Stumped - How have they got my number?

[DannyM]

I got a call around 4 hours ago from DLC (a debt collection agency) for my mother, she disputed a bill previously and it's been handed onto them. However, I haven't a clue how they got my number I'm completely stumped. It was my mobile number and when they rang up they didn't know who I was in relation to my mum, they just asked for her by name.

My mum called them back and she just told me they found me using a gps finder which I know is a load of tosh.

So my question to me fellow hexites is does anyone have a clue how they got my number?

It has information on their website about how they trace people by analyzing data sets, however any data with my number on is surely protected by the privacy policy of the entity that's storing my information. I'm pretty annoyed about this really. I could understand if it was for me personally and my information had been passed on, but to ring me for my parent is really annoying.

My mum swears she hasn't provided my number to anyone which she wouldn't of done and it's not publicly listed.

I'd like to get my facts right before complaining to them, but I genuinely am at a loss, I've no idea how they got my number.

[BobF64]

Perhaps they werent lying and have access to anonymised phone number information that includes GPS info.

Such that, if they know an address, they could find out the phone number, but not name etc.

All depends whats classified as "personal information" when it comes down to it.

[Finners]

is it a mobile phone provider that the debt is owed to? maybe they look at phone records

[Englander]

Interesting, I started getting spam texts for the first time ever 2 days ago. I'm waiting to read in the news that one company or another has lost a whole load of data again.

[DannyM]

I think it maybe best to find out what the debt was but even if it was something like a phone bill surely they don't have the right to that information?

I'm going to call them tomorrow and ask how they got my information exactly. It took me long enough to stop unwanted calls and texts!

[Zak33]

I;ve no idea bud...
but
A) be really NICE to them.. REALLY NICE>.. and helpful and friendly and NICE
and
B) tell us what you find out.

But read A) and digest it.. be REALLY NICE. It's the ONLY way to find out anything.

[alexandrapierce]

These people sure have a lot of ways to get somebody's phone number. How EXACTLY did they find it, we will never know. But if you have the collection agency's name and phone number, you can file for a complaint against them with your state attorney general. And if the agency calls again, you can also let them know about your complaint. I'm sure, as soon as the agency's become aware that they're being reported, they'd immediately remove your number from their call list.

[alexandrapierce]

I know where you're coming from. But these people sure have a lot of ways to get somebody's phone number. How exactly did they get your phone number, we will not know for sure. But if you have that collection agency's name and phone number, I strongly suggest you file a complaint against them with your state attorney general. They will be investigated.

And if the agency calls again, you can also bring it to their attention that they're being reported. I'm sure that as soon as they're aware, they'd immediately remove you from their call list.

[alexandrapierce]

And one last thing, I suggest you report the phone number to Callercenter, too. Share a warning about how this agency runs its business and when people read it, they'd know how to handle such calls in the future.

[Barakka]

Are there any links between your mobile account and your mum ? Was the mobile account registered at your mums address at any point ? Did you take on an old mobile account from your mum or anything like that ?

If not then its some other account where there is (or has been) a link of some kind between you and your mum and your mobile phone number has been listed as a contact.

Companies share anything and everything for a fee, banks will share address changes when you change it on your bank account, hell one of the agencies will tell you how much available credit someone has on their credit cards on a daily basis (not a credit check), and there is a massive industry in finding the tiniest links when tracing people.

[DannyM]

My phone contract is registered at the address, I'm going to call them this week about it.

[Spank]

Have you used your mum as a next of kin on something you filled out since you've got the phone?

[DannyM]

I've just got off of the phone with them and it's a mixture of what most of you have said.

Zak, I was very nice and in return both members of staff I spoke to were very pleasant, what I also found very amusing was the time I had to wait for the phone to be answered, it took two rings! I can't imagine many folk in a hurry to call a debt collection agency!

The woman basically said that they have access to websites that have numbers linked to addresses and because I still reside with my family then the data for the address also included my number.
When I asked how they would of got my number she said it can be from companies which I have agreed to them disclosing my information to 3rd party companies, she also said data can be collected from electoral forms, a quick Google found this: http://www.192.com/people/electoral-roll/

It's quite shocking really just how easy your information is thrown around! I think I might start to pay more attention when I'm taking out contracts and the like.

[DannyM]

That websites mental, I just searched a few friends and without paying, you get an idea of the amount of information it can provide!

I even searched for someone I know is quite proud about keeping things as private as possible when it comes to tech and the net and their on there too!

[Willzzz]

Hmm interesting, it says my brother is 45-49 when he is actually 27!

[scaryjim]

Some of the data on those websites is estimated/extrapolated (I'm pretty sure the "age guide" is one of those), but some is real - the electoral role is, and always has been, a matter of public record, and most phone numbers are listed somewhere publicly unless you specifically ask for them not to be.

For the electoral role, you can ask to be put on the limited list which means your details will only be given out for electoral purposes (and possible for certain restricted identification purposes). It's actually pretty easy to link people together based on electoral role and credit records though.