Do not give out anyone phone number for a refferal without asking if that is ok first. Some of us like to remain anonymous. Respect is the key issue here. Would you give out your friends number to someone questionable ? Probably not. So what makes it ok to give one providers number to another ? It doesnt. Just in case you guys dont know this some providers are very questionable. Some dont need to have anybody elses number. Are you using good discretion ? Obviously you dont know the person that you are giving it to. If i find out my number has been given out you become persona non grata with me. Thanks for your consideration, P.T.

Damn good point PT.

Perhaps the person in question never considered that this is a rather competative business, and anything that one provider or agency could use to get rid of the competition could be most welcomed.

Seems to me that in this hobby discretion is of paramount importance.  I'm sure none of the hobbyists would want you to give their number to a new hobbyist to provide a testimonial for one of the providers you act as PT for.  I would also think it just common decency to provide you that same said consideration.

I see my message has been read enough to have had at least 1 response?? Guess not... I'm sorry if I offended anyone here but, I got a rancid message from a provider when I said I dont know who or what you are talking about then and hung up. She called back spewing venom. That is the impetus for this posting. I have had more trouble from providers than 50 hobbyist's rolled into 1.
So please if you would like a reference ask your provider first if they dont mind. When I know the provider that wants the referral I am more than happy to reply for you. If I can get that from you I can go back into my obscurity happy.
Thanks, P.T.

Looks like a privacy issue to me.

Like the wise man once said, Don't make yourself look more than what you are at others expense.

In other words, if anyone wants to disclose anything about them, they will do it themselves.

Don't talk about others unless you want them to talk about you

It's a simple issue of "stranger danger" LOL  If a provider called up my phome person and asked for a referral, how would the phone girl know if it was a real provider or your SO?  I don't think my phone girl would appreciate it and as a provider, I wouldn't.  Being respectful means asking permission to disclose my info to anyone.  I respect you, you resepct me.  

The golder rule sure comes to mind here.

Taylor