Anyone using Surfshark Alternate Numbers?

VPN
1

A friend of mine is an American, but lives most of the year outside of the US. So, she needs a US phone number for one time security codes for logging into various accounts. I know that some banks block virtual phone numbers for OTP (notably Chase). But, most still allow it. My friend wants to switch from a different VPN to Surfshark so she can add on an Alternate Number, But, Surfshark says “Alt number does not support verification codes (OTPs)”. If the alternate number can receive a text, why can it not receive a text containing a OTP? Or, are just in CYA mode since they know some banks block virtual phone numbers for this purpose?

2

Hi! We don’t support verification codes due to current technical limitations.

3

Surfshark alternate numbers use VoIP and those do not support SMS text if you’re looking for something for SMS verifications try SMSPool. I’ve been using it for a few months now cost a few pennies per SMS. I believe you need to start off with at least five dollars in your account.

4

So what’s the point of having a Surfshark virtual US number? Making calls, sending and receiving SMS text are what people need and would pay for.

5

I’ve used Google Voice to receive OTP’s.

6

Hit and miss on codes, about half the time. Affinity yes, Credit Karma yes (not banks but manage cash and credit accounts). Comenity Bank (store cards & store-branded MasterCards, no). Not even for password recovery. Many authenticators can send codes from automated robocalls. It should work, but don’t rely on alias numbers for SMS codes. I’m sure their lawyers told them to just say no, for liabilities.

But like the man said, that’s not what it’s for. As an alias to hide your real (personally identifiable) number from login credentials it has worked like a charm.

And every calling my alias from U.S. gets through. I dropped my Magicjack VOIP number which cost as much per annum as my whole Surfshark One account.

It’s great, better than advertised for what it claims to be, but not to sub for two-way telephony and SMS.

7

Hi, Alternative Number can be useful in several ways:

  1. You can use it instead of your real phone number for online accounts and listings.
  2. Your real phone number can be leaked after being added to online databases - this would expose you to spam, scams and other dangers.
  3. You can use it to register for discounts and avoid the spam that comes with them.

You can find out more about benefits of Alternative Number here:
https://surfshark.com/alternative-id