Some people never think about getting an unlisted number until they have a good reason to do so. There are times when having a number listed in directories is a great idea, but there are other times when it can lead to problems. When you decide if you want to have an unlisted number, you have to think about your own unique situation and your reasons for keeping your number private.
Numbers left listed are often put onto marketing lists, which can mean telemarketers are going to be calling. You can sign up for the Do Not Call list, but that will take a month to kick in. The List does stop most of these calls, but there are exceptions. Survey companies, charities, political groups, and any company you have recently done business with can each call you. If you don’t have a listed number, and you have not given them a number, they are much less likely to call.
When you leave your number listed, there are other small problems that can occur, and some of them can snowball into larger problems. Many of us hang out online these days, and as with any group of people, not everyone can get along. That means even the sweetest people can tick someone off without realizing it. Though you may be rational, not everyone is. If you provoke someone in the wrong way, they may just find your number to harass you, and may find out even more information - like your address. This can have serious complications if the information falls into the wrong hands. If you're getting unwanted calls, lookup the number to find out who owns it.
Some of the most popular sources of phone number data include:
1. Google
2. Yahoo
3. Opt-In Directories
4. Cell Phone Directories
If you are not aware of scam artists, you should be. Having your number in a directory allows anyone to find it. There are people who set up fake companies to scam people, and they like to do it over the phone. That means your number may be picked at random for such a scam. You may be able to tell right away what is going on, but if you leave your number unlisted, that might not be something you will have to deal with at all.
Though there are many great reasons to have an unlisted number, there are a few good reasons to keep your number listed. Searching through phone numbers both online and in printed directories is one way that many try to keep in touch or find those they have lost touch with over the years. If they can find your number, they are going to find you. If you have a business, you may also want to have your number listed for those that may want to find you for your services. Often, it is a matter of thinking about the pros and cons of a listed number in relation to your particular situation. After some thinking, the answer should be relatively clear.
