How did MCI get my unlisted phone number ?

Silvers · Apr 14, 2004

I have a private unlisted phone number with Verizon,and I am very careful who I give my phone number to. I do not let any business etc have the number. Well one day my caller ID showed MCI was calling, so I answered and asked them how they got my phone number and they could not answer my question. This happened one other time on another unlisted line with a phone company. Somehow MCI obtained my phone number from Verizon despite the fact it is a non published number (unlisted).

What do you think ?

MossRoad · Apr 14, 2004

Hmm...
123-0000... no answer.
123-0001... no answer.
123-0002... ring ring, hello! Bingo. Would you like to buy a .... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

_RaT_ · Apr 14, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif How clever. I thought it was when they called me and I gave then a list of numbers to call if they would stop calling me. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

AndyM · Apr 14, 2004

123-0000... no answer.
123-0001... no answer.
123-0002... ring ring, hello! Bingo. Would you like to buy a ....


Actually, when they are using the autodialer, they probably call all three numbers at the same time. Their research shows that someone will answer something like one out of three calls. Every once in a while, two people will pick up at the same time when they are dialing multiple calls at once. This is what is going on when you pick up the phone and no one is there-- they can only take care of one person at a time, so they disconnect the second person who simultaneously answers.

GerardC · Apr 14, 2004

I would check with Verizon. Do you pay for it to be unlisted? If so, I would investigate further.
Also, why answer it if you have caller I.D.? Isn't that what you have it for, to screen calls BEFORE you answer?

KubotaSteve · Apr 14, 2004

Companies are famous for selling phone numbers. They range from mortgage companies, credit card companies, magazines, and several other such companies. They will sell lists of phone numbers and other information as well. It is almost impossible to not have someone get your number. My number is listed, but I signed up at the "Do not call" website and also have a block on any calls that are attempting to block their number. I haven't gotten any unsolicited calls recently except from Discover which they are pretty much exempt because I have a card with them.

_RaT_ · Apr 14, 2004

Somebody is good at selling email addresses as well. Lately I have been receiving more emails regarding male enhancement. Promises to add 3". For the life of me I have no clue what I would do with 4".

Junkman · Apr 14, 2004

( Somebody is good at selling email addresses as well. Lately I have been receiving more emails regarding male enhancement. Promises to add 3". For the life of me I have no clue what I would do with 4". )

The same thing you do presently ..... nothing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OkeeDon · Apr 14, 2004

I get those emails, too, but I always ignore them because I wear shorts most of the time.

frank_f15 · Apr 14, 2004

they could have gotten it form any # of sources, from a co that u do business with. almost impossible to keep it out of their hands. DID U ever read the privacy notice on any of your statments? unless u opt out, they may share your info with their affilicates or partner companys, that opens up a whole new ball of wax.