers, users don’t have to worry about roaming costs. They can receive calls and messages to the Surfshark app whenever they are – the only thing they need is an internet connection. Currently, only US numbers are available, but Surfshark plans to add more locations in the future.

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Alternate Number is a feature of Alternate ID. Alternate ID allows users to enter their preferred gender, date of birth and country and Surfshark will generate an alternate name and email address for online use while keeping their true identity hidden.

Alternative Number is a paid add-on to Alternative ID that is included in all Surfshark packages. To get Alternative Number, choose any Surfshark plan, go to your accounts, upgrade to Alternative Number, and click “Add to Plan” in the Alternative Number field. The cost of the service varies from $4.99 to $2.99 ​​(before tax) per month, depending on the time left until the end of the subscription. The more months left, the lower the price. For more information about Surfshark’s Alternative Number, visit the following link:
https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-launches-alternative-number.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company focused on developing humanized privacy and security solutions. The Surfshark One suite includes one of the few VPNs reviewed by independent security experts, an officially certified antivirus, a private search tool, and a data leak alert system. Surfshark was named Tech Advisor’s Editors’ Choice for 2024. For a closer look at Surfshark in 2023, visit our Annual reviewFurther research projects can be found in our research center at: surfshark.com/research.

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