Phone Number for Dating Apps: Everything You Need to Know for Safe Online Dating

 How to Use Dating Apps Safely Without Sharing Your Number?

Dating apps are a primary way for people to connect and find love online. However, most dating sites require sharing personal information, including your phone number for account verification or two-factor authentication.

But what if the dating site gives away your personal number to some other parties, like a data broker or third-party partners?

Luckily, there are several ways to use dating apps without exposing your number, like utilizing a temporary or virtual phone number. In this blog, we’ll go through the roles of phone numbers in dating sites and how to use them safely.


Why Do You Require a Phone Number for a Dating App?

Dating apps ask for your phone number for sign-up and to verify your account. It is used for two-way authentication to ensure only authorized persons can access your data. Additionally, you can recover your account using phone numbers and receive update alerts or direct notifications.

  • Account Verification: For identity verification and to prevent fake accounts, spam, or malicious bots.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To send OTPs during 2FA for protecting your personal data and ensuring that only authorized users access the account.
  • Account Recovery: To send a password reset link or verification code via SMS, in case you forget your password or lose access to your account.
  • Update Alerts and Notifications: To receive important alerts, such as match notifications and account updates, directly through SMS in your inbox.

What Are the Risks of Sharing Your Phone Number on Dating Sites?

Sharing your number on dating sites leads to unwanted promotional calls and spam messages. It increases the risk of identity theft, as scammers may use your personal information to obtain credit, loans, or other fraudulent activities in your name.

Risks of Sharing Your Phone Number on Dating Sites

1. Exposure to Spam and Unwanted Calls

Once you share your phone number on social media sites or online websites, it becomes vulnerable to misuse. For example, your numbers can be sold to telemarketers or scammers, increasing spam messages, robocalls, or unnecessary marketing promotions.

2. Potential for Identity Theft

If you share a phone number on dating apps, scammers may steal your identity and use it without your consent. They could impersonate you and reach out to your friends or family, scamming them and requesting money or sensitive information.

3. Scams and Phishing Attempts

When fraudsters get your number, they may send you fake messages pretending to be legitimate services. Such texts aim to trick you into sharing your personal information or clicking scam links. 

For example, you may get fake customer support calls, false security warning messages, unrealistic offers, or prize messages.

4. Fake Dating App Asking for Phone Numbers

Some fake dating apps ask for phone numbers to continue conversations off the app. Initially, they may engage you in friendly chats, offer compliments, and create a sense of trust to gain your confidence and belief.

Once they have your trust, they may try to manipulate you emotionally or tease or provoke you into sharing your private information or money.

How to Protect Your Personal Information on Online Dating Sites?

For safe online dating, use a virtual number, temporary number, or your email ID, which are not directly tied to your personal information. This prevents scammers and telemarketers from reaching you directly.

methods for protecting your personal information on online dating sites

1. Use a Temporary Number for Online Dating

Similar to virtual numbers, temporary phone numbers for online dating sites prevent scammers from getting your actual contact details. These numbers are also known as disposal numbers as they expire after a short period, limiting their long-term use.

Key Benefits of Using Temporary Numbers in Dating Sites:

  • Prevents you from revealing your primary number to strangers.
  • Cost-effective compared to purchasing a permanent number or SIM card.
  • Can be used for the verification process for online dating sites.
  • Ideal for short-term use and can be easily disposed of after completing the purpose. 
     

There are various free temporary phone number providers, including Receive-SMS, TextNow, and FreePhoneNum, to verify your account on dating sites at no cost at all.

Get an Affordable Virtual Number and Protect Your Personal Info!

2. Use Virtual Phone Numbers for Online Dating

You can use virtual phone numbers for dating apps as a safe alternative. They add an extra layer of privacy and protect your personal number from being exposed.

Key Benefits of Using Virtual Numbers in Dating Sites:

  • Prevents scammers and unknown contacts from having direct access to your primary number.
  • Protects you from unsolicited marketing communications and misuse of your number.
  • Since virtual numbers aren’t directly linked with your sensitive information, it becomes difficult for malicious individuals to exploit your data, preventing privacy breaches and fraud.


You can get a virtual phone number from reliable and affordable VoIP service providers like Calilio. It offers virtual numbers of 100+ countries at affordable pricing (starting at $15 monthly).
 

How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Dating app from Calilo for Safe Online Dating?
 

Acquire a secure virtual number from Calilio following these few steps:

  1. Sign up for Calilio and register your account.
  2. Select a package based on your usage and needs.
  3. Purchase a virtual phone number for a dating app.
  4. Complete the payment process, and activate your number.
  5. Configure the necessary features and use your number for safe online dating.

*Disclaimer: The delivery of OTP codes is managed by dating apps, not Calilio. Receiving the verification code depends on the application you are signing up for. Some service providers may not send OTPs to VoIP numbers.

3. Using Email Address/Apple ID for the Sign-Up

Some dating apps don’t require phone numbers during the sign-up process. Instead, you can create an account using your Email or Apple ID. Using your Email to sign up, your number remains private and protects you from robocalls and spam SMS.

Additionally, Apple allows you to generate a separate email for signing up for dating apps with its Apple Hide My Email feature. This keeps your primary email spam-free.

Key Benefits of Using Temporary Numbers in Dating Sites:

  • Doesn’t expose your contact information, preventing you from getting unwanted calls or text messages.
  • You can easily filter and block unwanted senders.
  • Email verification adds extra security layers to user accounts.

Things to Consider While Using Phone Number for Online Dating Apps: Dos and Don’ts

For safe online dating, use a trusted Platform, share minimal personal info, and use a temporary number. Also, be mindful not to share sensitive data, and avoid clicking on unknown links.

Dos

  • Use legitimate and reliable dating sites.
  • Share only the necessary details.
  • Use a virtual or temporary number instead of your primary number.
  • If you have any doubts about suspicious behavior or profiles, report them to app administrators for further investigation.

Don’ts

  • Avoid sharing personal data like phone numbers, financial information, and other private details.
  • Be aware of links or attachments shared by unknown users.
  • If someone asks for money or assistance under urgent or emotional pretenses, process cautiously, as it can be a scam.
  • Be extra careful when shifting to offline communications (phone calls, text).

Conclusion

While dating apps provide a convenient way to meet new people, it is important to prioritize your privacy and security. Using virtual or temporary phone numbers for dating app verification, you can protect your personal information while still participating in online interactions.

Calilio is a reputable option, offering virtual numbers at $12 monthly per user (annual billing). With our additional features like call screening to enhance privacy, enjoy a safe dating experience.

FAQs

Is it dangerous to give out your phone number on a dating site?

Yes, giving out your phone number on dating sites can lead to unwanted marketing calls and texts, as your number may be shared with or sold to other companies. Instead, you can use virtual or disposable numbers to ensure privacy and security.

Are there any dating apps that don't require a phone number?

Some dating apps don’t require phone numbers, as they use email or Apple ID to sign up. However, they recommend two-factor authentication and account verification with a phone number.

How can I tell if a dating app is legitimate and not a scam?

To determine whether the dating app is legitimate, research its reputation through the app ratings and user reviews. Plus, pay close attention to security features like data encryption and two-factor authentication.

Is it safe to use a Burner phone number for dating apps?

Yes, using a Burner phone number is safe for dating sites. It offers temporary and disposable numbers to shield your real number and ensure security.

What are some red flags that a dating app might be misusing my phone number?

Receiving unsolicited texts, sudden spam calls, and noticing unauthorized changes linked to your number are some red flags that a dating app might be misusing your phone number.

Can scammers use phone numbers to track my location?

Yes, sometimes scammers use your phone numbers to track your location using SIM Swapping. It allows them to access your account, which might contain location data. However, they can’t directly track your precise GPS location just with a phone number.

How do I delete my phone number from a dating app if I decide to leave the platform?

To delete your number from a dating app, if you decide to leave the platform, simply remove the number from settings or permanently delete your account. However, the exact process may vary depending on the app that you’re using.


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