Get a Free, Anonymous, Auto-Expiring Phone Number

I've previously written about the nifty service that Jangl provides (setting up a custom phone number for another person to use to call you, which can be disabled at any time). Now here's a similar service that is less complex and a little broader in use.

Craigsnumber is scrappier than Jangl, but its beauty is in its simplicity: You visit the site, and it automatically generates a phone number for you for temporary use. You set the number to expire in one hour, one day, or one week. The idea, if the name hasn't tipped you off, is that the number is designed for use on Craigslist, so you can post the phone number online when you're selling that couch or stroller or pressure cooker to make it easier for people to get hold of you. Most people resort to anonymous email instead, which can be slow and requires a lot of back and forth. But you'd have to be insane to post your actual phone number on the site.

Craigsnumber has some limitations that make it not as smooth as Jangl. It only provides numbers in three area codes (San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington D.C.), and all numbers have an extension attached to them. But the service is extremely simple (just visit and you'll see), and no registration is required. There aren't even any advertisements. It's definitely worth a bookmark.

How well does it work? Well, I'm putting my money where my mouth is, and for the next hour, I will accept calls from anyone and everyone at (415) 234-5500 ext. 408. But if you want to get me on the line, you better hurry. The clock's ticking.