A visiting provider in my area asks for a "real" phone number (cell phones OK) to verify my identity. She says that I'll get a call from an automatic something-or-other with a code or password, which I should then email to her and she'll call me to set up a time. I gave her my prepaid cell number about 8 hours ago, and so far no response. What the heck is a "real" phone number, and does this procedure sound fishy? Thanks for your help.
A phone number that can be traced back to you. Prepaid cell phones are not traceable. This is good for the hobbyist but not always for the provider. It gives unscrupulous types a way to get an appointment while circumventing many lady's screening procedures.
Honestly, I've been wondering when there would start to be some retaliation from the provider side about the practice of using pre-paid cell phones.
I work in the cell industry. Prepaid phones CAN be traced. There is a money trail when you put money into them, and their use IS tracked and a list of who/when a call was made IS kept. It may not be easy to get to (at least not as easy as a regular cell) but it is there and accessible.
But the lady who is concerned about her safety simply isn't going to deal with something as complicated as this. As I said, it adds a layer of protection for the customer but removes one for the provider.
I have always suspected what you just said to be fact, which is why I never bothered with a prepaid cell phone. If LE or your wife's divorce attorney wants to get you badly enough they will find a way.
Last month I bought a Net 10 phone at WallMart, paid cash. When I called the automated system to activate, it asked for my name or skip to next, so I did not give my name.
With Net 10 I got no reception in my house so this past weekend I purchased a Virgin Mobile at BestBuy, paid cash again. When I called to activate I got a live person. I told him I did not want to give my name and he said fine, just give me any name and zip code so he could set up the account and I would have to remember the fake name if I ever wanted any changes to the account. Both these phones have cards you buy at the store to purchase more time with. I pay cash at the store and do not give my name.
Is there a magic wand, can they still trace these phones back to me?
They could follow your picture at the checkout stand at the store, and see who it is. Then they could do facial recognition of who purchase the phone, then they match it to your driver's license!
On second thought if you purchased the phone exactly as described, the only common factor would be the women you have called, which would be very hard to link with the person who bought the phone.
Back in the day, providers wanted your home phone number. They would then call information and if the phone was listed in your name, you were verified.
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