Best Practices for Handling Fake Phone Numbers in SaaS Signups
Here are the top strategies to help your SaaS platform manage fake phone numbers effectively during the signup process.
1. Compare Phone Number Geographic Area with IP Address Location
One way to verify the legitimacy of a phone number during signup is by comparing the phone number’s geographic area with the IP address location of the signup. This step can identify inconsistencies between the location of the user’s device and the phone number provided, which may signal potential fraud.
Why Geographic Comparison Works:
If a user claims to be in a specific country or region but provides a phone number from a completely different location, this could be a red flag. For example, if a user signs up from an IP address in Europe but provides a phone number from the United States, it might indicate a fraudulent signup.
How to Implement Geographic Comparison:
Use tools like SignupSentinel to match the geographic area of the phone number against the IP address during signup. This can be done automatically to reduce manual review and provide real-time insights into the validity of the user’s information.
2. Check the Phone Number Type and Validate Active Lines
To improve the quality of your signups, it’s essential to validate the type of phone number provided. Some numbers may be inactive, invalid, or belong to a VoIP or disposable service, making them unreliable for contact and verification purposes.
Why Phone Number Type and Line Status Matter:
Active, valid phone numbers linked to a physical location or cell carrier are more likely to belong to real users. On the other hand, disposable or VoIP numbers are often used to circumvent verification processes and are less likely to convert into paying customers.
How to Validate Phone Number Types:
SignupSentinel’s API helps detect the type of phone number during signup, allowing you to:
- Identify VoIP and disposable numbers and flag or block them.
- Verify that the number is active and capable of receiving SMS or calls, adding an extra layer of reliability to your signups.
This check can be automated, making it simple to screen for non-legitimate numbers while keeping your signup process efficient.
3. Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) via SMS Verification
Adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) during the signup process is one of the most effective ways to validate phone numbers and ensure that users are real. With SMS verification, users are required to receive a one-time code on their phone number and input it during signup, confirming that they have access to the provided number.
Why SMS Verification Helps:
Requiring SMS verification as part of MFA ensures that the user has access to a legitimate, active phone line. It also reduces the risk of bot-driven signups, as automated systems cannot easily complete MFA requirements.
How to Implement SMS Verification:
Integrate an SMS verification tool to automatically send a code to the user’s phone number at the end of the signup process. Users must then input this code to complete their registration, ensuring that they are legitimate. SignupSentinel offers SMS verification as part of its solution, helping to seamlessly integrate MFA for new signups.
Additional Tips for Reducing Fake Phone Numbers in Signups
In addition to these main strategies, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when handling phone numbers in SaaS signups:
- Regularly update your blocklist of known disposable and VoIP number providers.
- Monitor suspicious patterns: Keep an eye on users who frequently update their phone numbers or create multiple accounts with different numbers. This behavior can indicate potential abuse.
- Provide an alternative verification method: For legitimate users who may struggle with SMS verification (such as users in regions with less reliable phone networks), consider offering email verification as a backup.
How SignupSentinel Helps Automate Phone Number Validation
Manual phone number verification can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially as your SaaS platform scales. SignupSentinel simplifies phone number validation by offering an automated solution that includes:
- Geographic location checks to compare the phone number area with IP address.
- Phone number type detection, filtering out VoIP, disposable, and inactive numbers.
- SMS verification for MFA, helping you confirm legitimate users in real time.
SignupSentinel’s API integration allows you to add these checks to your signup process with minimal effort, reducing fake phone numbers, improving security, and streamlining your signups.
Conclusion: A Multi-Layered Approach to Reducing Fake Phone Numbers
Fake phone numbers are a common hurdle for SaaS companies, especially those offering free trials or using SMS-based verifications. By validating phone numbers through geographic checks, confirming line activity, and requiring SMS verification, you can ensure that only real, high-quality users access your platform.
Implementing a multi-layered approach with tools like SignupSentinel can help automate phone number validation, protect your signup process, and ultimately provide a better experience for both your team and your users. If you’re ready to secure your SaaS signups and improve lead quality, consider adding these strategies today.