Tips to keep your
phone number secure

#1 Review and remove

Review your existing accounts to remove your phone number if it is inessential to the service.

You can usually find this information under settings or account settings.

For example, on Facebook, you can find and edit your number under Settings > Your Facebook Information > Access Your Information (click on “View”) > Profile Information > Your Contact Information.

#2 Avoid registering for accounts with a phone number

Avoid using your phone number to register for accounts online, say, shopping websites or one-off web services.

Given the option, sign up with a username or a non-essential email address.

#3 Use a hardware token for 2FA

Instead of SMS, opt for a hardware token for two-factor authentication. The token is a small physical device used to generate security codes for user authentication during a sign-in process.

If it’s too much trouble to do this for all your accounts, try to do so for ones that contain sensitive personal data, like SingPass or bank accounts.

#4 Add your number to the Do Not Call list

List your number on the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to opt out of commercial calls and messages promoting or advertising a good or service.

While this registry does not stop nefarious scam calls, it gives you more control over how your number is being collected, used, and disclosed.

#5 Don’t give out your number unnecessarily

Protect your phone number in real life. When filling in street surveys (or online ones, for the matter), leave out your phone number and other identifying details like your home address.

When discarding mail and parcels, make sure you tear off or cross out the labels with your personal details.