Burner app logo (Photo : Facebook)
A "burner phone," featured on many police shows, refers to a pre-paid, disposable cellphone that drug dealers frequently use to keep their illegal activities top secret. A mobile app called Burner is now available for iOS and Android devices. It includes throwaway numbers and provides maximum privacy and security when sending and receiving texts, photos, and calls.
After purchasing the app users can select any area code. They can make and receive phone calls from that number, but it will not appear on another party's caller ID gadget.
The app's key feature is that a phone's number can be "burned." It will never appear on the user's mobile device again.
Burner might be popular with cheating spouses. However, it could be used for more constructive purposes, such as posting ads on Airbnb or Craigslist. Another application would be giving out a number before a blind date.
The app itself is free and includes a seven-day trial period. However, it costs $2 for 20 talk minutes or 60 text messages via an in-app purchase, according to WAAY 31. Paying $5 gets almost an hour of talk time and the ability to text photos.
The entire app can be totally hidden from snoopers. This requires users to set up a four-digit PIN or Touch ID on newer model iPhones.
After two weeks the smartphone's number automatically burns. Users also lose unused texts and call minutes, and an undo option is not available.
Signing up for the burner phone app is quick and easy. However, users must share their real iPhone or Android number, which will be used as their account number, according to MacWorld.
The Burner app is not available for iPad or iPod Touch. It also only functions in the United States and Canada.
Burner is not the first app that burns numbers. Other apps hide or delete text messages, emails, photos, and phone calls. However, it is the best-selling app of its kind because deleting or burning a number is as easy as throwing a phone into a garbage can.
The burner app is a hot item. It is one of the most popular utility apps downloaded from the Apple iTunes app store and Google Play store.
