Does it have to be a *VALID* phone number? Unless they call it to check, how will they know?

yeah, they now text or call you as part of the process. Supposedly for security, but i think they just want to get more info on everyone

Sure they want more info. If you really need it, get some disposable number for them and other spies.

Well, there are a few conference room phones here at work I'd tap before I let them have a real number of mine.

yeah, just trying to decide how much i care about having gmail...I think the answer is NOT MUCH

You can skip the giving of phone number. I do.