Risks of sharing your personal phone number online: spam, scams, and fraud.

Why Use a Temporary Phone Number from MobileSMS.io for Online Marketplaces?

February 1, 2025 / Guides / By / 6 minutes of reading

Introduction: The Risks of Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace have transformed how people buy and sell. Whether you’re signing up to list an item for sale or looking to purchase something, these platforms often require phone number verification. However, sharing your personal number can expose you to privacy risks such as spam, scams, and unwanted contact.

To protect your privacy, MobileSMS.io offers a secure way to verify your marketplace accounts without using your real phone number. Our temporary, non-VoIP SIM-based phone numbers allow you to sign up for eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms while keeping your personal number private.

Privacy Concerns When Using Online Marketplaces

Using a temporary phone number from MobileSMS.io to protect your privacy.
Stay secure with a temporary number—protect your personal information when using online marketplaces

Many online marketplaces require phone number verification for account creation. However, sharing your personal number can lead to:

  • Unwanted Calls and Spam: Once your number is linked to a public listing, it can be added to marketing databases.
  • Potential Scams: Some fraudsters collect phone numbers from listings to execute phishing attempts or identity fraud.
  • Privacy Invasion: Even after your sale is complete, buyers and sellers may continue to contact you, creating an ongoing nuisance.

By using a temporary number from MobileSMS.io, you can register for these platforms without exposing your actual phone number to unknown individuals.

How MobileSMS.io Protects Your Privacy

MobileSMS.io provides real SIM-based phone numbers that work for SMS verification on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. While you cannot send SMS messages from these numbers, they allow you to receive verification codes to create your accounts securely.

How it works:

  1. Sign up at MobileSMS.io and purchase a temporary number.
  2. Select the platform (e.g., Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook) that you need verification for.
  3. Use the provided number when signing up for an account.
  4. Receive the SMS verification code and enter it on the platform.
  5. Once verified, the number can be discarded, ensuring your privacy remains intact.

Unlike VoIP-based numbers that are often blocked, MobileSMS.io numbers are real SIM-card numbers, increasing their acceptance rate across online marketplaces​.

Using Temporary Numbers for eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace

Steps to use MobileSMS.io temporary phone numbers for secure transactions on online marketplaces.
Follow these simple steps to protect your privacy while using online marketplaces.

Many platforms require a phone number for sign-up or verification. Here’s how a MobileSMS.io number helps on some of the most popular marketplaces:

Craigslist

  • Craigslist requires a phone number for account creation and post verification.
  • A temporary number allows you to receive the verification code without exposing your real number to potential scammers.
  • Since MobileSMS.io numbers only receive messages (not send), you’ll still communicate with buyers via Craigslist’s built-in email relay.

eBay

  • eBay mandates phone verification to create an account and manage listings.
  • A MobileSMS.io temporary number lets you complete verification without linking your personal phone.
  • This is particularly useful for users who create multiple eBay accounts.

Facebook Marketplace

  • Facebook often requires phone verification for new accounts or after unusual activity.
  • Using a MobileSMS.io number helps users verify their accounts without tying their real phone number to Facebook.
  • If you prefer to keep your marketplace activity separate from your main Facebook profile, a temporary number is a great solution.

Since MobileSMS.io numbers cannot be used to send messages, they work best for account verification rather than direct buyer-seller communication​.

Benefits of Using MobileSMS.io for Online Marketplaces

  1. Privacy Protection – Keep your real phone number private while verifying accounts.
  2. High Acceptance Rate – Unlike VoIP numbers, MobileSMS.io numbers work with most platforms.
  3. Spam Prevention – Avoid unwanted marketing calls and messages after listing items online.
  4. Flexibility – Easily verify multiple marketplace accounts for different platforms.
  5. No Lingering Contact – Once you complete verification, the number can be discarded, eliminating follow-up messages or harassment from persistent buyers/sellers.

Tips for Safe Transactions on Online Marketplaces

Even with a temporary number, it’s essential to follow these best practices when buying or selling online:

  • Use Built-in Messaging Systems – Instead of giving out your number, use Craigslist’s email relay or Facebook Messenger.
  • Meet in Public Places – If an in-person exchange is necessary, choose a safe, well-lit location.
  • Beware of Payment Scams – Use secure payment options like PayPal or eBay’s payment system instead of direct bank transfers.
  • Verify Buyer/Seller Legitimacy – Look at profiles, reviews, or past transactions when available.

By following these safety tips and using a MobileSMS.io number for verification, you can minimize risks while engaging in online transactions.

Real-Life Examples of How Users Benefit from MobileSMS.io

Transaction complete using a temporary phone number with MobileSMS.io, emphasizing privacy and security.
Complete transactions securely and avoid unwanted contact by using a temporary phone number.
  • David, an eBay seller: “I needed multiple eBay accounts to manage different product lines. MobileSMS.io helped me verify new accounts without using my personal number.”
  • Sarah, a Craigslist user: “I was tired of receiving spam texts after posting on Craigslist. Using a disposable number from MobileSMS.io kept my personal number private.”
  • Jake, a Facebook Marketplace buyer: “Facebook locked my new account until I provided a phone number. I used MobileSMS.io for verification and got access without linking my real number.”

Conclusion: Secure Your Online Transactions with MobileSMS.io

If you’re creating accounts on Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other online platforms, using a temporary phone number from MobileSMS.io can enhance your privacy and security. While these numbers cannot send messages, they work seamlessly for receiving verification codes, keeping your personal number hidden from scammers and spam.

Protect your online identity today by using a secure, disposable phone number from MobileSMS.io.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use MobileSMS.io to send messages to buyers or sellers?

A: No, MobileSMS.io numbers are for receiving verification codes only. They cannot send outgoing messages.

Q: What happens to my MobileSMS.io number after verification?

A: Once you’ve received your verification code and completed sign-up, the number can be discarded. It will no longer be available for future messages.

Q: Can I use a MobileSMS.io number to verify multiple accounts?

A: No, each number is single-use and tied to one verification instance. If you need another account verified, you’ll need a new number.

Q: Will my temporary number work with every marketplace?

A: MobileSMS.io numbers work with most platforms that require SMS verification, including Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. However, always check platform-specific requirements.

Q: Can I get a refund if the number doesn’t work for verification?

A: Yes, MobileSMS.io offers a money-back guarantee if a number fails to work for its intended purpose​.

Q: Are MobileSMS.io numbers better than VoIP numbers for account verification?

A: Yes. Many platforms block VoIP numbers, but MobileSMS.io uses real SIM-based numbers, which have higher acceptance rates​.