Derek Bodner’s Blog

Today I was sitting at work and my phone rang, and on the Caller ID it was listed as being for a 1800 number I have. I previously had my own business, which I stopped doing about 2 years ago. I retained this number, but it hasn’t been published or in use since that time.

So when I got the call to that number, I ignored it and let it go to the answering machine I have setup for that number, because I know anyone calling there has to have a wrong number. So I get an e-mail alert that I have a new voicemail. She was “returning my phone call about the foreclosure I called her about”, and asked if I could return her call. Whatever, I ignore it. Five minutes later she calls again, this time giving me her social security number to boot.

Keep in mind, the message I have for this phone number clearly states who I am, and what my business is. If you’re paying attention to the message, you’ll know that I had an internet company (webhosting and development at the time), and nothing to do with foreclosures.

So not only did she have the wrong number, and not only was she not paying attention AT ALL, but she then proceeded to give me her name and social security number without even giving it a second thought.

I wish I could say this was an isolated incident. How freely people are willing to give up this kind of information is really disturbing. No wonder identity theft is as rampant as it is.