I need some advice.  Need to set up a hobby phone since my SO is paying that bill.  I recent bought a pre-paid Virgin Mobile phone and prepaid card of minutes from a local merchant.  However, when I tried to activate the phone, I was told by the operator I had to provide my personal information, including my home address.  This basically defeats the purpose of having it, because if they ever contacted me I would have a lot of explaining to do.

Did I miss something, or is there a specific type phone I should look for?  I would really like to set something up where I can pay as I go, preferably in cash, for minutes.  I do not want to receive any bills or otherwise be contacted by a phone provider.

Perhaps there is a way I could do this via a Google Voice number and my computer?

Any advice?

Go to the AT&T store and get a GoPhone.  When they ask for info mention it is for your nephew and make up fake information - just make sure the address exists somewhere and pay with cash.

Trak Fone has a default address in Florida...  I am very happy with the service.  I do have a link to an e-mail account, also an assumed name & only used for hobby.  I buy the minute cards anywhere with good old cash, add the minutes through the phone & trash the minute cards in the trash next to a store.
skb

Boost Mobile - $50 a mth, unlimited minutes and texting, and internet. can pick one up and reload it in cash at Walmart or any Sprint/Nextel store.

I activated mine on their website.

I've never spoken with anyone at Virgin Mobile.

If they asked for a name & addy, I just made one up.

Thanks for all who replied.  I think I may have come up with another solution...I got a Skype online number.  This way I can place calls from my smart phone via the Skype app.  The call back number that appears is my Skype number, and I have it set to forward calls back to my phone.  This way I get around having any extra hardware (another sure tip-off) or having to go through any other hoops.  The only downside is that I need a Wifi connection to place calls, but this is usually not a problem in most urban centers, or usually as close as the local Starbucks.  I'll let you know how this works out for me.

Ten phone at Walmart is good...

I activated right through the phone.  Did not have to speak with anyone

i was going to get one as well but won't the calls from these phones show up as 'blocked' or 'private', which providers usually say they don't take blocked or private calls. just wondering.
any info on this would be appreciated.
thanks.

block the number you can, otherwise the number shows up.