CLIENTS: Burner Phone vs Primary Cell vs Google Voice vs ???

[jockstrapdaddy]

Question?

The Question: Saw some discussion about why encrypted messaging apps aren't more widely used by Providers. Well my question is for clients?! Personally, I'm getting frustrated with Google Voice as my primary because it doesn't support RCS and some providers frequently complain about GV users as being inherently flaky. So what is the BEST most preferred way to message that offers the most anonymity, privacy, security while reassuring providers you're a serious client and not spam!?

Long Version:

Encrypted Apps Setup: Most encrypted messaging apps require a valid phone number to activate. Most messaging apps now exclude VOIP numbers issued from third party apps or Google Voice Numbers. Meaning even if you choose to use an encrypted messaging software you have to decide whether or not to associate that encrypted account with your primary cell or acquire a second number.

Whatsapp: Whatever number you use to create a whatsapp account will be shown/displayed to whomever you message from whatsapp so if you used your primary number to set up whatsapp then message a provider, you have effectively given that provider your primary number as well. 🙃 What's app is end to end encrypted and only unsent messages are stored on their servers and even then only for 30 days. Unless someone gets your device or the providers device you have reasonable assurance your messages are secure.

Signal: Similar to Whatsapp, Signal requires a number to establish an account. There is some conflicting information on Reddit with some indicating that they were able to create an account using a VOIP issued phone number. Additionaly, Signal makes a greater effort to collect less overall data about the sender of messages other than the bare minimum necessary to transmit the message. They are an open source non profit who's primary focus is secure messaging. 

Dual Sim: Now, iOS and Android both allow you to dual sim. Meaning you can run two numbers in real time and choose before sending messages or making phone calls which number to use. You can even assign specific numbers to default based on contact record. This could become a lot too manage and doesn't allow you the reassurance of just signing out of an app to disconnect when you need to be offline. A second e-sim with a unique real number (not-VOIP) for texting can be had for less than $40 for a full year of service check out esimdb.com and pick your poison. 

Burner: I don't think in the modern day that it's actually possible to acquire a true burner easily/legally. The US Gov want people to acquire phones with cash and no other identifying info. Someone tell me if that's true, but the last time I researched this it seemed next to impossible. 

Faux Burner: Do you keep a second device with a prepaid sim or some other pay as you go or even a full secondary monthly payment to message providers? This way your daily driver primary phone is not associated with your extracurricular activities. If you are using a cheap prepaid account and have an old phone laying around it's an option. You do now have another device to keep charged and carry around with you to check surreptitiously. 

Short Version:

1. What do you primarily use to message providers?
2. Do you think you think it's relatively anonymous or private or don't care?
3. Do you think it's secure or don't care?

I'm looking for a new solution. Considering upgrading my phone then getting a cheap e-sim for texting and whats app. Yay another device to keep up with and charge.

[Nightowl]

I use my regular phone.  I have no illusions that it is secure so I try to avoid putting anything compromising in my texts.  I vet possible providers very carefully and only hire for incall, which ensures that both of us are discreet.  If I were hiring for meetups at a hotel, I would use some kind of anonymizer.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

1 minute ago, Nightowl said:

I use my regular phone.  

Same here.

By using my regular number, my favorite escorts can text me when they will be traveling through my town, should I want to see them again. 

And it helps when I travel to the same cities again, that I'm able to contact my repeat escorts from the same number and they'll know it's me.

[JayCeeKy]

I've used the "Burner" APP (I'm referring to the APP, not a Burner phone) for years with complete satisfaction. What I like best is that you can change your number every month - and can choose whatever area code you want - this is good if you're visiting somewhere and want to use the local area code (it probably doesn't matter but I'm thinking that local escorts might be more responsive to someone in their own area code?).

I pay per year which currently is $90. Yes, you must give them your current mobile phone number (they must have your phone number so that Burner can use your phone to complete calls) - but there's never been a privacy issue in the 5 or 6 years I've been using Burner.  And, obviously, you must give them your name and address to pay for their services.

When you use the Burner number to call someone you dial the number and then you receive a screen message that says "HEADS UP - We'll hide your number by calling your Burner first." Then, your Burner will call (the number you're calling)" -- you have to choose "OK" - and then Burner will call the number. The person you call ONLY sees your Burner number on his screen.

If you receive a call on your Burner number, your screen will tell you that someone is calling your Burner number - and then you have to press "OK" to receive the call. 

Hope this helps you decide. I like Burner and recommend it without reservations. 

Edited Saturday at 03:35 PM by JayCeeKy
clarification

[jockstrapdaddy]

27 minutes ago, Vegas_Millennial said:

Same here.

By using my regular number, my favorite escorts can text me when they will be traveling through my town, should I want to see them again. 

And it helps when I travel to the same cities again, that I'm able to contact my repeat escorts from the same number and they'll know it's me.

Can totally see sharing your primary number for vetted providers (faves and repeats). I've had bad experiences with first time provider meetups and was glad they didn't have my primary number. 

[+ KensingtonHomo]

38 minutes ago, JayCeeKy said:

I've used the "Burner" APP (I'm referring to the APP, not a Burner phone) for years with complete satisfaction.

Same here. 

[MikeBiDude]

45 minutes ago, JayCeeKy said:

I've used the "Burner" APP (I'm referring to the APP, not a Burner phone) for years with complete satisfaction. What I like best is that you can change your number every month - and can choose whatever area code you want - this is good if you're visiting somewhere and want to use the local area code (it probably doesn't matter but I'm thinking that local escorts might be more responsive to someone in their own area code?).

I pay per year which currently is $90. Yes, you must give them your current mobile phone number (they must have your phone number so that Burner can use your phone to complete calls) - but there's never been a privacy issue in the 5 or 6 years I've been using Burner.  And, obviously, you must give them your name and address to pay for their services.

When you use the Burner number to call someone you dial the number and then you receive a screen message that says "HEADS UP - We'll hide your number by calling your Burner first." Then, your Burner will call (the number you're calling)" -- you have to choose "OK" - and then Burner will call the number. The person you call ONLY sees your Burner number on his screen.

If you receive a call on your Burner number, your screen will tell you that someone is calling your Burner number - and then you have to press "OK" to receive the call. 

Hope this helps you decide. I like Burner and recommend it without reservations. 

I can’t say enough good things about the Burner App. No one has ever questioned my number as authentic (unlike google voice and other VOIP numbers). Only funny thing is sometimes a Gen Z type will say “why are your conversation bubbles green?”  i.e. they’re only used to iPhone messages 🤣

[+ SirBillybob]

1. W’zapp

2. IDK

3. IDK

… need a noon hour nap

[spidir]

I purchased a burner phone years ago and add minutes/data as needed. All paid for with cash. I no longer carry the burner phone when traveling across the border since the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices, including cell phones, at the border without a warrant.

[+ JamesB]

I use a VoIP number app that only requires an email to register an email I created solely for this purpose. If I see someone multiple times and become a regular, then they’ll get my real number. I have no interest in giving every provider I try my personal phone number. For the same reason, first meetings are always at their place or a hotel, I don’t want every provider I meet to know where I live.

[+ SirBillybob]

10 minutes ago, MikeBiDude said:

Only funny thing is sometimes a Gen Z type will say “why are your conversation bubbles green?”  i.e. they’re only used to iPhone messages 🤣

Hunhh? 

[MikeBiDude]

7 minutes ago, JamesB said:

If I see someone multiple times and become a regular, then they’ll get my real number.

This. I don’t want unsolicited pics or phone calls on my real number. And let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to block someone. Not necessarily bona fide providers, but maybe a social media friend you may or may not have hooked up with, a bad hire, etc. it just happens, and the burner app is a good buffer.

I’ve a couple seeking arrangement (the burner app is worth its weight in gold there) buddies and a few providers who have all “graduated” to my real number…based on long term stability and multiple live meets.

[+ KensingtonHomo]

3 minutes ago, MikeBiDude said:

I’ve a couple seeking arrangement (the burner app is worth its weight in gold there) buddies and a few providers who have all “graduated” to my real number…based on long term stability and multiple live meets.

Same here. I have a few regulars with whom I’m also friends on Instagram. But for initial outreach, I always use Burner. 

[+ ApexNomad]

I have my personal assistant make all my arrangements.  So much easier than burner phones. Bad experience, no problem. Hire another assistant.

[+ PhileasFogg]

Regular phone. 
I have nothing to hide and I want anyone I contact to feel comfortable.

I’ve never had a problem and if I do, I’ll deal with it 🤌🏼

[TorontoDrew]

I use TextNow. I paid for the upgraded version for one week so I could set up WhatsApp.  As long as you use it once a week you keep your number.

[liubit]

I have two separate phones. For providers and unpaid hookups I use WhatsApp that I set up in an old prepaid number which expired long ago, and for which I no longer pay anything. Messages come and go through WiFi, no problem. That way I don’t disclose my personal number and keep my “two lives” neatly apart. The only hassle -not too cumbersome, though- is to carry both phones with me. 

I also use Telegram exclusively for my “fun”. No need to disclose your number there, you have the option to hide it when you add a contact. An added advantage is that you can link several devices to the same account, so I get my messages in my two phones and my iPad. Everything travels via internet. 

Schizophrenia, maybe? 😇

[+ Act25]

On 8/9/2025 at 8:18 AM, JayCeeKy said:

I've used the "Burner" APP (I'm referring to the APP, not a Burner phone) for years with complete satisfaction.

This is what I do although I don't change my number.  I use Phoner.  It costs a little bit but I was able to get a 206 area code.  

[DMonDude]

I just use my real phone/number. When i was new to hiring, i got a lot of "i ignore Google Voice/VOIP numbers". And i also saw/knew providers generally aren't using encrypted apps like Signal because most of them either still require a real number or it's so secure/encrypted that everyone has to be using the same app because it doesn't support SMS (like Signal now). So eventually i gave up and just started using my real number. But the Burner app mentioned in this thread sounds promising. I might give that a go as my go to for new providers and then save my real number for trusted regulars.

[ShortCutie7]

None of the above- I message only via RM.  If the provider insists on communicating via phone or WhatsApp, I move on.