Why Does PayPal Refuse to Accept Google Voice? This is Our ONLY Phone Number!

[sbrobert]

We got rid of our landline. We just use Google Voice. I don't do cell phones. Why does PayPal refuse to let me use my Google Voice number for verification? It is tied to everything in my life.

Cell phones provide no real verification. You can buy a burner phone at Best Buy. Google Voice is a real, permanent number. Why does PayPal refuse to accept it?

[PayPal_JonK]

Hello @sbrobert, 

Welcome! Thank you for visiting PayPal's Community Forum. I can certainly understand how it can be a bit frustrating working with our security system. PayPal tries to be as convenient as possible while still being as secure as possible. However, if there's one side of that coin PayPal and other payment processors may need to lean towards more often, it would be the more secure side. Google voice numbers, and burner phones as well, do not offer the same security as a registered and confirmed mobile phone number. However, our Customer Support teams may potentially be able to assist in certain situations where you're unable to complete a verification over a mobile device. 

My apologies for the inconvenience this may present, 

 - Jon K

[sbrobert]

Sorry, that is an utterly unacceptable answer and you know it. This is not an "inconvenience". This is a total obstruction of our ability to use PayPal. For no good reason at all. You DO allow burner phones, but not Google, which is far more secure. 

[Lighthouse331]

I am totally obstructed also, for having NO PHONE. PayPal will not recognize anyone without a mobile phone. They won't allow access or remove an old number that's no longer used, unless you add a new one. I HAVE NO PHONE TO ADD. i USE E-mail only, which they won't accept. Maddening. closing my account. 

[sbrobert]

Thank you for validating the outrageousness of PayPal's "security" measure, Lighthouse331.

Anyone can buy a "burner" phone for a few dollars and they will accept that for "security". Their "security" is really security theater. A massive annoyance for most legitimate users. And that completely blocks people like you and us. But doesn't stop actual criminals.