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Cell Phone Number Lookups >> Phone Number Privacy
Opting Out of Online Phone Directories
It seems that for a long time, 411 was the only way to get a hold of someone unless you had a phone book in front of you. Both 411 and the phone book had the numbers that you need, and you could feel confident knowing that you were right there as well, waiting for people to call you. However, both the phone book and the 411 system had something else. When you got your phone number, it was very easy to opt out of the service if you wished to have in unlisted. All you had to do was tell your phone provider that you didn't want to be included in any of those lists, and you would be able to. This was a good thing for many people, who enjoyed being able to be "unlisted".
However, with the invention of the internet, and with more avenues to find out information, it has become common to have twelve or fifteen free online directories pop up when you do an online search for them. Each of these directories got their information from the phone companies, from public records, or from all sorts of other places. They've each got your phone number, and probably your address as well. A lot of times, even if you asked your phone company to be unlisted, your number or information might show up on these online directories. So, how do you get your name and number off of them, and how do you opt out?
The first step is to contact your phone company and to tell them that you would not like to be included in any directories – whether they are online or off-line. This will prevent your number from being included in any further directories. Now, you have to deal with the directories that you are already in.
Many times, these directories are all parts of the same whole. For instance, there are a few of them that are run by AT&T, and a few that are run by Yellow Book. Therefore, if you can contact the companies that have many directories, you can ask them to remove your name from any of the directories that they might have. If you do a search for online directories, you will be able to find which companies own them in order to contact them.
The next action that you need to take is to look at each of the directories by themselves. The only way that you will be able to opt out of them is to do each one individually. You can search them for your phone number, and then you can search your phone number in reverse to see what comes up. If you find any information, there will be directions on the site as to who to contact or where to opt out. For instance, some sites will have a number you can call, some sites will have an online form to fill out, and some sites will have an e-mail address. With a couple of hours of good work, you can eliminate your information from any online site. One of the most comprehensive lists of phone opt-outs available can be found here.
However, you should think carefully about this before you do it. It is a matter of privacy, of course, but remember that often old friends and people who have lost touch with you just might be trying to look you up. One of the great things about the internet is that with it you can contact people you've been trying to find for years – and someone who is long-lost to you might someday want to do that. Think carefully before you make yourself completely lost – it might be that you would like to be found.
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