I'm puzzled about how data collectors are acquiring my phone number to ask about properties I don't own. My late mother had several properties, and she would receive relentless calls about selling them. I assumed that these inquiries were linked to her name on the properties. Before she passed away, I also started receiving similar calls and texts. My number is not connected to her properties, and we even have different last names, alongside various name changes over the years due to marriages and divorces. Now that she's gone and we're entering the probate phase, my name and number still aren't linked to these properties. What's strange is my boyfriend has started getting calls and texts asking if he's interested in selling as well, even though his name and number have no association with these properties either. My adult sons haven't received any of these inquiries. How on earth are they connecting us to these properties? We're all on the national do-not-call list, and I'm careful about sharing my number. Nobody knows that these properties might belong to me in the future. Is there a way to investigate how they obtained our information?
3 Answers
It sounds like they're using data brokers, which is pretty common these days. They collect tons of information from public records and online profiles to build connections between people. Since your mom owned the properties, they likely linked you to her as a potential decision-maker. If you and your boyfriend share an address or have any connection, that could pull him into the same list. Your sons might not be flagged because they aren't seen as key players in the situation. Unfortunately, being on the do-not-call list doesn’t really protect you from this, and tracking the source of calls can be tricky.
It's disheartening for sure. We think we're being cautious about our info, but it seems like they can still piece everything together.
You’re probably not alone in this! I’ve been getting calls asking if I want to sell my property too, sometimes even quoting my address. I usually just tell them no and block the numbers. It's frustrating, but that's my way of dealing with it.
Same here! Blocking seems like the only immediate solution. It's just so annoying.
Thanks for sharing! I guess that's the route I'll have to take if it continues.
Have you ever tried Googling your name or phone number? You might be surprised by what comes up. I did that once and found some connections to my information that I wasn't aware of. It helps to know how exposed your info really is.
I did Google myself, and aside from a medical case involving a different person, there wasn't much, but it’s good to check!
Yeah, worth checking! You might discover how your data got out there.
That explanation makes a lot of sense. It's wild how much information they can connect through these data profiles!