Has This Happened To Anyone Else??
 

Howdy y'all :)

I'm not going to name the site because I know that's taboo here. But there is a particular quilting site that I have gone to several times to enter sweepstakes they've had there. But they require you to give your phone number, and every time I've given it, I will get calls from telemarketers for weeks! I've started to put down the number of an old landline I used to have instead of my cell phone number, just to keep the junk calls from starting up again! I figure if they have my email address as well as my snail mail, then they can contact me if I win! Has anyone else had this problem?

Donna

your old land line number is somebody else's new land line number.
you have unwittingly doomed her to get all of "your" junk calls.

i wonder what would happen if you used the site's customer contact number instead. LOL

When sites ask for phone numbers - and won't let you continue without so doing - I just make up a number. You need to use an actual area code (so I use my actual) and then 555 and xxxx. I get way, way too many nuisance calls already. Don't need to add to the mix. If a phone number is required to progress on a site, I don't give them one at all.

Never enter sweepstakes.Or enter for free anything.They just want your numbers to sell.

Even when I write a check and they ask for my phone number, I have a special phony (get it?) number. I heard once that we don't have to ever give out our phone number because it is an invasion of privacy. We pay for that number, we don't have to give it out. I remember once I bought a whole weeks worth of groceries and they asked for my phone number - I said it was unlisted, I don't give it out. "We require a phone number". I said "That is against the law and is an invasion of privacy" and walked out. They had to uncheck all the food I bought and put everything away. I'll show my driver's license and that is it. If it isn't good enough for them, they aren't good enough for me. Iwill say this, though, and that is more people working in the store won't require one if you're ;nice. Actually, one of the people that asked me for my phone number and I said no, told me that they have to have A NUMBER to open the cash register. So that was how I started making up my "phon-y" number. I also told my husband - don't ever give out our phone number - better walk out of the store. Another place I don't go to is a place that will not accept a check. If my check isn't any good to you, why would my cash? Don't get me going here!!!!! Have a good day.Edie

And sell they do!! SO entered some contest and since then he has been put (it seems) on every charity list there is wanting money. He's been re-cycling a whole lot of trees:)

When paying by check and the cashier is asking for a phone number, that information is required to them by the INSURANCE company that insures them against bad checks. I'm sure they probably can't open a register without that info. But nothing says it needs to be the actual one!

How about giving them your area code and then 111-1111 or something like that? Perhaps tell them that you no longer have a phone due to rates going up??

I've tried putting in my area code and all 0's but that didn't work.

If they need a phone # to open the drawer, tell the cashier to use their # and see what they do! I never give info out and try very hard to not shop at stores that require this info. And your address is right on the check so they can find you if they need to. It is all just info gathering to sell. So these businesses are not only taking your money they sell that info to make more money. Not a very customer friendly thing to do IMHO.
peace

There are a couple of shopping sites I've gone to that make you log in before you can even shop their wares. You have to give them your name, email, etc. to create a userid. As soon as I see that I just go elsewhere. I understand some of them have great deals but I'll never know as long as they have that policy.

I am on the Do Not Call list, but if 'they' get your number in the manner stated above, you are free game! I DO answer those 'junk' calls & tell them to remove my #. When asked for money, I tell them 'I only give locally' If I have a message on the machine. Many times I call back & if you listen, there is a message there 'if you want to discontinue receiving calls, press 1 or2...

Do not pay with checks in retail stores, do not give out phone number. If it's required then I agree, make up a number. Also don't forget to register your real phone numbers with the "do not call registry". Just google it and you will find it. You have to re-do it every couple years.

I enter contest all the time and win a lot of free items during the year. I've yet to enter under my real name or ever entered my real phone number. I use a free email account just for entering or registering on sites. If I win, I get an email. I send the address where to send the item. All you need to do is fill in the blanks with something. Reminds me of when I was divorced and had trouble with ex's medical insurance and my insurance when filing claims for the kids. My insurance wouldn't accept the fact ex had lapsed insurance, kept filing on it wanting it to pay first. Finally after filling out the forms for the fourth time it kept asking for Father's name and insurance. In frustration I put Father: Unknown. The bill was paid and no more hassles from then on.

I do realize that people of a different age and time would never even consider this BUT I pay for my phone for my use. It is not there for you. If I do not know your name/number (caller ID) I will not answer. Period.

I know, my grandmother would consider that the height of rudeness, but it is a different world, same if someone knocks on the door.

Years ago, a friend was asked for employment info when she was cashing a check....she said she was a prostitute and her husband was in prison. True story. And when our state had drivers license renewals issued on punched cards, someone presented it for payment and the merchant cashed it! Once, I attended an auction and was asked for my SS# at registration...I refused, told them it was illegal...they insisted...I left.

Exactly. Like "get this free'. You then are inundated with nothing but telemktrs. I don't need anything that bad for free. Free always comes with a price.

I just smile and say I don't have a phone and leave it at that. No one has ever turned me and my money away. I expect they have their own dummy number to input.

On the other hand I do give my zip code if they ask and I'm shopping out of town. They use those demographics when adding more stores. If I'm shopping there it is a store I'd like to have in my area. Win Win.

I know what you mean. When I'm getting out of shower and the phone rings or there's a knock at the door, I have a knee-jerk reaction to respond, but then I remind myself that I don't *have* to respond to someone just because they want my attention.

I just cancelled my land line and one hour later got a call on my cell phone which is only for my emergencies in my car! go figure.

If you give them your phone number you are granting permission to sell or otherwise profit from it. It cancels your "do not call" registration. FYI- the "Do Not Call" number to protect you from sales calls and texts, is 1 (888) 382-1222. You must call from the phone you want to protect, so if there is more than one number in your home, be sure to call from each number. I have used it for years and it really works!

use your area code and 555-1212, that 's the number for information.
When a store wants info for their 'rewards' card, I use their ad and put in their address and phone number. I only give my correct email I can get the coupons.

I don't give my number out on the computer. I close the page. And I only answer the phone to numbers I know -the rest can go to the machine. I tried being polite and telling telemarketers to delete my # but they still call anyways.

I go to a lot of different types of "shows"...antiques, hunting & fishing, quilts, etc. Often, there will be vendors there selling home improvements. When stopped by them I always tell them "my landlord won't let me...(install new windows, gutters, etc.)". Stops them cold...

My absolute favorite nuisance call is from "Windows" (yes, I know it is a scam). When they start in, I tell them that yes, I have windows, need new ones, but want the ones that tilt in to clean, have permanent screens, are tinted...they hang up on me quickly.

If you do answer a sales call and they ask you to say, "push #2 to opt out or stop these calls" DO NOT DO IT! This confirms to the company that they have reached a working phone and the calls will continue. Best to just hang up.

Also, if you have any type of credit card (not sure if debit cards work this way), you can and will receive calls from "card holder services" (gee...how many of us know Rachel???) about lowering your interest rates, etc. Being on the Do Not Call list means nothing. Because you have a card, you agree to get these calls. I have spoken with both MasterCard and Visa about the calls and they have told me it is written in the list of "rules" etc., you receive when you first got the card. You have agreed to the calls when you signed up for the card. Only way to stop these calls...cancel the card. Except then you will get the calls asking you to "come back"...a no win situation.

I've noticed that a lot of the so-called "contests" are not contests at all. You have agreed to a "time share" sales opportunity ("you have won an all expense paid weekend at XXX Resort", a free 3 day cruise, etc.). Different companies are using these tactics (Cabela's, LL Bean, Bass Pro to name a few) and unless you read the small print on the back of their "contest" form (front usually says something like "Win a $500 gift card or shopping spree to XXX") you won't be aware that you have just opened yourself up to calls. Being on the Do Not Call list won't stop these calls because you agreed to receive them just by signing up to win that gift card. The stores do award the gift card to a winner, but the "sales" company gets so many more names to hassle!

I'm with you on this. I pay for my phone for my use------not for anyone to use to call me. I have told numerous people that, that call me without my permission. I'm stinky about this too.

I was in Washington, D.C., as a chaperon for school kids and was asked for my phone number at a store. I didn't want to give it and the clerk said she had to have A NUMBER. So I gave her Pennsylvania 6- 5000. When she asked about the "Pennsylvania" I told her to put in 73 for the first 2 letters in the name. She did so very happily.

I guess she was too young to have heard the Big Band song using that number!

I used to use my dog's name when signing up for stuff, so I would always know it was a telemarketer if I got calls/messages/mail in his name.

One day I got a call for him saying he'd been pre-approved for a Visa card. It ended up really hilarious because I kept saying things like, "Oh he works for me as a household guard and companion but I don't pay him a wage, he just earns room and board." They said that was fine if I was willing to cosign. I said that would be great, "He'd love to buy his own food and toys!" At the end she said she just needed to send a form for him and for me to sign and we'd be all set. I said, "Oh, that's going to be a problem, he can't sign his name. He doesn't have any hands, you see." She hesitated and asked if he was handicapped and I said, "Oh no, that's just how he was born, he has paws instead." She hesitates again..."Paws?" "OH yes, he's a dog!" "Oh I'm sorry ma'am, we can't give a credit card to a dog!" Then I start wailing, "BUT YOU SAID HE WAS PRE-APPROVED! He's a really GOOD dog, he deserves a Visa card!"

I can only imagine the stories that girl had after that conversation, about the insane woman who wanted a Visa card for her dog. LOL I wish I could have recorded it, it'd be YouTube gold!

I worked on a cash-register for many years, and did not have to have a phone # unless the register asked for one. And that wasn`t very often and mostly for out of town checks.As far as the begging calls, once they knew we were retired, we had no peace. Finally, I told them I only give to home town people. When we found out if your house burnt down, you could get a voutcher for far less than we had already given to the people we knew. Since then I tell them I give only to people in our area and to org. that keep the money in our county. I`m first to help for a benefit or take needed things to people I know. Big organized groups have too much over head and don`t use their money wisely! Another thing, I heard on the radio that if you press the # key and 22 before you hang up, they cannot use your number again. Don`t know if that is true. If any one knows for sure, please let me know.

Wish that registry worked here! I have been on it for years, call every year to make a new request and still get 35 calls a day. I did slow them down though, I have the phone answer after 2 call and say "You have reached a number that is on the do not call list. Due to the vast amount of telemarketers that do not honor that list, we are now screening our calls. (I go on, but they usually hang up by the second sentence.) I do not answer if unknown, anonymous or private caller. I may have missed a few calls, but oh well. Most legit calls will LM.

a word of caution here. as noted already, old numbers are now new numbers for someone else. and using incorrect numbers can backfire. when we were teens, my little sister & i spent late nights pranking taxi companies. giving wrong address to dispatcher, wrong phone confirmation numbers. long story short & also put a stop to our "fun" ..when a classmate was telling us at school about the engry taxi driver who had awakened friends angry household in middle of night. there are no phony adress' or phone numbers. companies that run these contests are doing nothing more than collecting information to sell to other companies. i do not think anything they have to give away is worth the loss of privacy by having my name, address & phone number sold all over. i don't give my email addy either.

I got a new cell phone number about a year ago, and at first I got numerous spam/scam calls a day. I sleep days, so it was VERY annoying to be repeatedly woken up by the phone ringing, but I didn't want to turn the phone off because I use it as an alarm clock, plus I need to be able to answer any emergency calls from my family.

I stopped the calls by doing these three things:

1. I put my number on the Do-Not-Call list.

2. I downloaded a free app called Mr. Number that blocks unwanted calls. You can block them yourself, plus it also has a list of known telemarketers and scammers whose numbers are automatically blocked. You can choose to either hang up on them, or you can send the caller straight to your voice mail. On your end, the phone never rings.

3. I went to YouTube and found a recording of the "number disconnected" message. You know the one that has the high pitched "Doo Doo DOOOO" tones, then says "The number you have dialed has been disconnected or is no longer in service ..." I recorded that message as my voice mail greeting, then used Mr. Number to route the unwanted calls straight to my voice mail. (Obviously, you have to explain to your friends and family that your number is valid, and to wait until the "number disconnected" message finishes, and then they can leave a message if you happen not to answer.) I think I heard somewhere that computer-generated calls are programmed to listen for the "Doo Doo DOOOO" tones, and that the computer will flag your number as being invalid and will remove you from the list.

Between these three things, my spam/scam calls dropped from 10+ a day to zero VERY FAST.

My husband got a new number at the same time I did, and he did the first two things above, but he recorded a regular voice mail message rather than the "number disconnected" message. He still gets occasional unwanted calls.

As far as giving out my number, I very rarely do. I either tell them the number is private, or I make up a phony number. With my e-mail address, I give them an address that I purposely set up as a throw-away address, and they can spam it all they want because I rarely even check it.

(No affiliation with the Mr. Number app.)

It seems we are all plagued with the same issues! I don't give out my information either. I use a "junk" e-mail, and when needed/pushed use a phone number from my old employer that "just rings". My landline allows me to block 250 numbers, and with caller ID we only answer calls from people we know. Not big on entering contests, or signing up for "freebies". Maybe it is an age thing....we are retired...if I want it, I buy it...I don't need someone calling me with an offer I can't refuse! I'd never donate to someone over the phone. I chose who I donate to. As others have said, I pay for the use of my landline....not scammers, or solicitors, or telemarketers!!

I have the problem with mobile phones. I have one and only give number to family, it is for emergencies when I go out not ringing all the time when I go out. When a mobile number is required I do 07712345678 just ensure 11 digits and beginning sounds like beginning of some mobile line.
Worked so far only one man caught on and used my landline which I had also given.why do some places want both.

This is what I did/ do to get off unwanted mailing lists. If I receive a solicitation in the mail that contains a return envelope that does not require me to use a stamp, I circle my name and write "Delete my name from your records." I make sure to cross through any areas that need to be filled in. I then stuff as much of the sent material into the envelope and mail it back to them. I rarely get any more solicitations from the organization. For catalogs, I call or email the company to delete my name. I use the word delete rather than remove so they know I want to be out of their records completely. It has worked beautifully. It takes a little time at first, but within a few months you can cut down or eliminate most of your junk mail. I receive very little junk mail anymore. My only phone is my cellphone, so I screen calls. If I don't know the number calling, I don't answer. If it is a legitimate call, the caller will leave a voice mail.

Every time I get a call on my cell from a sales person I just touch Block Caller. They can call and leave voice messages all day long, I never get them again.

I too am on the no call list...I keep a log of who calls (even when I'm not at home--caller ID)..if I have asked not to be called by the company...I make a report to the FCC...it's on line...and takes only a few minutes...once you tell the telemarketer you're reporting them to the FCC...that usually gets their attention!!

When I get to the contest entry page, if they ask for phone # I just leave the sight. I agree - giving your phone # out is just asking for trouble.

This is certainly an interesting topic.

When getting unwanted phone calls my late husband would begin speaking with them and/or asking questions keeping them on the line for a VERY LONG time. he said they are paying for the call and I am going to make them pay.
When I get an unwanted call like for windows I tell them my house is new so don't need new windows.
An older fellow told a caller he was sure glad they called cause he was just foreclosed on and he needed their product. They hung up.
I agree there is nothing that is really free. we have a local thing in the summer for anyone from 0-18 years of age that can get a free noon meal. They ask for volunteers to help serve this so I volunteered one day to see what really went on. A bunch of teenagers came after their baseball practice. That really turned me off of this practice.
PLUS people say but it is free, a government program to use. There are NO FREE LUNCHES! Guess who the government is? Us of course.

Whoops I just got a call from my credit card company! I was told I was paying too high of an interest rate. He came back up with a figure that apparently is my limit on my card. I said What are you saying? That is my balance? I continued and told him I pay my bill every month so do not need a cheaper rate. He hung up !