Do you use a separate mobile number only for finance?

[muk9998]

Do you use a separate mobile number only for finance?

Lately I’ve been thinking about cybersecurity in banking and wanted to ask if anyone here has tried this:

👉 Keeping one primary number for daily use (calls, social apps, shopping, etc.)
👉 And a second number used only for finance (bank accounts, UPI, credit cards, etc.), never shared anywhere else.

The idea is to reduce the risk in case our regular number gets leaked in data breaches, phishing, or SIM-swap scams.

Recently, I checked on a paid data-leak site and found my primary number in 30+ places, along with email and other details 😓. That made me wonder if it’s better to keep a finance-only number strictly private.

A few doubts I have:

Has anyone here actually tried this setup? How do you manage it—dual SIM or separate phone?

After changing mobile number for finance, how long does it take for CIBIL and other bureaus to update to the new number?

Any hidden issues (like banks not accepting a fresh number, or OTP delivery problems)?


Would love to hear your experiences. Is it really worth the effort, or just extra hassle?


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[muk9998]

I should also add – I’ve been using my primary number for everything since the beginning. I’ve done so many deals, registered on countless portals, and now my inbox is literally flooded with junk mail.

This number is actually very old – my brother gave it to me when I was around 17 years old – and since then I’ve been using it everywhere without thinking about data privacy. No wonder it showed up on 30+ leaked sites when I checked 😅.

That’s why I’m seriously considering shifting all financial activity to a fresh number and keeping this old one just for daily use.


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[sawan005]

Idea is good but too much work.

if you chnage the no. there is no guarantee that the new number you got is fresh number (not previously used by someone). Recently i bought new sim and now no. Belong to someone who took loan and not paid now i got all the emi relared msg and call.

Suppose if you get the fresh number and change in the bank. Still you have to register the no. To some webaite who sell your personal data like CRED, GPAY, PHONEPAY, TRUECALLER etc.

But yes best case scenario i suggest to not get scammed - dont change everything to new no. and email
1. Get 1 sim may be pay extra for vip no. hopping its a fresh no.
2. Open one primary bank account.
3. Put emergency fund and transfer all the salary in this acc via NEFT
4. And transfer the only money back to 2nd acc whenever you need.
5. Use the 2nd acc for credit card, upi and all other.
6. Reduce credit card transaction limit to 5000. Only increase when you need.
7. Dont use random website for cashback, gift coupon, upi payment.
8. Turn off international transaction, tap and pay, atm withdrawal.

Most imp
9. Buy a total security antivirus for your phone and laptop.
10. Always check the url before opening dont just click.
11. Always put wrong usernames and password on the 1st attempt while login to any banking website to make sure the website is genuine.
12. Dont use anyone else / public computer or wifi / Hotspot specially when you have to use banking related service.
13. Never charge your phone at public place if the charging port is ctype or usb. Only charge where the adapter is available.