What is a virtual number, and why do scammers use them?
A virtual number is a phone number bought online that works in apps like WhatsApp without a physical SIM card. Scammers like them because they are cheap, quick to replace and hard to trace back to a person.
Many honest businesses use virtual numbers too. But if a person you met online only has a virtual number and avoids calls, it adds to the other signs.
What you can do
- Ask for a normal phone call, not only WhatsApp.
- Notice whether the number changes often.
- Check the number with Veritaza: check 3 shows whether it looks virtual and whether it appears on scam lists.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a virtual number always a scam?
- No. It is a warning sign, not proof.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for TSh 5,000.
Check a person