Dating Safety & Privacy
Even on Tinder, Safety First: Why a Second Phone Number Beats Swindlers Every Time
Romance scammers cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. This 1,500-word guide explains how a masked second number (like the encrypted ChatOdyssey Phone Relay) can keep you safe while still letting relationships bloom.
Introduction
Swipe‑based dating exploded in popularity after Tinder’s 2012 debut. By 2025, more than 60 million U.S. adults use dating apps, and nearly one‑third say they met a committed partner online. Yet the very openness that sparks connections also exposes daters to fraud, stalking, and doxxing. The Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler dramatized how easy it is for con‑artists to manipulate targets once they gain direct contact information.
Sharing your personal phone number too early hands strangers a key to your identity. A reverse‑lookup can reveal your full name, address, social profiles, or employer in minutes. Worse, scammers weaponize phone‑based social engineering — from SIM‑swap attacks to PayPal phishing texts. That’s why cybersecurity pros advise segregating your dating life behind a virtual number until mutual trust is earned.
Why Giving Out Your Real Number Is Risky
- Doxxing & Harassment — Data brokers and free people‑finder sites let anyone uncover your address from a phone number.
- Romance Scams — The FTC logged ~70,000 romance‑scam reports in 2022; nearly 20 % started on dating apps but shifted to private calls or SMS, where platforms can’t monitor conversations.
- Unwanted Contact — Roughly 60 % of female daters aged 18‑34 report repeated unwanted calls or texts after turning someone down.
- SIM‑Swap Fraud — Attackers who know your carrier and number may trick support agents into porting your line, then reset your banking logins via SMS codes.
These threats aren’t hypothetical: countless Reddit threads describe ex‑matches blowing up phones at 3 a.m. or posting private photos after being ghosted. Using a secondary line creates a buffer — you can block or burn it instantly with zero disruption to your real life.
How Phone‑Number Masking Works
Modern masking apps assign you a cloud‑hosted line that forwards calls and texts to your primary device. Outbound replies show the proxy number, not your carrier line. Premium services — such as ChatOdyssey Phone Relay — even encrypt traffic end‑to‑end, so nobody (not carriers, not ChatOdyssey) can read your messages.
Key benefits include:
- Instant Setup — Choose a number in minutes; no new SIM or device required.
- Area‑Code Flexibility — Keep your city private or pick a neutral area code.
- Disposable Control — Change or delete the number if the vibe turns creepy.
- Spam Shield — Many masking apps auto‑block robocalls before they reach you.
Top Burner‑Number Apps Compared
Every option below hides your real digits, but only ChatOdyssey layers encryption and unlimited email aliases on top — all for a coffee‑price subscription.
| Service | Pricing | Highlights | Privacy & Security | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatOdyssey Phone Relay | Free trial → $4.99/mo | Encrypted call & SMS relay; unlimited email aliases; keep or burn anytime | End‑to‑end encryption; zero‑knowledge storage | Privacy fanatics, online dating, freelancers |
| Burner | $4.99/mo after 7‑day trial | Multiple disposable numbers; auto‑reply; integrations | Good anonymity; no E2E encryption | Craigslist, short projects |
| Hushed | From $1.99 (prepaid) | International numbers; custom voicemail | High anonymity; standard VoIP security | Travelers, expats |
| Google Voice | Free (personal) | Permanent number; voicemail transcription | Tied to Google account; logs retained | Long‑term second line |
Case Study: The Tinder Swindler Playbook
In the viral documentary, con‑artist Simon Leviev wooed women with jet‑set dates, then pleaded for emergency money once “enemies” allegedly froze his cards. Leviev’s victims said early WhatsApp calls and constant texting helped him build false intimacy. Had they used masked numbers, they could have severed contact the moment inconsistencies appeared — preventing a combined $10 million+ in losses.
Five Tips for Safe Number Use on Dating Apps
- Keep chats in‑app until you’ve had a video date to confirm identity.
- Use a masked line for SMS verification, calls, and first meet‑up logistics.
- Enable read‑receipt off and restrict social‑media syncing features.
- If someone pressures you for your “real” number, treat it as a red flag.
- After three safe, in‑person dates, decide whether to share your carrier number.
Conclusion
Dating apps have revolutionized romance, but they’ve also created a playground for fraudsters. A masked second phone number is the simplest, most affordable step you can take to protect your privacy while still fostering real connections. Services like ChatOdyssey Phone Relay make it effortless: sign up, get a free‑trial number, enjoy encrypted calls and texts, and pay just $4.99 per month if you decide to keep it — with unlimited email relay thrown in.
Remember: swiping right on safety doesn’t block love — it blocks scammers. So before your next match asks, “Can I call you?”, give them your masked digits and keep your real life private until trust blossoms.