This number left a message. Message is a solicitation for "Credit Help Center" and offers to fix your credit. So annoying. I'm on the Do Not Call list and I still get these stupid calls.
Just received call. Did not answer.
My # is non-published.
I think whenever you sign up at a bank or Doctor's office or something, these places sell your number to these idiots and you are not aware.
It is not necessary for the scammers to buy phone numbers. They can easily find them using other techniques. However, some numbers have more value than others, because the owners of those numbers called the scammer back! Those numbers might be sold among scam groups.
If you ever posted your phone number on a social site, or used it when ordering online, or otherwise typed it in your computer, or gave it to a friend whose computer was attacked ... your number may be known to the scammers.
This is a rather long answer to some posters who seem to think the scammers use the DNC list to obtain numbers to call, or who think the DNC list does not work. If you are not one of those people, consider exiting this informative lesson now.
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Since you are still here, you need some help. Allow me to present it in a very simple fashion ... not to insult your intelligence, but to attempt to get the idea across to even those who have difficulty understanding more complicated answers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robodialers for Dummies ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Can you count?
If you answered "yes", that is a good start. Try counting from 1 to 10 now. I will wait.
..........
Finished? Good.
I want you to think "0" instead of "10". Got it?
Now, get a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and write down those 10 numbers. Here, I will help you, in case your forgot:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Now get ready to write down some more numbers. I want you to write them down in the following format:
ABC-DEF-GHIJ
Yes, I know those are letters, but I want you to use numbers, instead.
Think of a number between 0 and 9 ... pick one from the list I gave above, if you wish.
Write it down, instead of the "A", above
Do that nine more times, writing it down instead of the other letters.
Now, look at the result.
Does it ring a bell?
It should, because you just wrote down a phone number!
Mr Computer is very good at making numbers.
Mr Computer can do what you just did in a fraction of a second.
In other words, Mr Computer can make and dial phone numbers VERY quickly.
Spammers and scammers who know about Mr Computer do not need to register and buy the DNC list.
Spammers and scammers who know about Mr Computer can even dial "unlisted" numbers, or "private numbers" or "brand-new numbers you just got"!
The DNC list is not a magic switch that blocks these calls from reaching your phone. It is merely a list.
There, now you know all about how spammers can dial YOUR phone number, even if it is unlisted, and even if only relatives know it, and even if it is on or off the DNC list.
I hope that helps prove the DNC list DOES work! It helps prevent calls from registered / legitimate telemarketers, but it is not able to stop calls from telespammers. It is also NOT designed to stop political callers (who usually get the numbers from voter registration lists), calls from charities, or some other companies, such as debt collectors.
Again, I hope I did not insult your intelligence ... if you had any to insult.