Gave Ph # for "coaching"; now getting >15 calls/day from diff #s

[MediaMaven365]

So I bought a WSO and once on the inside, was offered a free coaching call. I looked at the screen a long time. I didn't want to do it, but it was another late Sunday night (technically it was well into Monday morning) filled with dread going to my 9to5 the next day. Against my better judgement, I put in one of my phone numbers. I put in my google+ number which is the same number I'm using for one area of my business.

Big mistake.

I'm now getting calls - all from different numbers - all day long to that google plus number. They are all saying they are with different companies but all area asking if I'm 'still interested in making more money online.' I ask all to remove me from their list, but it's of no consequence as they just robo dial me from another number.

BTW: the people calling are EXTREMELY rude. I know I'm a southern lady and thus are sensitive to such things, however, telling me "good luck with that" to my request to be removed from the call list was less-than-needed. Also, since some calls are from my area code (they apparently have been getting google+ numbers in people's area codes to make calls), I don't wish to ignore in case I'm getting a call from a lead.

I'm moving towards abandoning that number and starting the area of my business affiliated with it - with a new number. This will be a slow and tedious process to phase it out.

So, although many will probably inherently know doing this is a bad idea, I figured I'd share... just in case it helps someone - somewhere.

Excuse me, I need to leave as my phone is ringing...

[dwoods]

Howdy MediaMaven365,

Yikes that's a real bummer. I don't know that you'll be able to get your # out of the cycle.
As long as you don't take them up on any offers the calls should die down as your number is purged from their lists and new leads come into them. So you might be able to wait them out.

I doubt they are all the same company calling you; so being removed from one's list won't get you removed from another. Usually the type of marketers that sell their customer's information to call centers don't just sell it to one; they dump it off to an lead aggregate that then sends it out to several call centers.

[Attraction Marketing]

Thanks for the heads up about this. Unfortunately, this happens with our email addresses too Not all, but some marketers sell our information to other sources that abuse our information. It's really crappy. If you are opting in to a list and it says something about a privacy policy with a link to that page, then read their privacy policy. It will often say something about having the right to share.. blah blah blah.

For now, every time you answer, tell the person on the other end that you would like to "opt out" and "be taken off of their contact list". This is just like unsubscribing in the phone world. Maybe it will clear up the calls over time.

Good luck

[Cee]

I think it's totally unethical to offer free coaching only to lure you into giving your phone number. I once had something similar happen but I simply ignored the phone calls and didn't answer. I live in Canada and don't know anyone in the US so I knew right away something was up when I started getting all these calls from US locations. Call display is our friend.

The calls eventually stopped.

[kindsvater]

Did you post this in the WSO thread?

.

[Big Money]

Originally Posted by kindsvater

Did you post this in the WSO thread?

.

Exactly! I've had similar situations, the calls will snowball from here.

[kindsvater]

You can also report the WSO to a moderator. Abuses, whether it is distributing an email or a phone number, are not looked kindly upon.

.

[Randall Magwood]

Hopefully it's your cell phone that's getting bombed like that. Have you suggested changing your number?

[bobpruitt]

Thank you for sharing your experience in here MediaMaven365, I'm sure your post will help a lot of people who'll read this on preventing to do the same mistake that happened to you. Like what Randall has said, hopefully there's still a way for you to just change your number. This is just how it is with call centers. Once they get a number they'll keep on coming back at it until they can make a sell out of it.

[Jon Sullivan]

That's really unfortunate.

I can understand that bit of hope and trying to finally stop the dreaded 9to5 job.

That is sort of how a lot of marketing works; it preys on our emotions, especially hope. Hope is ******* sometimes

[TheRealDudeman]

That sucks. Hope it's just an annoyance and not anything serious.

[Jacqueline Smith]

As mentioned in previous posts....definitely put feedback about this on the WSO thread.

You may also want to contact the WSO creator and ask them where, in purchasing their WSO, you gave permission for your phone number to be distributed.

[shane_k]

I was wondering also if you mentioned this as part of a review of the product in the actual WSO thread.

It would be good for others to know about this.

And like kindsvater said, I would also contact a moderator and let them know which WSO it was, and what is happening.

[Thomas W]

Boiler room tactic.

Did thy ask you how much money you had in your credit card limit.. They will convince you to max it out to "Invest" in your business.

[lucyhermes]

Oh
so unfortunate.
But thank you for sharing your experience in here, and your post will help me or others.
finally,you must be careful for next time...

[Bruce Wedding]

The nice thing with Google Voice is, you can block each of those numbers. They can't have an infinite set of numbers to dial from.

[DarioMontesdeOca]

Which WSO? If I were you I'd tell the owner of it and possibly get a refund

[MediaMaven365]

Sorry Bruce... they actually do seem to have infinite numbers. That was the first tactic. Go to Google+ and started blocking... just got more and more calls. So that was an epic fail already.

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by Thomas W

Boiler room tactic.

Did thy ask you how much money you had in your credit card limit.. They will convince you to max it out to "Invest" in your business.

It was def a boiler room Thomas. Literally, I could hear someone in the background telling someone else the same words.

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by bobpruitt

Thank you for sharing your experience in here MediaMaven365, I'm sure your post will help a lot of people who'll read this on preventing to do the same mistake that happened to you. Like what Randall has said, hopefully there's still a way for you to just change your number. This is just how it is with call centers. Once they get a number they'll keep on coming back at it until they can make a sell out of it.

I can always change the number. Issue is said number is already "out there" as a number associated with one of my ventures.

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by Randall Magwood

Hopefully it's your cell phone that's getting bombed like that. Have you suggested changing your number?

Changing the number is doable - I just might lose business in the process since said number is associated with an existing venture.

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by dwoods

Howdy MediaMaven365,

Yikes that's a real bummer. I don't know that you'll be able to get your # out of the cycle.
As long as you don't take them up on any offers the calls should die down as your number is purged from their lists and new leads come into them. So you might be able to wait them out.

I doubt they are all the same company calling you; so being removed from one's list won't get you removed from another. Usually the type of marketers that sell their customer's information to call centers don't just sell it to one; they dump it off to an lead aggregate that then sends it out to several call centers.

It might not be one company, but all the folks in the boiler room certainly have the same copy to read to me. LOL

At any rate - learned my lesson. I will never give my number for "coaching" again.

My plan (for anyone that's interested) is to get a new number and SLOWLY integrate it into all marketing arenas and phase the old one out. Can't do cold turkey as I don't want to lose potential business. Since the boiler room calls are from numbers in my area code, I can't just ignore them.

I've gotten numb to the phone ringing lately. Of course, I've missed talking to some prospects because of that too.

Hope the lessons learned helps. Thanks for the empathy.

[RPaige]

I am so sorry this happened to you, but thank you for sharing the heads up for any who may not already be wary of this. Unfortunately, it happens with email addresses too, but atleast with an email you can just spam it. A little less annoying atleast.

[salegurus]

like others have said you should comment on the WSO to warn others. Also alert a mod, we should not have to put up with people like the seller.

[Kay King]

you should comment on the WSO to warn others

Several have mentioned that - but doesn't seem that has happened.

If members don't post in the threads of WSOs where there may be a problem - and don't report those WSOs...they perpetuate the problem for others.

[osail]

ah shitty deal mate. I had something similar happen to me(Not a WSO) Since its your biz phone i'd imagine you would have to keep that number,
It took some time but i don't get calls anymore. couple of things you can do. Answer every single call. Be it a person or automated.
If a person, be nice, interrupt them and say. "thanks, but i've previously asked to be taken off your list."

If automated, Either listen to the pitch, because sometimes at the end of the message they tell you how to "opt out" of the call or press "9 8 or 7" (more often 9) these where usually the numbers i would have to press to be taken off the list. Sometimes it would just stop the message and the line would go dead.

best of luck.

[JMichaelZ]

Originally Posted by Bruce Wedding

The nice thing with Google Voice is, you can block each of those numbers. They can't have an infinite set of numbers to dial from.

Yes, they can, they buy VOIP numbers like Google Voice or Pinger numbers in bulk. Or what is more likely, have a de-call screenifier on their computer so it looks like it comes from a different number each time.

[Paul Gram]

That definitely sucks. If I were you, I would do 2 things:

1. Change your number
2. Post in the WSO thread and report the WSO to the moderators.

Hang in there.

[Nightengale]

So sorry this happened to you!

I can be very skeptical of "coaching" programs and only enroll in coaching programs that are "high-level" (i.e. EXPENSIVE!) hosted by a high-level, reputable expert. (Which means the expert is not readily available to help you, you have to pay for any sort of time and attention from them.)

I do NOT enroll in "mass market" coaching programs (programs that just anybody can enroll in) . These are truly coaching/consulting relationships and the coach would never dare sell/give/trade our info to anyone else for fear of damaging their reputation and business.

Don't get discouraged about coaching. It can be very valuable. You might want to keep some of these points in mind when looking for a new coach/coaching program when you're ready.

Some good online business coaches to consider:

1. Ali Brown (AliBrown.com)
2. Jeff Walker (ProductLaunchFormula.com)
3. Fabienne Fredrickson (ClientAttraction.com)
4. Lisa Sasevich (TheInvisibleClose.com)

These are all reputable people who are excellent business coaches. I've been privileged to learn from all of them. And they don't have boiler rooms! (They'd also NEVER give/sell your info to anyone else. Ever!)

Hope that helps!

Michelle

[IMSince2003]

There are laws out there to protect you from this kind of abuse. Refer them to law enforcement and make their lives as difficult as they are making yours.

[salegurus]

Originally Posted by Kay King

Several have mentioned that - but doesn't seem that has happened.
If members don't post in the threads of WSOs where there may be a problem - and don't report those WSOs...they perpetuate the problem for others.

Yeah, saw that Kay...
If what she said is true i hope she does, i hate seeing people get away with these underhanded tactics just to make a buck...

[affiliatemom]

As you say -- lesson learned, but sorry for your trouble.

Seems like there will always be a way for the wrong kind of sales tactics to exist...

[Rod Cortez]

Originally Posted by MediaMaven365

So I bought a WSO and once on the inside, was offered a free coaching call. I looked at the screen a long time. I didn't want to do it, but it was another late Sunday night (technically it was well into Monday morning) filled with dread going to my 9to5 the next day. Against my better judgement, I put in one of my phone numbers. I put in my google+ number which is the same number I'm using for one area of my business.

Big mistake.

I'm now getting calls - all from different numbers - all day long to that google plus number. They are all saying they are with different companies but all area asking if I'm 'still interested in making more money online.' I ask all to remove me from their list, but it's of no consequence as they just robo dial me from another number.

BTW: the people calling are EXTREMELY rude. I know I'm a southern lady and thus are sensitive to such things, however, telling me "good luck with that" to my request to be removed from the call list was less-than-needed. Also, since some calls are from my area code (they apparently have been getting google+ numbers in people's area codes to make calls), I don't wish to ignore in case I'm getting a call from a lead.

I'm moving towards abandoning that number and starting the area of my business affiliated with it - with a new number. This will be a slow and tedious process to phase it out.

So, although many will probably inherently know doing this is a bad idea, I figured I'd share... just in case it helps someone - somewhere.

Excuse me, I need to leave as my phone is ringing...

Beat them at their own game. When they call you start being aggressive with them by trying to enroll them into your fictitious mlm opportunity and don't stop trying to hard sell them until they hang up.

Yes, it's childish, but oh it's SOOOOO much fun! Trust me, the calls will eventually go away.

RoD

[Ellrose]

Thanks for starting this thread.I have been having exactly the same problem,getting 6-10 calls a day asking if I would like to make more money.Very annoying.

[Michael Ten]

That would be really annoying. Get on a do not call list. Try to sue them if possible. Contact better business bureaus es and non-emergency numbers if you think they are breaking laws.

[joseph7384]

If you are 100% certain that these calls are a result of a wso that you have purchased then report them. It sounds as if they sold your number off to a boiler room which are designed to milk you dry for every red cent.

[E. Brian Rose]

Just add your number to the Do Not Call List. Most telemarketing companies, even nasty boiler rooms, scrub their list against the DNC weekly. Eventually, you will be scrubbed off almost all of the lists.

Here is the link to register your number: https://www.donotcall.gov/

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by JMichaelZ

Yes, they can, they buy VOIP numbers like Google Voice or Pinger numbers in bulk. Or what is more likely, have a de-call screenifier on their computer so it looks like it comes from a different number each time.

I think this is exactly what is happening. Background noise and pitches are similar. I will post to the WSO thread.

[Kay King]

I will post to the WSO thread.

You've been advised to do that since you started this thread on Tuesday. This is Saturday and you still haven't posted about this in the WSO thread. Why haven't you done that?

I understand you wanted help with your problem - but I don't understand failing to warn others of a potential problem.

[theory expert]

Send numbers to ftc to report them. If you can, record conversations. Also, file a suit. Ask to speak to a supervisor every time they call. Stand firm, mention you will be reporting them to the FTC if your name is not removed. Ask who is the company they work for and how did they get your number. Then keep going until you find out who is at the bottom of things. Be nice to the person you speak to to make sure they can be your snitch and give you good inside information on who is behind things. You can also pretend you are on their side and you want to pull the same scam and you want to hire the "head people" to thank them and work with them personally with your fortune 500 company,( so, they tell you how they got your number and who is behind this "brilliant" scheme).

Just some tricks I picked up.

[davemiz]

The problem is MANY of these wso ppl are making copies of the lists and sharing.... which aside from being very unethical and super lame... its highly illegal.

so i'd ditch the number, and use a bogus email if/when you buy one of these wso's.... sadly, there's not enough moderation or enforcement or something to stop wso sellers from doing shady business.

MOD's reading this.... its becoming a real serious problem.... ya'll gotta do something to protect your customers from being pillaged.

[Kay King]

ya'll gotta do something to protect your customers from being pillaged.

I agree to a point - but buyers have to do their part, too.

The WSO thread needs to be reported directly to mods and/or a comment made in the thread. It doesn't seem the OP has done either of these.

To fix a problem, the mods have to know there is a problem and have the facts so they can deal with it.

kay

[J Bold]

Originally Posted by MediaMaven365

I think this is exactly what is happening. Background noise and pitches are similar. I will post to the WSO thread.

So why haven't you posted in that WSO thread yet? Other potential buyers deserve to know this, if the product is still up for sale.

[Coby]

I think this is a case of a "bad apple"...

I also offer coaching myself (sometimes a free session) and would never consider selling/trading this info.

Definitely report this WSO to the mods - they are very strict these days about sharing personal information and is a cause to be banned.

I wouldn't sweat it too much - just get this "bad apple" off our tree and then back to business as usual

Cheers,
Coby

P.S. Don't forget to report the WSO

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by Kay King

You've been advised to do that since you started this thread on Tuesday. This is Saturday and you still haven't posted about this in the WSO thread. Why haven't you done that?

I understand you wanted help with your problem - but I don't understand failing to warn others of a potential problem.

Hey Kay - I want to be VERY exact and accurate. I have a 9 to 5 and I'm actually not at home. Probably WAY TMI, but it seems you folks are antsy so there's my reason.

It'll get there - but I don't want the accusation to be full of errors.

[MediaMaven365]

Originally Posted by theory expert

Send numbers to ftc to report them. If you can, record conversations. Also, file a suit. Ask to speak to a supervisor every time they call. Stand firm, mention you will be reporting them to the FTC if your name is not removed. Ask who is the company they work for and how did they get your number. Then keep going until you find out who is at the bottom of things. Be nice to the person you speak to to make sure they can be your snitch and give you good inside information on who is behind things. You can also pretend you are on their side and you want to pull the same scam and you want to hire the "head people" to thank them and work with them personally with your fortune 500 company,( so, they tell you how they got your number and who is behind this "brilliant" scheme).

Just some tricks I picked up.

Very useful directives here. Thanks - as at this point, I think my cell phone number has been sold to children selling under water basket weaving kits.

ok... i'm running to get home now, so I can gather receipts, screenshots etc and make SURE I have the correct company before posting. Once I do, I'll update everyone here.

[brentb]

Everyone seems to be upset at the WSO. So what if the author sells your info providing its mentioned there in a privacy policy or terms that says that is whats going to happen? You opted in, don't opt in to something you don't want. Sounds like the WSO author really knows how to maximize his ROI on his traffic.

Now granted it seems the call centers are going nuts with your number but that's a problem with the call center doing something inappropriate. Just sign up for DNC List and tell them you are going to sue each time you get a call. They will stop.

[mosthost]

I thought Google+ was a social network. They sell phones too?

[stockpost]

Having issue with junk calls on my cell, not really sure how to stop them..
The same voice comes from different phone numbers.
And bad part is I can not even talk to a live person.

[davemiz]

brent. selling the data is not what the customer agreed to. Plus those privacy links and pages on the site probably say the same.... Plus its super lame. You want to run your thing like that? (i can't even call that a business cuz its not).

kay... you're not getting it.

who are these people going to report?

the problem is they're getting bombarded with messages and then phone calls and they've got no clue who they are or how they got your info.

thats the problem.