Spam calls. Phishing scams. Identity theft. The world is becoming increasingly hostile to anyone who dares to share their phone number online. The problem has reached staggering proportions—Americans lost over $10 billion to phone scams in 2023 alone.
For many, the nightmare begins with an innocent action—signing up for a store’s discount, booking a hotel, or joining a social media platform. Before they know it, their phone is inundated with robocalls, phishing messages, and fake “support” calls from scammers posing as banks, delivery services, or government agencies.
The scary truth? Your phone number is one of the easiest pieces of personal data to exploit.
Once scammers get their hands on it, they can hijack your accounts, steal your identity, and even commit financial fraud in your name. Unlike a leaked password, which can be changed in seconds, changing a phone number is a logistical nightmare—one that disrupts everything from work to banking to personal contacts.
But there’s a way to stop scammers before they even get a chance: Surfshark’s Alternative Number.
How Your Phone Number Becomes a Gateway for Scammers
Most people don’t think twice before handing out their phone numbers. It’s required for online shopping, signing up for apps, verifying accounts, and even dating sites. But every time you share it, you increase the risk of it ending up in the wrong hands.
Scammers don’t need advanced hacking skills to steal your data—they just need your number. Phishing scams, SIM-swapping, and data breaches are all ways criminals can take control of your personal accounts.
Phishing is one of the most common tactics. A scammer poses as a bank, tech support, or delivery service, urging you to click a link or verify your identity. Once you do, they extract login details, credit card numbers, or even hijack your email.
Another growing threat is SIM-swapping, where criminals impersonate you and trick mobile carriers into transferring your number to a new SIM card. Suddenly, all your calls and messages belong to them—including your two-factor authentication codes.
Even if you never fall for a scam, data breaches put you at risk. Many companies store customer phone numbers, and when those databases get hacked, that information is leaked onto the dark web, where scammers purchase it in bulk.
In a world where your phone number is treated as an ID, the only way to protect it is by keeping it private. That’s where Surfshark’s Alternative Number steps in.
What Is Surfshark’s Alternative Number?
Imagine being able to use a phone number for sign-ups, shopping, or online services—without ever revealing your real one. That’s exactly what Surfshark’s Alternative Number does.
This feature creates a virtual phone number that forwards calls and texts to your main phone. To anyone else, it looks like a regular number. But behind the scenes, it shields your actual contact details, preventing scammers, marketers, and fraudsters from ever getting through.
You can use it just like any other number—to sign up for online accounts, register for newsletters, or even connect on dating apps—without worrying about spam calls or security breaches. And if you ever feel like a number has been compromised? You can swap it for a new one every 30 days.
The beauty of this solution is that it keeps you accessible but in full control. You see every message and call in the Surfshark app and can decide whether to respond, block, or let it go straight to voicemail.
Why Alternative Number Is More Than Just a Burner Phone
Some may wonder: why not just get a cheap burner phone? The answer is simple—burner numbers are disposable, but they aren’t convenient or flexible. They require new SIM cards, extra devices, and often don’t support call forwarding.
Surfshark’s Alternative Number integrates seamlessly with your real phone. There’s no need to switch between devices or juggle multiple SIM cards—it all works through an app, allowing you to manage privacy on the go.
Unlike other virtual number services, Surfshark is upfront about pricing—there are no surprise fees, no extra charges for incoming texts, and no hidden costs. It’s also part of the larger Surfshark privacy ecosystem, which includes VPN protection, an Alternative ID generator, and data breach alerts.
For those serious about privacy, security, and convenience, this isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer.
How to Get Started with Surfshark Alternative Number
Setting up an Alternative Number is straightforward. Through the Surfshark app or website, you select your virtual number, activate forwarding, and start using it right away. There’s no complicated setup or additional hardware needed—just instant privacy protection at your fingertips.
The service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free. And with 24/7 customer support, you’re never left figuring things out on your own.
Take Back Control of Your Digital Identity
In an age where privacy is constantly under attack, owning your personal data is no longer optional—it’s essential. Your phone number should be yours to control, not a free-for-all for scammers, marketers, and data brokers.
Surfshark’s Alternative Number provides a simple yet powerful solution: stay connected, but on your terms. Whether you're signing up for new services, shopping online, or simply avoiding unwanted calls, this tool ensures your real number stays private.
With data breaches and fraud on the rise, taking action today means protecting yourself from headaches tomorrow. Don’t wait until your phone is flooded with spam and scams—get ahead of the game with Surfshark Alternative Number.