Number masking for marketplaces
On a marketplace, an order or a listing sometimes needs a direct conversation. Number masking connects the two parties through an intermediate number for the length of the transaction.
The problem
As soon as two users trade personal numbers, the platform loses sight of the transaction, and each party is exposed to unsolicited contact or harassment. Without a controlled channel, disputes cannot be investigated.
The requirement is specific: one intermediate number per exchange, limited in time, that forwards the call or text to the right person and keeps a record. It is not a line shared by everyone.
How it flows
Example journey
Marketplaces
Order confirmed
On a home-services marketplace, a customer confirms a visit with a provider.
Connection session created
The platform creates a session that pairs the customer and the provider with an intermediate number and an expiry date.
Call or SMS through the intermediary
The provider calls the intermediate number. The call is relayed to the customer, who sees the platform’s number.
Exchange log
Duration, timestamp and status of each call are attached to the order. The platform can refer to them if there is a disagreement.
Session closed
Once the visit is done, the session expires. Calling the intermediate number again no longer reaches the customer.
Products involved
Number masking
Connect two people without either seeing the other's number.
Custom quoteVoice API
Place, receive and control calls from your code.
Custom quoteSMS API
Send SMS, count segments, follow statuses.
Custom quoteRecording
Optional recording, turned on deliberately and kept for a limited time.
Custom quoteLimits to know
- Masking depends on whether the country and provider can relay a call with the chosen caller identity. Some destinations require the real origin to be shown.
- Recording an exchange requires a legal basis, information for the people involved and a defined retention period. Recording is off by default.
- The number of intermediate numbers you need depends on how many exchanges run at once. It is sized with you, country by country.
Frequently asked questions
Can one intermediate number serve several exchanges?
Yes, as long as the pairs of participants differ, because the relay uses the calling number to find the right session. Two exchanges involving the same party on the same intermediary need another number.
Size your masking setup
Tell us how many exchanges run at once, which countries the participants are in and how long a session should live.