iamdrumming said:

If it's an online site asking you to "verify" that you are legitimate, then chances are they just want to steal your cell number. Common sense would say how can anyone be verified by a cell number, and not a landline. Cell numbers are way more anonymous.

Yes it seems to me they want the cell number to later send you SMS 'ads'.
So far I haven't given out my number; don't want to chance it.

How about the bigger companies like Skype?
They have a service now for those without Skype on their cellphones, whereby you are assigned a telephone number to call. You call this number and somehow can use it to make 'Skype' calls at Skype rates.

They ask you for your cell number to use this service.
What are the chances that Skype (eBay) will use your number (farm it out to others) for ad purposes?

TIA

Thanks. My gut told me that this would be the case, but so many users are giving out their cell numbers to become verified as "real". It just didn't make sense to me.

>Yes, that works in reverse. Read the home/faq page of this site. Especially look for the link to the calling area grid, right under the summary of rates. That lists the area codes that are in your particular local calling area.

OK, thanks again IAD. BTW, IAG (I'm a guitarist). 🙂

Yes, that works in reverse. Read the home/faq page of this site. Especially look for the link to the calling area grid, right under the summary of rates. That lists the area codes that are in your particular local calling area.

About the junk calls.
There is an online site that wants you to use your cell number to verify you as a 'legitimate person'. I see this as a possible way for the site to sell/give your number to third parties to sell you something. Is this a legitimate concern?

>3. When you save a number to your phone book on your cell, just add a name to that number. When the number calls again, then the name will pop up.

Kewl!

4. No, everyone won't be able to access your voice messages. They would need your cell number, AND the passcode.

OK, that makes sense.

One more question.
I'm trying to decide the best area code to use (long story).

I understand that 'Toronto' area codes include 416, 647, 289, 905, 519.
Does that mean it works in reverse as well or is it different?
For example if you live in the 519 area code zone, does that mean that
your zone includes 519, 647, 289, 905, 416 also, or 519 + some other area codes?

TIA

2. Junk calls do exist, but it can vary from person to person. Main thing is to not give out your number where it can get picked up to be on the list to get those calls. Personally, I do not think I ever received a junk call.

3. When you save a number to your phone book on your cell, just add a name to that number. When the number calls again, then the name will pop up.

4. No, everyone won't be able to access your voice messages. They would need your cell number, AND the passcode.

I don't understand the math questions comment, but whatever.

Here are some basic questions I hope some can answer:

-I heard incoming text is free. Does this apply to international texts as well?

-Everyone who has a landline knows all about junk calls. Do you get them on cellphones too and if so, how frequent are they and how do they get your number?
Any tips to minimize them?

-With caller ID, is it possible to assign a name to a number so you don't have to do mental gymnastics to figure out every call you receive?

-If I can pick up my voice messages from a landline, can't everyone else do the same (pick up my voice messages)?

TIA

BTW, the math questions are really easy, why not put in some calculus question or trig?