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Comment by apparent | Hacker News Reader

I've noticed that when I travel, I get spam calls from the area code I am visiting. I have asked my cell provider if they monetize my location data, and they swear they aren't. But I don't trust them, given that no one else (other than Apple) would know where I am in real time. Recently switched providers and haven't experienced it since then. Wouldn't be surprised if there was a class action lawsuit someday.

Of course, this doesn't require having GPS location, just cell tower info is enough.

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> But I don't trust them, given that no one else (other than Apple) would know where I am in real time.

Literally every website and app you use with any kind of shared analytics/ads gets your general location just from your IP address alone, and can update your profile on that analytics/ads provider.

It is far more likely this, than your cell phone provider.

Those websites don't have my phone number.

The ads/analytics providers very well might. They gather data and cross-reference from tons of different sources.

And I don't know about you, but I've put my phone number into a lot of apps and sites. Sometimes it's required, sometimes it's for 2FA, etc.

I use a virtual number for almost all such signups (only doctors or other safety-related providers), so I'm not sure that would be a possible avenue for these calls, which come to my direct cell phone number. It is not quite a secret, but it is not something I give out to many companies.

They do pattern matching against lots of pieces of information. It could be as simple as a local utility company selling their customer list with phone number and address attached, then a retail website has your address from when you bought something, now your phone number gets linked.

It doesn't matter if you don't give your phone number to many companies, it only takes one.

Pretty sure my doctor isn't leaking my phone number. I don't give it to companies.

It's also not clear why I would have an uptick in spam calls when I'm traveling. I get 2x/week at home and 2x/day when traveling.

I'd be looking at ad networks rather than telcos in this case. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/01/google-settlement-may-...

Yeah it's a possibility if they matched up ad stuff with my home location and guessed at my phone number based on that.

But if they're trying to get me to answer the phone, calling from a local number actually makes me less likely to answer. Nobody would be calling my cell phone from the city I'm visiting. I'm more likely to pick up a call if the area code is from back home.

Use a VPN next time.

Does it still happen?

Name and shame. Which provider were you having this experience on? (If you don't mind sharing since you're no longer with them.)

Pure Talk. Much cheaper than AT&T, and good customer service. But I found something that was cheaper on an unlimited basis. Between that and the sketchy calls I was getting, I decided to move.

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