AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise Hi, thanks for checking me out, I have several years in the telecom industry, working for Pacific Telephone,American Bell,AT&T,AT&T Communications,AT&T Information Systems, and Pacific Bell-SBC. I can answer most questions regarding Telephones,wiring,jacks,PBX, Local and Long Distance,Billing,Custom calling services, Customer Service,and Fraud. I can`t answer Cellular questions.
Expert: Spencer Holcombe Date: 8/25/2007 Subject: Unlisted Phone Number
Question I pay to have my phone number unlisted and am also on the DO NOT CALL LIST. Yet, I frequently get phone calls (usually from "research" firms, charities or politicians.) Question: Where do they get my phone number? This morning I received a call from "ERG RESEARCH" (801)-705-5259. They didn't seem to have my name -- just my number.
Answer Alida,
I could call you without knowing your name OR your number.
It's called random dialing. Software is available on the net that does this for you, as dialing telephone numbers takes time. Since you stated the number and name of the party that called you, I'll assume you have caller ID.
Next time you receive a call from an unknown number, DON'T Answer. But I would report the call.
You might want to check the Internet under: demon dialers, war dialing, and cold calling. Having your number unlisted just means it's not printed in the directory, it's still dialable by anyone. The Do Not Call List doesn't stop calls, it just allows the person/company calling to be fined- If they make 100,000 calls and sell to 100 people, it's probably worth the fine even if they're caught. Other ways they get numbers is from your cable company, banks, and retailers. Check with them and ask about their policy of selling customer name/number/address information to others. I was shocked my cable company did this, but I guess I shouldn't have been. Check with your telephone company about call blocking/call management -it's a service that allows you to only receive calls from numbers you specify, and telecom-emergency personnel.
