Privacy Alert! Opt your mobile out of new DQ services

KxMx

My code came through after about 2 hours!

hutch610

gizabroon wrote: »

This is what it says in their FAQ:-

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.

As if your gonna call someone back who is seeking you, be at your expense then. could be a company you dont want to speak to. If its urgent they will find some way of contacting you.

peterudd

ferriswheeljunkie wrote: »

I've just received my 5 digit code in a text message! I entered it into the site and it said i've successfully been added to the ex-directory

Me too - If they didn't already have my name and number, they are none the wiser

descartesmum

I just did it on-line with no problems at all.

fotofaze

spirit wrote: »

the company is dishonest. they claim on their website to have been given numbers of celbs and govt officials in order to exclude them. they have most definitely not been given this info, nor will they ever be. they have got the numbers they do have from market research companies.

You can see from my post count that I tend to read more than I post :rolleyes:, but I thought it was time to put in my tuppence worth (As long as it's not seen as a poor use of money!!!)

It seems that you are not only making a statement without evidence to back it up but are contradicting yourself. Do we actually know that they obtained the numbers from market research companies? Even if they did, it's reasonable to assume that some of those numbers may belong to celebs or govornment officials, who may have contacted the company to ensure they are not included. To claim they are dishonest without evidence to back it up is somewhat reckless.

The way I see it is that most people's land line number is available in the Phone book, or on BT's website. You are automatically included unless you 'opt out'. Why is it any different for mobile numbers, particularly as there are more people getting rid of land line numbers in favour of mobiles. The difference here is that they don't actually give out your details (unlike the phone book etc) but let the person know you want to contact them.

I haven't particularly looked into the site, other than to read this thread, but it seems like some folks are desperate to criticise and find fault with it based on minimal information and heresay.

Yes they may be bought over etc, but so could any of the other directory enquiry companies.

Did you really expect an immediate response when trying to opt out, especially considering how many people get the weekly e-mail and may have been trying to register/opt out at the same time.

Some of you have tried it and say that the service does work, so it's not just trying to get your number to sell on.

It's true that one employee could 'lose' the data on a key drive, but the same could be said for your network provider.

The biggest thing for me is that I need to pay to call someone who wants to get in touch with me!! It's also expensive for what you get but this may come down as other companies offer competition.

Grumpytoo_2

I've requested opt out from the new 118 "service", both by text a week ago and using the website today.
A search on their website still reports that my number can be obtained.
The company running this site is either totally incompetent or they are simply telling lies.

hutch610

Had a look but didnt check my number, im not paying a £1 to find out if im on there. Also my OH and daughters numbers are in my name. So someone searching me will get 3 options.

Grumpytoo_2

ferriswheeljunkie wrote: »

I've just received my 5 digit code in a text message! I entered it into the site and it said i've successfully been added to the ex-directory

Do you believe them? I've opted out using their website system and received a reply saying that I'd successfully opted out. I've done a search on my name (which I know to be unique) and they tell me that it is known to them and I can contact the number through them!
They are crooks!

RetroGoth

Have a read of The Register website who have been running this story, do a search for 118800 and you'll find some shocking revelations about this directory "service".

118800 threatened 02 with legal action to disclose all their numbers - of which mine is one. 118800 have included my details, which is a complete disgrace as I have told 02 that they are not allowed to use my data or disclose it.

Suffering from chronic ill health, I do not want to be disturbed and have the right not to be by any greedy company who has, via dishonest means, have obtained my personal information. Or anyone really, I only have the mobile in case I have a bad fall or something. It's bad enough living in a Big Brother state without the likes of 118800 joining in.

I have absolutely no faith in those who are supposed to protect us from the dubious conduct of telesales et al and cannot see the likes of 118800 complying with people's right to privacy in order to make a quick buck. Despite being on the TPS service, lots of cold callers harass us (including one persistant company called Facias Direct from Hooton, Cheshire). ICO and TPS where are you and why aren't you pulling your finger out to protect us?

samh255

electrodent wrote: »

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.

Hi,

Actually no I don't have any interest whatsoever with this company!
I can understand why you would think it dubious but in truth I am just someone who has read several posts before but never happened to join or post myself before. Everyone has to make a first post after all!

Just to make clear, I am not promoting this company or their service whatsoever. In fact I think it is well worth considering the warning made by several people who have pointed out that by getting out to opt you, it might be a scam to get your contact details and/or money. On the other hand it might not.

Final two pennies worth, if you do believe in the scam theory, it's worth thinking about the fact that by using words such as shocking and outrageous, and then providing links to 118 800's website to help you opt out, this post may have done more to contribute to people setting themselves up for a potential scam than anything the company themselves have done! Quite ironic if you think about it!

Peronally I will not be opting out or doing anything about it until I can be more sure of the facts.