Ladies, if you get a call like that, just say "I'm sorry but I don't know who you are talking about."  You don't have to do a lot of convincing or explaining.  But I like your idea of "I'm an independent computer consultant."  Thanks for covering.

I had something similar happen recently where I got a call back from a lady I was trying to set up an appt. with. Her nickname popped up on my cell display and since I was driving at the time my daughter picked up the phone and said, "who's this?" I managed to dodge around it but I'm sure she was a little suspicious of my answer. Needless to say, I have changed the names but I never thought about reversing the #'s like you say for callback. Good to bring this up.

I'm from another state but I do a lot business in NYC.  I simply change the area code for private numbers to (212).  I can therefore keep the numbers stored.  It’s much more secure than paper!

Remember to obscure or camouflage the name. For instance, "Jennifer" might become "Michael Jenn," (or a more cleverly worked out system).

Finally, most cell phones will allow you to delete the listing of recently called numbers.  Whatever you do, don't let a private number be the last one you called--or you may find yourself with an embarrassing one-touch redial!

Lisa - I know both my current and previous cell phones record the last 10 numbers dialed, and neither has a way to erase those saved numbers (that I can find, anyway); I suspect most recent-generation cellphones have a similar "feature".  This sort of thing is probably what your lady caller found, rather than that he intentionally stored your number.  Many cell phone companies also itemize all calls on your bill, which is another way the wife can find out about specific calls.  That's why I *NEVER* use my cell phone to contact a provider, or call *anyone* that I can't reasonably explain.

I've seen some providers say that they won't accept calls from pay or other public phones... ladies, please understand that when we use a public phone, it's because we're trying to protect ourselves from the above kind of thing.

Haz

Does any of this really matter because the numbers show up on the bill anyway.

Re:what #'s are on your cell phone????

A simple solution the to phone number problem is to use a prepaid calling card. With these you dial a toll free number and enter a code then dial the number you wish to talk to. The beauty here is that the only number that is in the phone memory or on the phone bill is the toll free access number for the calling card. If you think LE is coming after you, trash the card every few days and use a new one. This will cut all tracks to the numbers actually talked with.

As far a computer security goes, check out http://www.contentwatch.com/audit/ They will let you check your computer for free and if you want to delete the files the program finds, it only costs $19.95 for unlimited use.

Remember, play safe and cover your tracks...

Dartman

This thread reminds me of another precaution you should take. If you call from your home, or even your office, you don't want a lady's to be dialed if someone hits the redial button.

So when you hang up from a call of a sensitive nature, dial the weather or the time, so that will be what's redialed.