118800 Giving out mobile numbers????

SunnyGirl

Hi,

This is my first post over here on phones so I'm hoping that someone can help me. I have just seen on the BBC's Working Lunch programme that the 118800 service is providing peoples mobile numbers on a directory services sort of basis. Apparently you have to opt OUT if you don't wish your mobile number to be given out to anyone using the service :eek: I have just tried typing in 118800.com and it just brought up what seems to be a Dutch domain name that's for sale. Can anyone shed any light on this for me as I'm finding it quite worrying? Thanks in anticipation.

Edited to add: It's just said on the tv that details will be given out tomorrow on how to opt out of this service. I'd rather not wait until then if anyone knows the answer though. Thanks.

DesG

How did you get the mobile numbers?

Our mobile phone directory is made up from various sources. Generally it comes from companies who collect mobile telephone numbers from customers in the course of doing business and have been given permission by the customers to share those numbers.


Can I be ex-directory with 118 800?

You can become ex-directory by texting the letter ‘E’ to 118800 from the mobile phone you want to be made ex-directory or you can call us on 0800 138 6263. Standard network charges apply. The first time 118 800 contacts you you will be sent an SMS reminding you about how to become ex-directory. Please allow up to 4 weeks for your ex-directory request to take effect.




taken from 118800.co.uk


Cheers, Des.

LeeSouthEast

Try http://www.118800.co.uk/

LeeSouthEast

On reading into it, this isn't quite as bad as it seems.

If you don’t give out numbers, how does 118800 put me in touch with the person I want to contact?

When you search on 118800.co.uk, we’ll send an SMS message to the person you’re seeking givng them your contact details so they can call you back.
Why can’t I have the number, rather than being put in touch?

Some people don’t like the idea of their mobile number being given out to anyone who asks. So having worked closely with the regulatory authorities to provide a service that protects this right but also provides a successful directory service, we have developed simple ways of connecting you without ever giving out a mobile number.

DesG

Just rang the 0800 number and was given their opening hours (9-5 M-F) and told to call back during them.

Looks like a quality operation then.

Cheers, Des.

SunnyGirl

Thank you so much guys :T I never thought to put .co.uk in In my panic I just went with .com

It just sounded so awful as I've had a bailiff get hold of my number before today and be very intimidating & threatening. Not any more thankfully as debts are being dealt with but I'm very careful who I give my number out to. I don't fill in surveys etc & I never put my mobile number on forms any more.

Thanks again for the speedy responses.

DesG

SunnyGirl,


You can enter your name and town in the website and see if they have a match for you! Obviously don't pay them, but if they don't get a match, at least you know they don't have your number.

I'm still trying to get through to have my numbers removed, but now I am getting placed in a Q and then cut off after 1m28s every time. Quality operation.

Cheers, Des.

SunnyGirl

Thanks for that DesG. I've checked and neither myself or DH are in there. It was also worrying me as I have 3 teenagers who will give their numbers out to anyone! It's obviously not a very good operation though, as you say. Maybe getting a mention on Working Lunch was a great boost for them.

Moneymoan_2

This service CANNOT GIVE OUT your number to anyone that asks for it. It is simply a way to get in touch with someone who you know, but don't have a mobile number for.

It is useful for getting in touch with parents at school if you need to contact them in a hurry and only have home numbers, for those annoying instances where you need to call your meeting but can't get hold of them etc. The service IS NOT being marketed to business in order to allow Baillifs etc. to call you... the worst that can happen is you will be sent a text message saying that someone wants to contact you, and these are their details. They cannot get into contact with you or even leave a message - you are able to screen the call and is up to you if you call back or not.

Your number will only be on their data base 1) if you put it there 2) or you didn't opt out on some forms for other products you may have registered for /bought that say 'other companies may wish to contact you...' and other companies are able to buy these lists currently anyway!

It is not going to create a surge of calls to your mobile from sales companies - it is merely a service to allow you to get in contact with friends and associates if you don't have their mobile number.

There is only negative slant on this because people are jumping to conclusions - it is not a harmful service.

DesG

I don't care what positive spin you want to put on it.

I do not want my mobile numbers on your database.

I am currently itemising the amount of time that I am spending getting my private numbers removed. I will then be doing a MCOL to recover my costs including my time, calls and SAR costs.

Have a nice day, oh and you do know that your company is in breach of the Companies Act. Its ok, I've reported it for you just to save you the bother

Cheers, Des.

Moneymoan_2

I don't work for the company, just someone that has taken the time to actually look at the website and read the Q&As, rather than jumping to conclusions, but I will have a nice day thank you very much!

PS there's an 0800 number on the site to call, if you'd bothered looking for that which will save you the expenses trawl.......:beer: