Privacy Alert! Opt your mobile out of new DQ services

chesilfan

lauzjp wrote: »

I have tried to do this online, and texted from two numbers I have - to no avail.

This also happened to me. As I very rarely include my mobile number as a contact point, I dare to presume that they cannot send the opt out code because they do not have my number to send it to

LT2

id2d wrote: »

But to opt out you have to tell them what your number is - If they didn't know your number before then you've just made them aware of it!

Even with their assurances, do you trust them with it???

Surely better to wait and see if you get any unwanted calls from them and only then opt-out rather than help them harvest even more numbers

You're probably right but I got swept away by the general panic surrounding this issue and tried to opt out on their web site. Entered my mobile several times but there's a technical error and it doesn't work, so I ended up phoning their customer service number and waiting ages for my call to be answered just to make sure they deleted my number!

Krzrgirl

:huh: Sniff sniff... I smell a scam

spamberler

They have me!! Grr

VeeW

I stupidly did not read forum points made before attempting to opt out earlier and sent them my number. I am still waiting for the 5 digit code to be sent. I am now worried incase I have been added to a list which increases the chance of being contacted. Due to illness I always screen calls & only pick up when I know caller so I guess if I have made a mistake I can always just delete/ignore text

Herbyme

I've been waiting at least 20 mins for 2 texts with the opt out code.

I would say that commercial organisations who want to text you will get bulk deals and won't have to pay £1 per number so it's likely they will find it worthwhile to use.

embarkbrew

Code finally came through after about three hours of waiting.

bettyboo71

My code just came through after about 2 hours!
Looks like we've maybe overloaded them LOL!

In defence of the person who posted to say that the original post was misleading, it has been edited so maybe originally it was wrongly worded? Not taking sides here, just trying to be fair.

Quintus

I wonder if they've been making alot of money today with people paying a pound to check if their number is in the directory.

I haven't read the site all the way through but it does not appear at all clear if they the collect unknown numbers, either people have searched for, or from texts with people opting out. They could almost argue that if you opt out (and to do so they need your number) and go "ex-directory" your number will have to be added to their system for it to be so. Also they could also say if you're ex-directory you may want to change your status in the future and join the directory.

They then have a way of harvesting new unknown numbers all by themselves. Makes me feel a little uncomfortable really.

electrodent

samh255 wrote: »

I just wanted to point out that the original thread is misleading, and in my opinion seriously so.
When I first got this by email from my Dad warning me about this service, I was very concerned about receiving spam texts and phone calls thanks to this service.
When I looked at 118 800's website however to remove my number, it became clear that the service they offer is fundamentally different to what you describe.

They do not text my phone number to anyone who is looking for me, which you state above, what they actually do is text ME to tell me someone is looking for me and to give me that person's details. Thus leaving me to decide whether to contact that person back. That seems pretty responsible to me.
The £1 charge should deter dodgy organisations searching for your name hundreds of times and thus generating hundreds of text messages to you. Again this seems to be responsible. I am therefore quite happy to wait to see what happens.

Unless you think 118 800's website is being dishonest in what it states about their service, it seems to me that the person who wrote this original article misread or misunderstood the service that is being offered, and has created some panic and concern by misrepresenting the service offered by 118 800, albeit unintentionally I am sure.

I must admit to feeling a bit sorry for this company that is just starting up a new service, that what appears to be incorrect information has been heavily circulated in a weekly tips email by a reputable site that many people trust, particularly since the way that the article was written with strong words such as outrageous and shocking seemed designed to provoke outrage, which I feel is unjust based on how the company actually operates, rather than the way it was portrayed above.

It would be great (and I think in all honestly, fair) if you were able to correct the misinformation you sent out about this service, in the next weekly tips email for example.

And it seems to me, a new member on one post and June registration date, defending an extremely dubious service, has a vested interest. It would be great (and I think in all honestly, fair) if you were able to explain whether you have any connections with the organisation.