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Second-number apps (TextNow, Google Voice and others) and how to spot them

A match or seller’s number turns out to be internet-based? What second-number apps are, why genuine people use them, why scammers like them, and the verification-code trick to avoid.

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Second-number apps give people an extra phone number that runs over the internet. They’re useful: people use them to keep their main number private when dating, selling things online or working. But the same features (quick to set up, easy to change, not tied to an ID) also make them popular with scammers. If you’re checking a match, a buyer or a caller, knowing whether a number is internet-based helps you ask the right questions. The phone check at the top of this page shows the line type.

How to spot an internet-based number

  • Line type. A lookup shows whether a number is mobile, landline or VoIP. Second-number apps usually show as VoIP.
  • Provider. Sometimes the lookup names the provider behind the number.
  • Behaviour. Texts only, calls that never connect, or a number that changes when you ask questions.

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What it means when checking someone

A VoIP number on its own isn’t proof of anything. Weigh it with the rest: do their photos check out, will they video call, does their story hold together, and have they asked for money, gift cards or crypto? A VoIP number plus any of those is a reason to slow down.

The verification-code trick

The FTC describes a scam where someone, often posing as a buyer or a match who wants to “make sure you’re real”, sends you a Google Voice code and asks you to read it back. If you do, they can set up a Google Voice number linked to your phone and use it to hide their identity (FTC). Google says its staff will never ask for this code and explains how to disconnect your number if you shared it. The FTC’s rule is simple: anyone who asks for your verification code is a scammer (FTC).

Where to report it

ImposterWatch Personal (US$9/month, cancel anytime) adds AI-powered checks on numbers, emails and matches.

Questions

What is a second-number app?

An app that gives you an extra phone number that works over the internet. Google Voice and TextNow are well-known examples. The number usually shows up as VoIP (internet-based) in a line-type check.

Does a VoIP number mean someone is a scammer?

No. Plenty of people use a second number for dating, selling things online or work, to keep their main number private. It’s one signal to weigh with others, such as refusing to video call or asking for money.

Why do scammers use them?

They’re quick to set up, easy to change, and don’t point to a real identity. The FTC has warned that scammers try to set up Google Voice numbers linked to other people’s phones so they can hide who they are.

Someone asked me for a Google Voice code. What now?

Don’t send it. If you already did, Google’s help pages explain how to disconnect your number from Google Voice. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Can I see who owns a VoIP number?

Usually not. Providers don’t publish account holders. You can see the line type and sometimes the provider, which is what the phone check shows.

Want to know what kind of number it is?

Enter it in the phone tab at the top of this page to see the line type, carrier and any scam reports. ImposterWatch Personal (US$9/month, cancel anytime) adds AI-powered checks, breach alerts for up to three email addresses and account recovery help.

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General information only, not legal or financial advice. ImposterWatch is operated by Cloud Investments FZE (UAE) and is not a background check or private investigator service.