Online Directory Compiling Cell Phone Numbers -- Maybe Even Yours
The next time you order a pizza for delivery, be careful. If you give your cell phone number to the person on the other end of the line, you may actually be giving up any expectation you have that the number will remain private.
A Bellevue, Wash.-based company, Intelius, has been compiling a hefty database of private cell phone numbers in some innovative ways, including mining some phone lists from companies you might not expect to be in the information-selling business.
This is about more than keeping your cell phone number out of the hands of strangers. Calling plans charge the subscriber for minutes used instead of the second party calling in. That means unwanted calls from, say, a telemarketer are more than just an annoyance -- they also cost you money.
Intelius has been skirting privacy laws based on what many may consider a legal loophole. Telephone companies are prohibited from compiling lists of cell phone numbers, but so far there's nothing (yet) that says a third-party can't do so. Thus, Intelius scours the Internet looking for numbers or buys lists from various companies. To conduct a number search you have to plunk down $14.95.
If you give your cell phone number to the pizza delivery guy, you're essentially opting in to that business's call list. And then that business simply turns around and sells the list to Intelius. (Mind you, we have nothing against pizza delivery in general -- and, in specific, we are grateful for the deliciously cheesy service they provide.)
Should you be worried, then, that your cell phone number is now broadcast across the Web for all to see? Not really. According to reports, many of the numbers that turn up in searches are incorrect. The company does claim to have about 90 million out of the approximately 195 million cell phone numbers active in the United States.
Phone companies like Verizon are stating they will push back against Intelius' efforts and some state legislatures are starting to wake up to consumers' concerns.
We'll stay on top of the issue for you. In the meantime, enjoy that pizza.
From MSNBC.com and Consumerist.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
LIVER AND ONIONS said 4:33PM on 1-31-2008
I would comment but someone might get my number!
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Stephanie said 8:12AM on 2-01-2008
Give people the rejection hotline's "telemarketers Nightmare" number instead lol
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Sharon said 8:20AM on 2-01-2008
I got a new cell phone number, and now Im getting calls (i think bill collector calls) looking for someone else. Its agravating!
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Gayle said 8:44AM on 2-01-2008
I put both my home and my cell phone numbers on the national do not call list . I haven't had any problems since
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Gayle said 8:47AM on 2-01-2008
https://www.donotcall.gov/
this is the link to it and it is free
The national Do Not Call Registry
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Razzi said 8:52AM on 2-01-2008
Put your cell numbers and if you have a fax/phone or a house phone on the National No Call List. I did when that first started and didn't have a promblem till the 5 years was up last year. You have to go back in and redo it. It took 30 days for it to start again. I was getting faxes and calls during the 30 days. Just say I'm on the National No call List, Do Not call this number again and hang up. Cut them short. That list does work and it's so nice!
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dakotasurfer said 9:17AM on 2-01-2008
Cell phones are exempt from being called. When they call and I say it's a cell phone I've been told "we will remove your number, we can't call cell phones". And surprisingly enough the calls have cut down tremendously.
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dakotasurfer said 9:17AM on 2-01-2008
Razzi is right... use the Do Not Call list. It works even for Cellphones.
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HCM said 9:33AM on 2-01-2008
I try to at least be polite when telemarketers call my home number, but if this happens on my cell phone, I will offer not a second of my time. This is the lowest of the slime tricks.
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maria said 9:51AM on 2-01-2008
i get the same things i would like to say private number un listed but they still call wrong numbers
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Chris said 10:10AM on 2-01-2008
>I am already getting people calling trying to >sell mr things...is there no escaping the >dreaded telemarketer?
No problems here - I just told everyone that if they call from a blocked or private number I'm not answering the call. Most telemarketer organizations don't show the number on the caller ID so if it's a blocked, private, or number I don't recognize I just don't answer.
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Karen said 10:25AM on 2-01-2008
Don't answer if you don't recognize the number. Telemarketers hang up before they get your voicemail. That way you won't have any charge!
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gus gus said 10:51AM on 2-01-2008
in response to sandra w's comments, who said that were forced to have cell phones?? Believe it or not, there was a time when people walked around without them, I think they were called the 80's? I don't mean to be insulting to sandra but I know a lot of people who believe the same thing. Cell phones are a luxury, not a requirement. Were paying way too much for them because the cell phone companies know that people have panic attacks when they don't have them. With today's technology, it should cost about $14.99 a month for unlimited calling from anywhere, but its as simple as supply and demand, were willing to pay any price for them so companies charge through the roof for it.
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Mohammad said 10:52AM on 2-01-2008
1. Use the do not call list as others have said. It is useful. AND IT WORKS.
2. I give out false information if I'm in a really pissy mood. Maybe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend?
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JIM ROBINSON said 10:52AM on 2-01-2008
Just an FYI
Cell phone numbers going public tomorrow
REMINDER....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies
tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls.
....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time
It blocks your number for five (5) years. You
must call from the cell phone number you want to
have blocked. You cannot call from a different
phone number.
HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
It take about 20 seconds
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CMD said 10:56AM on 2-01-2008
Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call list!! It's definitely worth it! You can do it online in a couple easy steps. You can register both your home phone number as well as your cell phone number. And in the event you do get a call, request that your phone number be taken off their list and they're supposed to do it. The website for the Do Not Call list is: www.donotcall.gov
Good luck
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The Lone Wulf said 11:19AM on 2-01-2008
Although I don't agree with it, as a former telemarketer, I have to say that the DNC list is almost pointless. Even if your number is on there, the telemarketing companies have to PAY to see it. It isn't something that they can simply pull up a secured database to ensure that the numbers they have are good, they have to put out money to see it! To everyone who says that they did it and don't see telemarketing calls, you've been lucky enough to not get overseas companies calling, or you safegaurd yourself in other ways.
More bad news, as people cut their land lines, the only form of contact becomes the cell phone. Eventually, something's gonna have to give. Doesn't mean I like it, but I deal with my land line to keep my cell phone quiet.
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Catman said 11:22AM on 2-01-2008
Gus Gus....any phone is a luxury if you want to go that far. Cell phones are a great convenience especially in business. If we get charged for incoming calls, there should be a law against telemarketing calling you on them. Also, Do Not Call Registry does work. What some people don't realize is that they can still get calls from companies or affiliates that they are ALREADY doing business with. You can also get calls from charitable orgasnizations who aren't subject to the Do No Call lists.
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Larry said 11:31AM on 2-01-2008
I have a 128db air horn that I realy love and telemarketers realy hate.
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Flarncie Bonanno said 11:51AM on 2-01-2008
JIM PATERSON ~~ if you'll go to Snopes.com, you'll find the information you're passing on is a myth.
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