How to use a virtual number to protect personal data before the holidays

The Holiday Security Risk You Didn't See Coming

With the holiday season fast approaching, online shopping and gift-related activities are ramping up significantly. While you're busy ordering gifts and participating in holiday promotions, something more sinister is also on the rise: data theft. Fraudsters become particularly active during the holiday season, launching phishing sites and hunting for your personal information.

Think about it: you register on a new marketplace to order a gift for your loved one or enter your phone number in a brand's giveaway form. Seems harmless, right? Fast forward a week, and suddenly your phone is bombarded with spam messages. In worse scenarios, scammers might gain access to your social media accounts or even banking applications.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), data leaks affected 353 million people in 2023 alone. The equation is simple: the more personal information you share online, the higher your risk of becoming the next victim. And holiday time is not when you want to let your guard down.

What Is a Virtual Number and How Does It Protect You?

A virtual number is a temporary phone number that works independently of your main SIM card. It can receive SMS messages and calls just like your regular number, but it creates a protective barrier between you and potential data thieves. Services like BEE-SMS make it incredibly easy to set one up in just minutes.

Why You Need This Protection During the Holidays

The holiday period presents several specific risks:

Shopping on unfamiliar sites: Many retailers offer tempting holiday discounts, but not all these platforms have been properly verified or secured.

Participating in sweepstakes and giveaways: These promotions typically request your phone number, but there's often little transparency about what happens to your data once the promotion ends.

Using new delivery services: Not all delivery platforms implement proper data encryption protocols.

The beauty of a virtual number is that it acts as your digital shield—it absorbs the risks while keeping your real contact information completely private.

Even if the number ends up in databases used by spammers or scammers, your primary phone remains protected and spam-free.

Why Choose BEE-SMS Over Other Services?

The market offers numerous virtual number services, but BEE-SMS stands out for several important reasons:

Complete Anonymity:

  • No requirement to link to personal email or social networks
  • Regular number updates with automatic deletion of old ones

Global Coverage:

  • Support for more than 43 countries

Cost-Effective Solution:

  • Costs start from just $0.08
  • Great for participating in multiple promotions, getting special discounts, and applying for incentives.

User-Friendly Experience:

  • No apps to download or VPN setups required
  • Everything works directly through your browser

Freedom from GEO restrictions

  • Access to area-specific services without leaving home

How to Start Using a Virtual Number in 4 Simple Steps

  1. Register on the BEE-SMS website
  2. Select your preferred country and service
  3. Get a phone number and use it to receive SMS
  4. Complete service verification**