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According to the Better Business Bureau, there are many ways that telemarketers, debt collectors and others can get a hold of your phone number, regardless of whether or not you’re on the no-call list. All you have to do is think of all the offers you have opted into, including for store rewards cards, credit cards or by making a purchase online.
Phone numbers can also be plucked from social media sites. That's why it’s so important to be careful with your personal information and to read agreements, as to whether you agree for the company to share your number with third parties for marketing purposes, said the Better Business Bureau.
The same can be said for giving to charities. It's best to find out in advance if they are sharing your information, as well as your money. You can answer this question easily by checking with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.
Another way that your number can be found is by using toll-free or “900” numbers. Your number can be added to a list and used commercially, added the Better Business Bureau.
Also be aware that there are laws in place that minimize unwanted calls. If a caller or business is in violation of the no-call rule, report the call to your state’s attorney general and/or the Federal Trade Commission. Unfortunately, these agencies are limited to stopping calls made within the United States. For international calls, the best remedy to avoiding them is to screen your calls with an answering machine or caller ID.
For more questions or concerns about the no-call list or nuisance calls, contact the BBB.
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