A temporary, often prepaid, telephone number can be used to satisfy Facebook’s phone verification requirement during account creation or setup. This allows users to proceed without using their personal or primary phone number. These numbers are typically acquired through specialized services and are active for a limited duration.
The use of these alternate contact methods offers a layer of privacy and can be particularly relevant in situations where individuals prefer not to associate their personal details directly with social media accounts. Historically, the need for phone verification has grown as a security measure to combat fake profiles and automated bot activity; this practice mitigates risk and upholds community standards.