|
This now creates a significant problem regarding privacy, and most people do want to eliminate personal information from databases, including their telephone numbers. In this digital age, people may delete their numbers due to problems related to safety or even a headache of unwanted calls marketed for promotional purposes. Well, here's how you can delete your number from a phone number database. Following are some of the ways by which you can do it:
1. Find the Databases
The first step to removing your number will be to identify which databases currently have your information. Common places your phone number could be found include the following:
Public Records Databases: Government databases and online directories. Marketing and Phone Number List Telemarketing Databases: Companies that collect contact information for marketing purposes. Social Media Platforms: This would be sites such as Facebook or even LinkedIn. 2. Opt-Out Requests Many sites have opt-out capabilities where one can take their entry off. Here is how one might do it:
Public Records and Online Directories
Sites like the White Pages and Spokeo also have options to remove your information. On all these sites, the "opt-out" or "remove listing" link is usually prominently featured on their home page.
Search for Your Listing: Once you enter into the database, find your phone number.
Follow opt-out procedure: You will often need to complete a form including your details and verify this via an email.
Marketing Lists
If your number is listed in one of the many marketing databases, you can, in most cases, attempt to request being removed:
Company Contact: Sometimes you can contact the company involved. They often have a "Contact Us" or "Privacy Policy" link on their website.
Provide Necessary Information: In regard to processing your request, it may be necessary to provide your phone number, along with other identifying information.
3. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry
In the United States, placing your number in the National Do Not Call Registry will help decrease unsolicited marketing calls. Though this does not remove your number from all databases, this can significantly reduce telemarketing calls.
Access the Registry: You can log in to the official Do Not Call website.
Register Your Number: Go through the simple steps involved to put your phone number on the list.
4. Check Social Media Settings
In case your phone number is on any of the social media sites, then do the following:
View Privacy Settings: Log on to your account settings in order to know about who all can actually view your phone number.
Remove Your Number: If you don't want your number to show, simply delete it from your profile.
5. Look Into Professional Services
If the process is too overwhelming, several companies have created a business based on removing personal information from databases. The services will handle the process of opting out for you.
Conclusion
Removing your telephone number from databases can be a great step toward the protection of privacy. If you know where your number is listed, apply opt-out requests, register with the Do Not Call Registry, and change settings on social media, you could decrease visibility for personal information greatly. These will be the steps that could ensure a guarantee of your privacy and unwanted communication at a minimum.
|
|