Complete Guide to Phone Number Privacy in 2026

Phone Number Privacy in 2026

Your phone number is tied to your identity more than ever. It's used for 2FA, account recovery, and identity verification. Protecting it is essential.

Phone Number Threats

Data Broker Exposure

Your number is sold by:

• People-search sites
• Marketing data brokers
• Lead generation companies

Robocalls and Spam

Exposed numbers receive:

• Scam calls
• Spam texts
• Phishing attempts

SIM Swapping

Criminals can:

• Port your number away
• Intercept your calls/texts
• Bypass 2FA

Caller ID Spoofing

Scammers can:

• Fake your number
• Impersonate you
• Damage your reputation

Protecting Your Phone Number

Carrier Security

Add a PIN/Passcode

• Required for any account changes
• Prevents unauthorized porting
• Contact your carrier to set up

Port Freeze

• Locks number to your account
• Requires in-person ID to change
• Ask carrier about availability

Use Virtual Numbers

Google Voice

• Free secondary number
• Great for signups
• Separates personal from public

Burner Apps

• Temporary numbers
• Multiple numbers available
• Dispose when compromised

Reduce Exposure

Don't Share Publicly

• Remove from social media
• Use virtual number for forms
• Keep primary number private

Register for Do Not Call

• donotcall.gov
• Reduces legitimate telemarketing
• Won't stop scammers but helps

Block Spam Calls

Built-in Features

• iOS: Silence Unknown Callers
• Android: Call screening

Third-Party Apps

• Nomorobo
• RoboKiller
• Hiya

Phone Number and Data Brokers

Data brokers sell your phone number to anyone. GhostMyData removes you from:

• People-search sites
• Marketing databases
• Lead generation lists

Remove your phone number from data brokers.