The Curious Afterlife of Your Ex-Phone Numbers

Have you ever thought about what happens to your old phone numbers once you're done with them? It's worth giving it some thought, because just like expired domain names, scammers and spammers are quick to claim these abandoned numbers.

Imagine this: your old number is still floating around on the internet, and even though you’ve moved on, someone might stumble upon it and try to reach you. But instead of finding you, they end up talking to a debt collector or, even more bizarrely, connecting to a late-night chat line! This happens because once you let go of a number, anyone—including businesses you’d rather not associate with—can pick it up.

I've seen firsthand how companies are hesitant to release their old numbers. They worry about someone else taking over and impersonating them. 🕵️‍♂️ It's a legitimate concern! Some of my clients keep thousands of numbers inactive just to prevent this kind of identity theft.

So, what should you do? While it might seem a bit costly upfront, holding onto those old numbers—even if they're not in service—can save you a headache down the line. Paying a little extra to keep your numbers inactive is a small price for peace of mind. 💡

Keeping your old numbers might just be the wiser, more secure choice. Think of it as an investment in your privacy and your brand’s integrity. After all, better safe than sorry, right?