Why do game stores ask for my phone number or address?

Increasingly data-driven, the gaming industry is one of many that seeks to obtain customer information – leveraging it to track trends in sales, personalise marketing and create customer loyalty schemes. However, with privacy concerns becoming more of an issue, many gamers are wary of sharing personal information – and rightly so.

When buying products or services online, it’s always worth using a trusted site like MobileTopUp. This way, you only share your information with one platform, limiting the risk of data breaches, and you can pay for goods using secure, convenient digital cards – no need to share more information than necessary.

But, if you’re still asked for your address or phone number? This could be why.

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Why do stores ask for your phone number?

Typically, gaming platforms like PlayStation Store, Xbox, Steam and Nintendo eShop will ask for your phone number so they can verify your identity. They may also use it to contact you regarding any orders you place, give you delivery updates via text message, and send you promotional messages.

Why do shops ask for your address?

If you’re buying physical goods, shops need your address to ship products, as well as calculate taxes or shipping fees. And, whether you're purchasing digital or physical items, they’ll need your address to verify your billing information. This is one of the ways you can use digital cards from MobileTopUp to your advantage – no need to share your billing address.

Why do companies want my phone number?

Companies want your phone number for several reasons. Firstly, it helps them communicate with you about your account or purchases, and provide customer service should you need it. Secondly, some companies will use your telephone details to enable two-factor authentication, helping to make your account and information more secure. Lastly, some companies will want your phone number for marketing purposes – if you agree to it, they’ll send you messages advertising their deals and offers, or reminding you about launch dates and new releases.

Why do you need to verify your phone number?

Verifying your phone number is an important step when protecting your privacy. By confirming your number, you help secure your account and prevent fraud.

• Make it harder for scammers – your phone number can help to confirm you're not a bot or creating fake accounts, as it’s linked to your identity.
• Secure your account – your phone number can enable two-factor authentication. Companies can send you security codes when you sign in, making it harder for hackers to access your account – even if they know your password.
• Enable account recovery – if you forget your password, companies can use your phone number to verify you and help you regain access to your account.

Why do stores ask for your email address?

Game stores will use your email address to communicate with you, to send you marketing materials and to help keep your account secure. Your email can help companies to contact you:

• About your orders – they’ll send order confirmations and updates to your email.
• For promotional purposes – game store loyalty programs may send you marketing emails with deals or to inform you of new products.
• For customer tracking – game stores may use your email address to recognise and track activity when you’re browsing, so they can tailor their advertising or personalise deals they send you.
• To create or recover your account – you’ll usually need to verify your email address when you create an account. And, if you can’t remember your password? Stores will send you an email to help you reset your account.

What information can someone get from your phone number?

From your phone number it’s possible for others to find your name, location, social media and profiles, plus information like your age, and who you work for. This can help hackers gain access to your online accounts, or use it for scams or spam.

1. Your name and location – if your phone number is included in any online profiles or public records, it can reveal information like your full name, your city, and potentially your mobile data provider.
2. Social media accounts – many apps, like WhatsApp and Facebook, encourage people to find you via your phone number. If someone did this, they may be able to uncover your appearance via profile photos, your username, and any other information displayed like where you live.
3. Other information – if hackers combine your phone number with databases like LinkedIn, they can also possibly work out your age and your employer. They could also view your email address and identify potential connections to pose as.

Why would someone ask for my phone number?

There are plenty of legitimate reasons a person might ask for your phone number.

• To contact you directly – a phonecall is often considered a quick and reliable way of reaching someone.
• To send you information – this includes confirmations, access codes, reminders and support services, plus marketing promotions.
• To verify your identity – including two-factor authentication and account resets.

However, some people may have ulterior motives. It’s important to always be wary of sharing information with those you don’t know, or with unverified companies. If you’re unsure that sharing your phone number is the right thing to do, ask why they need it – a legitimate person or business should have a clear reason, and be happy to explain that to you.

To avoid sharing your personal information on multiple platforms, trusted providers like MobileTopUp offer a secure way to pay. Opt for digital vouchers and avoid inputting your data into other sites.

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Should you have your phone number on your website?

Only include your phone number on a public website if you want to be contacted directly. Even then, consider privacy and spam risks before sharing it publicly. If you need to share it, consider using a phone system from companies like OpenPhone, or Ringover.

Can someone steal your mobile number?

It’s possible. Scammers can attempt to steal your mobile phone number in order to access your online accounts or commit fraud. They may do this in order to:

• Hijack your number – hackers may try to trick your carrier into transferring your number to a new SIM, so they receive your texts and calls, including two-factor authentication codes and password resets.
• Send phishing scams – they could use your number to send fake messages that trick your friends and family into giving up sensitive info or sending money.

To help protect yourself, avoid sharing more information than you need to:

• Avoid sharing your phone number on public sites.
• Use an authenticator app to enable two-factor authentication, rather than SMS.
• Don’t click on links in text messages, or give out information to unknown callers.
• Use digital vouchers from MobileTopUp to limit the information you share on multiple platforms.