I called the number and was very shocked at the information it exposed about me via the simple fact of the phone number from which I was calling. Essentially, by identifying my phone number the automated service provided me, with no security challenge at all, my home address and full name. Transcript below:
- NCB: Are you calling from your home phone?
- Me: Yes
- NCB: Please verify your address. Is it 123 Street Name, Town, State?
- Me: Yes
- NCM: Is your last name "Plumber"?
- Me: Yes
- NCM: Is your first name "Joe"?
- Me: Yes
- NCM: Please enter your SSN
After this point, I actually had to provide the information to verify it was me.
So, I suppose that knowing someone's phone number may be enough to find their information online already anyway (white pages?), but I was utterly shocked that a service sponsored by the federal government would so easily give your private information away. My conclusion, be extra careful not to lose your phone and don't give your phone number out too willingly.
Still getting loads of offers in the mail...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm reading your blog.
ReplyDeletesluts mature