A United States-based telephone number utilized during the email account creation or security enhancement process to confirm the user’s identity. This typically involves receiving a short message service (SMS) containing a verification code that the user then enters on the website or application. As an example, a user attempting to create a new email account may be required to provide a valid US phone number, to which a code will be sent, confirming the user’s access to the provided number.
Employing this method enhances security by providing an additional layer of authentication beyond just a password. This process mitigates the risk of automated bot creation of accounts and can aid in account recovery if a user loses access. Historically, this evolved as a response to increasing spam and fraudulent online activities, helping platforms maintain a more secure and trustworthy user base. The use of phone numbers ties an email account to a specific individual, deterring malicious actors who often prefer anonymity.
