How do I know if a phone number is a virtual or internet number?
A virtual number is issued by an app or an online service instead of a cellphone network, so it has no SIM card and no real address behind it. You cannot see this by looking at the number; a lookup service that knows which operator issued it can.
Scammers use virtual numbers because they are free or cheap, can be thrown away and can be made to look like they come from any country. Businesses and people who travel also use them, so a virtual number is a warning sign, not proof.
Veritaza's check 3 reports whether the number is virtual, which country it is from and whether it appears on scam lists.
Signs to watch for
- The person never answers a normal phone call, only WhatsApp messages or WhatsApp calls.
- The number changed during your chat for a vague reason.
- The number's country does not match the story.
- They refuse to give you any other way to reach them.
- Run the number through a check that reports the issuing operator.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a scammer use a normal South African SIM?
- Yes. Many do. A real SIM is no guarantee either, so look at the whole picture.
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 R99.
Check a person