A service to let users create temporary phone numbers "at the touch of a button" has hit Apple's iOS App Store in the US.
'Burner' allows people to generate a phone number for less than $2, which can be used for voice mail and text messages.
Incoming calls either redirect to your real number or go straight to voicemail, and SMS messages can be sent back and forth up to a pre-paid credit limit.
Users can even create multiple numbers at once, and keep them going for as long as they like by paying for extra credits.
Burner suggests you might want to use the private number service for "dating, Craigslist, short-term projects, side-businesses, bands and other times when you need to be in touch but maintain a little privacy".
"You can post a Burner number to Twitter or Facebook to let people know how to reach you, for marketing purposes, or just for fun. Any time you need to use a phone or give out a number on a non-permanent basis, consider a Burner," Burner said.
When you're done with a number you press a button to "burn" it, and the number goes away forever - along with everyone who has no other way to contact you.
The app has already reached the top 5 paid apps in the US App Store.
Burner is not currently available in the UK, but Burner said they are working on bringing it here.
What do you think - do you have concerns about this service, and would you use it?