The Core

Why We Are Here => Hardware & Technology => Topic started by: Rooftop on March 02, 2011, 06:09:04 PM

Title: throwaway / temporary phone numbers?
Post by: Rooftop on March 02, 2011, 06:09:04 PM
Anyone know if there is such a thing?

We've put an automated call back service on a site some time back as a way of blocking scammers.  A UK landline number is required on registration with a google places style ringback with pin.  Pretty effective.

However it's being circumvented pretty quickly at the moment.  One scammer seems to be able to register a fair number of accounts in a day using unique numbers.  By the time they are spotted the numbers are dead.

No evidence at the moment that the script itself has a security hole in it, so we think they are using temp numbers.  Pain in the arse.

Anyone know if this is likely? Or better still, is there a service anywhere that allows you to check whether they are block numbers or genuine standard issued ones?
Title: Re: throwaway / temporary phone numbers?
Post by: littleman on March 02, 2011, 06:20:40 PM
You may find this thread interesting:
http://th3core.com/talk/hardware-technology/free-phone-numbers-in-38-countries-(redirect-to-skype)/
Title: Re: throwaway / temporary phone numbers?
Post by: Rooftop on March 02, 2011, 06:28:07 PM
Arse.  Always relied on the fact that it cost them a few quid a time.  If they're free that scuppers that idea.  Desperately trying to keep this website free, but it's getting tricky.  It does sometimes seem grossly wrong how much easier it is to commit fraud with a fair certainty that you will never get caught than it is to stop it.

Hmmm... does anyone have any good suggestions on making scam registrations on a free site harder?  Don't need to make this site bulletproof, just harder to create multiple accounts on than the competitors sites!
Title: Re: throwaway / temporary phone numbers?
Post by: ergophobe on March 02, 2011, 06:33:26 PM
You're in the UK right? I don't know, but

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/01/05/free-disposable-temporary-phone-number-to-keep-your-phone-number-private/
http://www.inumbr.com/
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/the-pros-and-cons-of-temporary-phone-number-services/3892
http://www.tossabledigits.com/