Shopping for your next home renovation project? You’ll probably end up creating accounts on all manner of websites for the member-only benefits they’re offering, like sales and discount codes. But what if you just want to browse anonymously? You might be concerned (and rightly so) about who you’re giving access to your personal data.
But when you have to create an account to access a good deal, how can you avoid spreading your private information all over the internet? An easy get-around is to use a temporary phone number rather than your own. We’re discussing more about how this works right here.
What Are Temporary Numbers?
Temporary numbers are phone numbers that you can buy online from websites like SMSPool. You can use them however you see fit. For instance, many people choose to use them to create an account when they don’t want to (or are unable to, perhaps due to location restrictions) use their own number.
The idea is that you buy a temporary number and enter it into a website (or websites) when you’re creating an account. You can then receive the SMS verification code online via the number you’ve bought, and enter this code to verify your account.
Let’s say you want to create an account on a home DIY site to browse a product range that’s only available to members. You can buy a temporary number, use it during the signup process, and view these products without having to sacrifice your private data.
4 Benefits of Using Temporary Numbers When Shopping Online
A temporary number helps you keep your own number off the internet when you’re shopping online, whether you’re accessing a member-only benefit on a furniture site or receiving a sign-up discount code from a materials stockist.
The biggest benefits of using a temporary number instead of your own are:
- You won’t get signed up for marketing texts and phone calls that you didn’t ask for.
- Your real number won’t be leaked or sold to other companies without your consent.
- You can browse anonymously without contributing to the information that companies already have tied to your phone number.
- You have full control over who accesses and uses your personal data.
How to Use A Temporary Number When Shopping For Your Next Home Project
When you’re looking for a temporary number for your home project shopping, it’s wise to choose a website that offers non-VoIP numbers. These are tied to a real phone SIM, unlike VoIP numbers, which are virtual and might not be accepted by some websites.
Once you have your number, just enter it in place of your own number when you’re creating an account. You’ll then receive the SMS verification code online, which you can enter to complete signup.
Most websites will also require you to enter an email address when you’re creating an account (in fact, some may only ask for an email). If you’re planning to do a lot of online shopping, it might be worth creating a separate email that’s only used for account signups, so you’re not having to share your personal email address every time.
Read Next: Design Your Dream Home: Essential Furniture & Interior Tips