I Googled My Cell Number

[Coloradobus]

I just out of curiosity "googled" my phone number. I was very surprised that a link popped up for "Airforums" showing my private email conversation where I listed my phone number for another members information. I conclude the message section is not closed or private. I'll be alert to this in the future. Going thru my PM 's deleting items, which is probably too late since Google caches all these goodies. We have had a rash of mystery phone calls, of which, five documented numbers I gave to our cell carrier to block.

[Ntex]

Wow. Scary. Thanks for the alert.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Stefrobrts]

The PM system should be secure, even the mods cannot access it or view messages except their own. I am contacting you for more info.

[Drathaar]

I just googled my number, and two PMs from the Airforums were present. I do not like this!

[Coloradobus]

Drathaar, I sent Admin Stefrbrts my phone number after a response to check it out, as well as a link to the Google search I found if it worked

[moosetags]

I just Googled my cell, and the only thing that came up was related to Moose Tags. There was nothing related Airforums.

Brian

[Coloradobus]

Moose tag, I had PM'd another member of this forum and included my phone number in the PM. That's what created the link on Google.

[markdoane]

I googled my number and got an address and business name that I only use for professional journal subscriptions. Evidently they sell their mailing lists.

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Coloradobus

Moose tag, I had PM'd another member of this forum and included my phone number in the PM. That's what created the link on Google.

I did some googling and found this profile comment: Airstream Forums - Conversation Between Txforetravel and Coloradobus

It appears that your phone was included in this message (and is now removed). These profile comments are not the same as private messages and they are publically viewable.

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by markdoane

I googled my number and got an address and business name that I only use for professional journal subscriptions. Evidently they sell their mailing lists.

No. we do not sell lists or share info - your account info is private. That said, if you post it on a thread or as a profile comment to another member on their profile it is publicly visible. If you find personal info that needs to be removed please pm a moderator for some help. We take privacy very seriously.

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by Drathaar

I just googled my number, and two PMs from the Airforums were present. I do not like this!

I found a profile comment that you left for another member - that has your number: Airstream Forums - Conversation Between Drathaar and samb

Again - these are not Private Messages. They are public comments left on member profiles and I see how there might be some confusion. That said - The PM system is secure and not searchable by google.

If you need this info edited please let us know.

[featherbedder]

I googled my cell phone came up verizon with some bus. in Chgo Il. I have att cell & Ameritec land line, do not have any business or affiliates in Chgo. so am I being scammed or slammed?

[Coloradobus]

Janet
Thanks for clarifying. Seems I don't know how to use private pm mode. Either way, I ll pass on using any of it. It's interesting it took this long to materialize on a Google link. I check Google monthly for my name and numbers

[Drathaar]

Janet, thank you. Like the OP, I got a bit twisted in the difference between a PM and a profile comment.

[Wayward]

Although this now does not look like a security problem, we should always be wary about putting personal information on any community site.

I suppose most users (e.g. moderators) do not have access to PMs, but unless vBulletin (the software used here) is encrypting the PMs we post, they are accessible by anyone who has database access. That would include administrator type access as well as IT and support people including third party contractors.

In this digital world our information is of great value. We give it away inreturn for free digital services. So there is only so much a site owner can really do and still make money. Everyone should read the Privacy Policy to understand how private information is shared and protected.

The bottom line on the internet and social sites, is that no personal information can be truly protected absolutely.

[m.hony]

All I get when I Google my phone number is a bunch of sites trying to give me name and address information if I pay them-

[NavyCorpsman]

Just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching..........

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by NavyCorpsman

Just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching..........

A philosophy that has served me well in life....cheers