WHY USE A BURNER PHONE

Now you probably heard of a “burner” before and may be thinking that this is simply a communication line for unscrupulous individuals partaking in illicit activities – and generally speaking, why yes it can be. However, we are not here to judge, as there are many more reasons why someone should have access to one. Let us dig a little deeper and explore the myriad of uses one is afforded using a beautiful little device known as the “burner phone”.

What is a Burner Phone

Basically, a burner phone is a cheap mobile phone that you may destroy or discard when you no longer need its’ services after accomplishing a direct purpose with it. In theory, burner phones are never intended to be used over and over again. They are designed for completion of a single mission: communicating an important message without trace of who you are. When that mission is carried out, the phone can be disposed of, or “burned”, along with the phone number.

Privacy

Even in the age of posting where you went for breakfast, what you ate, and what you wore when you did it, anonymity still has a place in the world. The thought of someone or something being able to retrieve your personal data to store for their own use is quite intrusive. And annoying. And embarrassing.

You never know what someone is up to, but even if it is meant with good intentions, it is still an encroachment on your personal space when they’ve captured your personal information. Congratulations, you are now forever linked and implicated in whatever sordid affair you decided to engage into.

Why put yourself in a compromising situation when having the option to be insulated from personal attack on your reputation, as well as avoid having to answer some very uncomfortable and difficult questions in respect to your lifestyle choices. Consider this an insurance policy by putting some distance between you and said dangers.

Security

Okay, but what if you were not having an affair, nor moving money to an offshore account off a friendly tip. What then? Once again, your well-being is predicated on the subject of privacy.

Think about the consequences from a night of passion. A simple hook up can end up resulting in something far more sinister.

That chance sexual encounter may have been enjoyable; however, it was but a fleeting moment with the aftermath of this individual now becoming unhinged, making harassing calls and texts to you at all hours of the night.

It is truly disturbing, and yes, people can find out a lot on the net, but still though, doesn’t it make sense to make someone’s job a tad more difficult to get at you.

How easy would it be to just dump a temporary line, rather than change your personal number you’ve had forever, thus turning your world upside down. Hence the benefits of a secondary phone used to keep the bullshit to a minimum.

Don’t think bad of yourself for doing this either. It’s been a long-time standing secret for many in Hollywood wanting to keep would be leeches, clingers, and potentially dangerous or harmful individuals from gaining access to the celebrity.

Face it, the online world has turned into the wild west, where you do not know what seemingly harmless mission to get strange ends up turning into a lethal encounter. Aside from using a condom, you must protect yourself further.

Freedom

All you wanted to do was sell your scratched up coffee table to help pay the rent, but instead end up getting threatened for not answering all the lunatics questions when they started psycho texting you at three in the morning. Thank you Craigslist. Now you must file a restraining order tomorrow.

Seriously, do you really want this unstable individual having your personal number? Use the burner, tell them it’s sold and to screw off with peace of mind knowing there is of little repercussion to your precious life.

Once again, in its purpose, burner phones were never intended to be used over and over again. They were designed for completion of a single mission: communicating an important message without trace of who you are. When that mission is carried out, the phone can be disposed of, or “burned”, along with the phone number. Simple.

You are not chained or locked into anything, including any contracts. You can do what you want, when you want – and there’s a word for that: Freedom.

Emergency Situations

How many times do we have to see a movie where some idiot is stuck or lost somewhere in the middle of night, with their fancy shmancy iPhone dead. Oh well, if only they had a burner they may have lived.

If anyone is of the traveling variety, you know that a backup can be worth its weight in gold. Be that as it may, you cannot predict when disaster strikes, but the cost is minimal in being prepared for a potential situation to arise. On that note, per FCC guidelines, ALL phones must be able to access 9-1-1, regardless of whether signed by a carrier, or disconnected.

Extreme Discretion

Because you do not want the authorities to intercept your conversations on your drug dealing. Nor do you want the hit on your baby mama coming back to haunt you, so in that respect if you are going to do anything remotely questionable, you truly must cover your bases.

Although anyone can be found with some work, at the very least, and once again, it only makes sense for you to make the job slightly more difficult for individuals to ascertain this information.

With that in mind, always remember the key fundamental to a burner, which is that of ALL phones essentially are tracking devices that can be found, however, the value of the line is in the disguise of an individual user that cannot be.

You are – for all practical purposes, supposed to be a voice that is heard, but never seen, nor known. In essence, you are a ghost that does not exist. And you shall act accordingly like one, thinking along those lines to make sure there is no association to ever be formed from you and the device.

• You would not want to purchase this at the 7-11 by your home either. You know, the one you always stop at to gas up and buy beer. For that matter, avoid going to an actual cell phone store as they would probably require more information from you to make the transaction. Make an effort and go somewhere a little further off the grid to buy your burner. It may be an inconvenience, but worth it in the long run.

• Do not make any purchases with plastic. None. Pay with cash only. You do not want any association that connects you to this phone. Nothing personal (debit/credit card, email account, amazon account) linking you to it.

• No need to purchase one with the latest features as you will not need it. This phone is not to surf the web or play candy crush. You already have one for that. It is merely an instrument to convey an important message. Then be disposed of once that message is delivered.

• Refrain from taking this phone everywhere you go as well. I know that contradicts some of the earlier statements made but depending on what your intentions are with the line, it should be kept at home. Preferably powered off.

When the time is right to deliver on said message, then, and only then shall it be powered on. But NOT at home. And once again, immediately disposed of.

Still confused? Well, you should not be, but if so there are a ton of articles out there that you can look up on what to do and not, in respect to your newfound appreciation on private phone line etiquette.

Cost versus Value Conclusion

When one says burner phone, the immediate thought is one of duplicity. They think this person is up to no good or is engaged in illegal activities. But as you can see, the upside to maintaining one in comparison to the relatively cheap costs make it a worthwhile investment. Bear in mind this is all in addition to your separate personal number, only given out to those you trust.

To reiterate, this is a disposable, throwaway phone. If you lose it, no biggie. If you have some jilted lover stemming from a one-night stand who won’t get the hint, you simply dump the line. All while still not having to explain to your sweet little grandma that you had memorable sex with a psychopath.

I myself have always employed burner phones over the course of my illustrious career as a convenient business tool for all the aforementioned security reasons mentioned above. Nowadays I would think it is even more necessary, as the dad in me prevails to recommend everyone protect themselves, especially young people.

Be smart, be safe, and think about the random encounters you have in this crazy world we are all living in. Stay well, and out of trouble.

Please note: this was not legal advice, nor should be construed as such. If you feel that it is, you are sadly mistaken. It is a piece for educational purposes only. Although the use of “burner phones” are perfectly legal, using it in a questionable manner potentially opens you up to legal consequences. Still though, I am not an attorney, I am a Felon. That said, this article is merely a state of comedic opinion. Always consult an attorney regarding your specific legal situation.

–The Educated Felon