logo
Avoid giving your real phone number to strangers and do this instead: Video

Avoid giving your real phone number to strangers and do this instead: Video

USA Today8 hours ago
Our phones are a direct line to us, but sometimes we don't want to give our numbers out to just anyone. They have more information attached to them than we might realize.
Instead of giving your real number to someone on a dating app, sellers on Facebook Marketplace or putting it on your real estate business card, consider this: Get a free second number!
Skip the usual phone providers and use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) instead. These services make calls over the internet, instead of the standard method of phone poles and cell towers. Many of these numbers can be accessed via a web browser or an app, so you don't need to buy another device, either.
Safe and convenient? Please and thank you!
Watch this video to see how you can get a second phone number for free.
Google Voice number
There are different VoIP apps, but one of the most popular services for this is Google Voice.
Just sign up via the website or app to get a phone number. You can choose the number with a specific area code or tied to a specific city.
Once it's established, it works just like a regular phone. You can make and receive calls, texts and voicemails. Most Google Voice calls made in the U.S. to the U.S. or Canada are free. However, some some domestic and international calls do have a fee.
Messages and calls made to your Google Voice number can also be automatically forwarded to your actual number, so it comes through just like any other call or text does. To turn this setting on or off, look for the Call forwarding option under Settings.
Shop top-rated related products:
What's my Google Voice number
You can find your Google Voice number under the Account section in your Settings.
Also consider adding it as a note on your phone or in your contact card for an easier way to find it.
Can Google Voice receive texts
Yes, Google Voice can receive texts.
However, you don't want to use a VoIP number for accounts that require a 2-factor authentication text code. Some banks won't send codes to these numbers.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Avoid giving your real phone number to strangers and do this instead: Video
Avoid giving your real phone number to strangers and do this instead: Video

USA Today

time8 hours ago

  • USA Today

Avoid giving your real phone number to strangers and do this instead: Video

Our phones are a direct line to us, but sometimes we don't want to give our numbers out to just anyone. They have more information attached to them than we might realize. Instead of giving your real number to someone on a dating app, sellers on Facebook Marketplace or putting it on your real estate business card, consider this: Get a free second number! Skip the usual phone providers and use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) instead. These services make calls over the internet, instead of the standard method of phone poles and cell towers. Many of these numbers can be accessed via a web browser or an app, so you don't need to buy another device, either. Safe and convenient? Please and thank you! Watch this video to see how you can get a second phone number for free. Google Voice number There are different VoIP apps, but one of the most popular services for this is Google Voice. Just sign up via the website or app to get a phone number. You can choose the number with a specific area code or tied to a specific city. Once it's established, it works just like a regular phone. You can make and receive calls, texts and voicemails. Most Google Voice calls made in the U.S. to the U.S. or Canada are free. However, some some domestic and international calls do have a fee. Messages and calls made to your Google Voice number can also be automatically forwarded to your actual number, so it comes through just like any other call or text does. To turn this setting on or off, look for the Call forwarding option under Settings. Shop top-rated related products: What's my Google Voice number You can find your Google Voice number under the Account section in your Settings. Also consider adding it as a note on your phone or in your contact card for an easier way to find it. Can Google Voice receive texts Yes, Google Voice can receive texts. However, you don't want to use a VoIP number for accounts that require a 2-factor authentication text code. Some banks won't send codes to these numbers.

Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards
Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards

You might have to be extra careful who you buy your used Nintendo Switch game cards from if you don't want to get mistakenly banned. A Nintendo Switch 2 owner posted on Reddit that they got banned after downloading patches for a few Switch game cards that were bought off Facebook Marketplace. Reddit user dmanthey said they inserted each game into their Switch 2 to patch, but found out that their online services were restricted the day after. The Switch 2 user contacted Nintendo support and discovered they were banned, but provided proof of purchase and was unbanned shortly after. The Redditor said the "whole process was painless and fluid," but this reactionary banning protocol may be an alarming precedent for anyone looking to save a few dollars by buying used games. To understand why this happened, it's important to note that Nintendo attaches unique codes to its Switch game cartridges to prevent piracy. However, bad actors can copy games onto a third-party device, like the MIG Flash, and then resell the physical game card. Once Nintendo detects two instances of its unique code being online at the same time, it will ban any accounts using it. Anyone pirating Nintendo's software understands this is a potential consequence, but it would come as an annoying surprise to oblivious second-hand buyers. After proving they bought the Switch games, Redditor dmanthey said they were told the cartridges were fine and even able to be resold. This anti-piracy policy isn't new — Nintendo has long had a reputation for fiercely combating any type of piracy – but it has become relevant again thanks to the recently released Switch 2, which offers backwards compatibility with original Switch titles. The company even recently amended its user agreement to allow itself the power to brick a Nintendo Switch that's caught running pirated games or mods.

Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards
Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards

Engadget

time2 days ago

  • Engadget

Switch 2 user warns about accidental ban after playing preowned game cards

You might have to be extra careful who you buy your used Nintendo Switch game cards from if you don't want to get mistakenly banned. A Nintendo Switch 2 owner posted on Reddit that they got banned after downloading patches for a few Switch game cards that were bought off Facebook Marketplace. Reddit user dmanthey said they inserted each game into their Switch 2 to patch, but found out that their online services were restricted the day after. The Switch 2 user contacted Nintendo support and discovered they were banned, but provided proof of purchase and was unbanned shortly after. The Redditor said the "whole process was painless and fluid," but this reactionary banning protocol may be an alarming precedent for anyone looking to save a few dollars by buying used games. To understand why this happened, it's important to note that Nintendo attaches unique codes to its Switch game cartridges to prevent piracy. However, bad actors can copy games onto a third-party device, like the MIG Flash, and then resell the physical game card. Once Nintendo detects two instances of its unique code being online at the same time, it will ban any accounts using it. Anyone pirating Nintendo's software understands this is a potential consequence, but it would come as an annoying surprise to oblivious second-hand buyers. After proving they bought the Switch games, Redditor dmanthey said they were told the cartridges were fine and even able to be resold. This anti-piracy policy isn't new — Nintendo has long had a reputation for fiercely combating any type of piracy – but it has become relevant again thanks to the recently released Switch 2, which offers backwards compatibility with original Switch titles. The company even recently amended its user agreement to allow itself the power to brick a Nintendo Switch that's caught running pirated games or mods.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store