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People From Craigslist Want me to Call them from my Cell. Is that Safe?

by kea55
13 replies
Hi. I put up and ad on Craigslist saying I would build websites for people and two of them want me to call them from my personal cell phone. Do you guys think this is safe to do?
#call #cell #craigslist #people #safe
  • Profile picture of the author bigladbob
    My first instinct would be "NO WAY" simply because access like this can leave you open to spamming, huge mobile bills and worse...
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    You can get a cell phone from Radio Shack for $15 so give them that number not you good number to prevent spam. OK do the same with emails. I even got a box at UPS to prevent junk mail from coming to my house anymore.
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetSuccess001
    It seems a bit odd that they would actually explicity ask you to use your cell phone, if that is the case.

    Use a payphone.
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  • Profile picture of the author kjay
    If they specifically asked for your cell phone, then I would be extra wary. At the very least, block your number. The problem, though, is that when you advertise a service on Craig's List or anywhere else you are functioning as a business and legitimate potential customers will expect to be able to talk to you before committing to your offer. In the end, you will probably have to choose between losing some percentage of those who are interested and providing a way for them to talk to you - which usually means a business phone number (which can be the above-mentioned pre-paid phone from Radio Shack).

    Good luck!

    Karen
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  • Profile picture of the author amoro
    There are a lot of ways for communications nowadays. Even IM's and PM's will do. I would rather not to go with my personal phone.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Allen
    To a UK user that headline looked like they wanted you to call them from prison!! In the UK we call them mobiles not cells.

    It's a really strange request and does beg the question as to what difference it would make to them. Asking for a cell or fixed line number to actually call would make sense because it may be cheaper to call one or the other but it would make no difference receiving a call.

    David
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  • Profile picture of the author AFI
    Originally Posted by Austino2448 View Post

    Haha mobiles nobody in the us says that
    Actually all of the commercials say "mobile phones" and now they're starting to say "smart phones" because they are no longer made of the cell batteries that made them cell phones to begin with.

    I just say phone.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by AFI View Post

      Actually all of the commercials say "mobile phones" and now they're starting to say "smart phones" because they are no longer made of the cell batteries that made them cell phones to begin with.

      I just say phone.
      Hi Jennifer,

      To the best of my knowledge, they were never called cell phones because they ran on "cell" batteries.

      They are called cell phones because is tower covers a certain "cell" of coverage. Connections are made from cell to cell until you reach the desired party. When certain cells are crossed you incur roaming charges (on some plans).

      Also, "cell" is short for "cellular" when referring to mobile phones, but not when referring to batteries.

      All the best,
      Michael

      p.s. Also, I don't think I know of any cell phones that run on standard cell batteries.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rikki_Fawkes
    As far as calling on your cell - are they just trying to make sure you save yourself money and don't call long distance on your land line?

    Case in point: A client of mine accepted me through Craigslist but wanted me to call him first for a phone interview. I accepted readily because I have Google Voice and the cell phone is set up to answer calls through there. That way, it's free, and if they ever misuse your number you can block them. And he is the best client I have, btw. He pays very, very quickly and is great to work with - no scam whatsoever.

    If you don't have Google Voice, I would sign up for it. I know, I know, there's a myriad of problems with it, but for something like this, it's well worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
    Originally Posted by kea55 View Post

    Hi. I put up and ad on Craigslist saying I would build websites for people and two of them want me to call them from my personal cell phone. Do you guys think this is safe to do?
    No!

    This is your business, you drive!

    I would be suspicious of the number they want you to call.

    Anyway, I would send an e-mail from a throw-away e-mail address.

    "Dear wants-me-to-call,

    As a matter of privacy and security, I do not share personal information.

    If indeed I can be of service in setting up your Web site, you can e-mail me at .......

    Thank you for your interest.

    Best regards,

    Your first name only.
    "

    Hope this helps.

    Joe Mobley
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  • Profile picture of the author TimGross
    Originally Posted by kea55 View Post

    Hi. I put up and ad on Craigslist saying I would build websites for people and two of them want me to call them from my personal cell phone. Do you guys think this is safe to do?
    Try searching the phone number they want you to call (put it in quotes, like "818-555-1212" to see if it's on a complaint site, if you're worried.

    Next, try copying a sentence of their email and search it in quotes to see if it's a cut-and-paste job that might be on a complaint/scam site. I assume it's a local phone number they want you to call? (If not, that's another warning flag obviously).

    Other than that, it depends how the email was phrased. If it strikes you as suspicious, act accordingly.
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  • Profile picture of the author misterhu
    I will not go with it. Yes, it may be an additional project but I will not compromise my security
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