Verizon customer? They're recording everything you do.

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Hillbilly77

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I just read a newspaper article that describes how Verizon is tracking EVERYTHING you do on your mobile phone. Every email, every webpage, everything you click on, etc.
The article says the reason for this is for Verizon to "build a data-rich dossier and then sell it to marketers".
Unlike "cookies" on a PC or mobile device, you can't turn the tracking off in your device's settings.
The article describes Verizon's intrusion of your privacy by using "supercookies" without your permission.

Verizon has responded to their customers' outrage by creating an opt-out.
You have to call an 800 number and you can opt out one phone on your plan or all phones. The call is 100% automated.

The opt-out phone number is:

1-866-211-0874

I'm thinking that it may be time to shop around for a different mobile carrier.
 
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I would venture a semi-educated guess that it isn't just Verizon. Not a big stretch to figure the other 3 of the "Big 4" are doing it as well. Don't think the pay-as-you-go plans will be different, either. They don't use their own networks, they sub-contract out (to Sprint for the most part) for their coverage.
 
Same here as Bkreutz. Monitoring me is probaby more boring that watching paint dry--in the rain.Im sure they know everything about me by now anyhow.
 
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Bkreutz said:
Reading this I just realized that I don't care who knows what I do and where I go. I don't do anything interesting so whoever is monitoring my movements must be bored to tears. :rolleyes: (and I do have Verizon :eek:)
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Not the point.
Most of us are plenty boring so as not to be of any concern.
But do you ever wonder where they got your number when you get one of those phone scam calls?
Companies like Verizon sold it to them.
 
venomballistics said:
Not the point.
Most of us are plenty boring so as not to be of any concern.
But do you ever wonder where they got your number when you get one of those phone scam calls?
Companies like Verizon sold it to them.
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Thank you! It's a HUGE piss-off to think that I pay them my money so that they can turn around and sell my information to somebody else. :mad:
 
Hillbilly77 said:
Thank you! It's a HUGE piss-off to think that I pay them my money so that they can turn around and sell my information to somebody else. :mad:
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yeah ... but a lot of things are double dipping like this.
a logging company will pay you for the trees they cut.
a yard service will have to pay for tree removal.
both will sell the resulting wood.

we've all paid for a magazine full of ads.

many see ads on cable TV.

some even donate campaign funds to politicians ... then pay taxes.

The practice as it applies to telecommunications is especially annoying.
When asked for your number in any retail transaction, lie.
better still, get a legit number of any foundation you find annoying, or corrupt institution and give that.
 
venomballistics said:
Not the point.
Most of us are plenty boring so as not to be of any concern.
But do you ever wonder where they got your number when you get one of those phone scam calls?
Companies like Verizon sold it to them.
Click to expand...

I have had a Verizon cell phone since Verizon came into being. I also have a hard line home phone. I never put my cell phone number when asked for a phone number (when ordering something or filling out a form). I get non stop marketing and scam phone calls on my land line (I have the ringer turned off and can see the caller ID on my TV) If I recognize the caller, I might pick it up, otherwise they can leave a message (they rarely do) I have never gotten a scam or telemarketer call on my cell phone. If Verizon is selling my cell phone number, nobody is interested in calling me. :D
 
I have Verizon & just discovered that when my upgrade time comes I now have to make payments on a new phone instead of the half off the retail price. I paid $150 for 2 years for this droid maxx 32g when I upgraded last time. Now it would be $480 over 2 years. The data utilization I have accessed that they keep records of I notice there is usage when I'm not even using the phone. These have become a necessity & I feel like I'm stuck with it no matter what.
 
regalsc said:
I have Verizon & just discovered that when my upgrade time comes I now have to make payments on a new phone instead of the half off the retail price. I paid $150 for 2 years for this droid maxx 32g when I upgraded last time. Now it would be $480 over 2 years. The data utilization I have accessed that they keep records of I notice there is usage when I'm not even using the phone. These have become a necessity & I feel like I'm stuck with it no matter what.
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Unless you use Settings to manage data usage, your phone is using data 1,000 different ways when you're not, from Location Services, to searching for updates, to monitoring your email for new messages, the various apps you use for push notifications, etc., etc., etc., . . .
 
Muss Muggins said:
Unless you use Settings to manage data usage, your phone is using data 1,000 different ways when you're not, from Location Services, to searching for updates, to monitoring your email for new messages, the various apps you use for push notifications, etc., etc., etc., . . .
Click to expand...
I don't have a computer just this phone & I had it for 18 months. I still can't do much on it just enough to get by. I'm almost 61 & don't think I'll ever be computer Savoy. I'm more into guns that I understand a little better.
 
It will not do any good, this government and these companies are too big and are in the drivers seat. IMHO we can't win even voting, it going to come down to bullets and blood. Our apathy has allowed this to happen and we now have to pay the piper!
 
[emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35]

Just opted out

[emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35]

Btw, thanks! [emoji106]
 
BaldEagle1313 said:
Don't think the pay-as-you-go plans will be different, either.
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Not true in the case of TracFones.

Nobody knows you have the phone, or who you are. You can buy the phone in a grocery store, paying with cash. You aren't required to notify anyone that you have it. You buy "minutes" cards at the same place, the same way, and add the minutes directly on the phone itself, using a code from the card.

https://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/topic/tracfone

BTW, these phones are very economical for *some* people. People such as myself who seldom place voice calls from them. I only keep mine for texting and possible emergencies while driving. Mine cost $10 new. It costs me slightly less than $8 per month to use.
 
Arik said:
[emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35]

Just opted out

[emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35]

Btw, thanks! [emoji106]
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Same here. My # and my wife's #!
 
Verizon customer

Do you "really" think that Verizon is the only one.
It's a business as are all of the others.
 
I just completed the "opt out" process.
Funny, it never says you opted out of having your data collected. It only says "your information will not be used for business & marketing reports and relevant mobile ads"
Nothing about them not selling your information or using it for any other purpose.
 
You guys ever go to Kroger, or Academy Sports, or Cabelas, or Walgreens, etc...........?

Ever notice the pop up ads on most websites are directly related to something you've recently googled or purchased?

Your behavior, location, buying habits, etc. is being constantly monitored by more companies than you ever imagined.

Welcome to marketing in the 21st century.
 
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