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janaFlag for United States of America

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How to delete my phone number from google and other databases

I have noticed anonymous callers ask me by my name which surprised me.  When I asked them, some didn't say but 2 said that my number was in google along with my name:
  • How is this possible?
  • How can I check if true?
  • Is my address there also?
  • How can I get rid of my phone number from those databases?
Avatar of slightwv (䄆 Netminder)
slightwv (䄆 Netminder)

Google yourself.

If you don't have an unlisted number, your info is more or less in the public domain.  There is also the public records from the Court House.

Then you have the "Terms and Conditions" from any site you've provided your number to that can allow them to sell your info.

Don't know a way to get it removed once it is out there.

Best way is get a new number and NEVER give it to anyone.
As noted, phone numbers are public information.

If you really do not what anyone to be able to call you, then you need to get an unlisted number, ask your phone company to ensure they will not give it out, and then you do not give it out either.

This is normally not a useful approach for most people.  

Learn to recognize the dead space in the first second or two when you pick up the phone and say "Hello"  No answer with a second or so mean spam call and just hang up . Do that enough and the spam call volume drops off.
Along the line of what slightwv said...

Google yourself + also variations of your phone number.
Once you identify where your phone number is exposed, you can always login to each data source + input some random phone number.

This will stop future problems.

The only way to kill off calls to your current number (as now your current number will be resold many times), will be to change your phone number.
Just remember some automated callers are testing numbers one by one and if the machine succeeds then it is (still) redirected to the first available human operator. Then you may ask to be removed...

Addresses are also publicly known.

Forget about (declared) privacy.
Tip: Many times you must use a cell number for SMS messages to complete account setup.

Besides being super annoying, account verifications are a common source of SPAM.

Simple fix for this problem.

Pickup a TracFone which are $20-$30 on Amazon + come preloaded with 1500+ minutes good for a year.

Then anytime you have to give your cell number, use your TracFone. Only turn it on during account signups. Leave it off rest of the time.

I pay $67.20/year (yes per year, you read that right) for 1000+ minutes on my TracFone.

So for $67.20/year, you can avoid all SPAM calls.

To me, this little trick is worth it's weight in gold.
Think about purchases or inquires you have made. It is not just from what is online.  Your name gets on a list from one source and that is sold in bulk to others which finally get sent to somebody purchasing data.  Data companies are supposed to help their clients follow the DNC https://www.donotcall.gov/  Make sure your number is on the list. That will be one step if the person calling is following the rules.  However, if you are a customer or signed up for something without reading their privacy policy or terms that may read your info is shared, your info will get passed.
Avatar of jana

ASKER

Thanks for your prompt response.  Couple of things:

- Prior placing the question, I did search my name in google and others to have nothing pop up of my info.
- I appreciate info on TracFone, etc. but i am not really concern in total private.
- It wasn't automated callers, all calls received were from people I actually talk to.

It was curious the the callers said "from google" (he would dial my number and my name would pop up) - the reason thought it was something maybe Expert-Exchange was aware in some detail.

So there is no data source or companies of google you guys know that would hold this type of info? or apps that are actually act as "dialers"  related to  google?
Avatar of jana

ASKER

Thank you scott.  Any possible answer on my last entry?
I think (not certain) that Google stores numbers just like any data and phone scammers use it
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Scott Fell
Scott Fell
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ASKER

Thank you all!