I Did Something Very Stupid

[+ Gar1eth]

About a week or two ago, I saw an obviously fake ad on Backpage. I texted the guy and told him the pictures were fakes. Well I just received a text from a number I didn't know saying that my phone number could be found at a site called Exposing Johns Dot Com http://exposingjohns.com/

 

Sure enough my number is there. Supposedly you can pay the site to do an investigation. And if they can't find you actually solicited, they will take your number off the web site. I'm pretty sure that part is a scam to get money and make it easier to find out your identity. So far the only thing on the website is my phone number and the text I sent - which said something to the effect of -' those pictures are fake'. I'm not quite sure what else to do. I may talk to a lawyer. My main concern is if I did get a job, and I needed to be licensed for something- this could lead to my other hires being found out which could get a state license jerked or not granted. I'm also thinking of changing my main phone number. And getting a cheap pay as you go phone to respond to anymore ads.

 

If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate hearing them.

 

Gman

[Tighty]

I would ignore it. 'The pictures were fake' is not solicitation. Besides what if say someone get a phone book and start entering random phone numbers and fake text to that site?

[bomerrang]

And getting a cheap pay as you go phone to respond to anymore ads.

 

If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate hearing them.

 

Gman

 

Do Something Very Smart, get a 'bone phone' pay-as-you-go device. Best Buy has a no contract phone with unlimited texting and talk(?) for $30/month.

[+ azdr0710]

I have a trac-style pay-as-you-go phone from Target for this stuff....paid cash for it and I recharge it with cash....during initial set-up, I think the auto-voice asked for another phone number and stuff, but I gave bogus info and it worked....initial cost of something like $50 for the phone and some time credit, then $15/month recharge after that...recharge cards available all over...make sure you get the recharge card with a better time value than minutes value since this won't be your main phone.....

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

About a week or two ago, I saw an obviously fake ad on Backpage. I texted the guy and told him the pictures were fakes. Well I just received a text from a number I didn't know saying that my phone number could be found at a site called Exposing Johns Dot Com http://exposingjohns.com/

 

Sure enough my number is there. Supposedly you can pay the site to do an investigation. And if they can't find you actually solicited, they will take your number off the web site. I'm pretty sure that part is a scam to get money and make it easier to find out your identity. So far the only thing on the website is my phone number and the text I sent - which said something to the effect of -' those pictures are fake'. I'm not quite sure what else to do. I may talk to a lawyer. My main concern is if I did get a job, and I needed to be licensed for something- this could lead to my other hires being found out which could get a state license jerked or not granted. I'm also thinking of changing my main phone number. And getting a cheap pay as you go phone to respond to anymore ads.

 

If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate hearing them.

 

Gman

 

Your number is there or your name and number are there?

[Steven_Draker]

If changing your current number is not too much of a trouble, I would do that first.

 

Then, I would buy a second cheap device (look for AT&T Pay-As-You-Go). No contract necessary and no monthly charges. The $100 recharge credit will give you continuos service for one year. Select the 10c per minute Pay Per Use plan. You can pay for these recharge cards in cash in every AT&T store.

[+ Gar1eth]

Your number is there or your name and number are there?

 

So far the website has only my now 'old' phone number- I just changed it. But I looked through the site- it has names and pictures-possibly from Facebook- as well as residence cities of lots of people. I can't be sure the rest of my info isn't going to pop up later.

 

On the plus side I googled my 'old' phone number and that site didn't come up. Plus I googled one or two of the names on that site. And while I found the names associated with their cities of residence listed, that site did not come up on the search.

 

My main concern is that if a security check was done on me for job search, this might turn up. I mean looking up my cell records would reveal I had made a text to that number.

 

My next questions are #1. Should I tell the phone company not to associate my old and new phone number for the customary grace period and make sure that they don't have the forwarding recording set up.

 

#2. This is a question for all of us. I'm assuming it's not impossible that someone on the Forum has some type of official security clearance; or if no one on the Forum does, I'm sure that someone that has read the Forum and/or Daddy's Reviews at some time in the past has had a security clearance. Well with what we now know of the NSA and who knows what other intelligence agencies have the same info- I wonder how our 'hobby' here/ and our posting here affects their security clearances/background checks. I would guess those with high security clearances might know ways to hide their tracks when participating on a Forum like this or hiring. But with email and cell phones is it possible, unless you are James Bond or Jason Bourne, to totally hide your tracks?

 

 

 

Gman

[MiamiLooker]

As others have mentioned, you can get a pay-as-you-go phone for things such as this, or just set up an AIM account for texting.

[down_to_business]

So far the website has only my now 'old' phone number- I just changed it. But I looked through the site- it has names and pictures-possibly from Facebook- as well as residence cities of lots of people. I can't be sure the rest of my info isn't going to pop up later.

 

On the plus side I googled my 'old' phone number and that site didn't come up. Plus I googled one or two of the names on that site. And while I found the names associated with their cities of residence listed, that site did not come up on the search.

 

My main concern is that if a security check was done on me for job search, this might turn up. I mean looking up my cell records would reveal I had made a text to that number.

 

My next questions are #1. Should I tell the phone company not to associate my old and new phone number for the customary grace period and make sure that they don't have the forwarding recording set up.

 

#2. This is a question for all of us. I'm assuming it's not impossible that someone on the Forum has some type of official security clearance; or if no one on the Forum does, I'm sure that someone that has read the Forum and/or Daddy's Reviews at some time in the past has had a security clearance. Well with what we now know of the NSA and who knows what other intelligence agencies have the same info- I wonder how our 'hobby' here/ and our posting here affects their security clearances/background checks. I would guess those with high security clearances might know ways to hide their tracks when participating on a Forum like this or hiring. But with email and cell phones is it possible, unless you are James Bond or Jason Bourne, to totally hide your tracks?

 

 

 

Gman

 

Phone numbers are recycled all the time, I wouldn't worry too much about blind phone number background checks.

 

I would also recommend that you do NOT set up the forwarding number information. Just let them get the following number has been disconnected and is no longer in service message. I really wouldn't worry too much about it at this point (unless you have the new number recording and/or if that old number is searchable to your physical address/location via published directory information).

 

If you don't want to deal with burner phones etc, you can also look into setting up a free google voice number (s). I don't give my non google voice number out to anyone I don't trust fully. The best (safest) most private course of action is to get one of those prepaid burner phone thingies for this type of activity like the other posters have told you.

[+ FreshFluff]

As others have mentioned, you can get a pay-as-you-go phone for things such as this, or just set up an AIM account for texting.

 

A Google voice number works fine for both texting and calling. No need for a new phone.

[Edward]

Tell me more about a "google vice number".

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

Phone numbers are recycled all the time.

 

I just saw a client whose number came up as a female escort's. He had only gotten the number earlier in 2013.

[Diverdan]

I assume that if someone in the government wants to find me and dig around in my life they will be able to do so. Changing phone numbers or cell phone number or these pay per use numbers will be traceable too, based on the millions of calls, texts, internet traffic, etc. that is produced. Another reason not to be to explicit with someone you know or even someone you know, as you never know who might be listening. The days of big brother watching are certainly here to stay.

[Becket]

The arrogance and self-righteousness of whoever is running "exposingjohns.com" is stunning, even to one as cynical as I am.

[+ FreshFluff]

The arrogance and self-righteousness of whoever is running "exposingjohns.com" is stunning, even to one as cynical as I am.

 

It's not self-righteousness, it's a money making operation. Like all the blacklist sites, the goal is blackmail. Clicking "Delete profile" gets you to a page where you will have to pay $200-$500 for deletion.

 

I looked up the 917 area code. There are many, many pages of "name pending" (as if) numbers, presumably from guys using Tracphones or Goog voice.

 

Tell me more about a "google vice number".

 

Just Google. Once you download their app and set up a number, you can dial and text FROM YOUR GOOGLE NUMBER using your cell phone. I think it's free, or at least, I haven't paid anything.

[+ FreshFluff]

I just saw a client whose number came up as a female escort's. He had only gotten the number earlier in 2013.

 

Hmm, maybe he IS that female escort, Chris. That would make an interesting movie.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

Hmm, maybe he IS that female escort, Chris. That would make an interesting movie.

 

I prefer to remember things like that. Yes, that is exactly what happened.

 

Actually I thought he was her gay pimp.

[BallerBoy]

Gman I'm sorry you had to experience that kind of trash online. But I'm glad you're sharing your story with the forum. As others have said, I also use a Google Voice number for people I find disposable. You can delete or deactivate the Google number anytime you like and it's free... All you need is a Gmail email account which is also free.. You get one phone number for each Gmail acct. I would suggest setting up several different dummy Gmail accounts just to have them on reserve. Use fake names when you create these email accounts.

 

As for the scammers having your phone number, you may have to play dirty with them in order to get results. Have an attorney send a threatening letter to them with an ultimatum. You can also contact the FCC and file a complaint. Unless you are CONVICTED of a crime, it is extortion to have your name or phone number on a website suggesting you committed a crime. Especially if there is zero evidence of such act. This website may also be operating illegally! They exist because "johns" are afraid or too ashamed to challenge them.. Don't worry yourself too much about it, but don't let those bastards bully you either.

[Nvr2Thick]

So far the website has only my now 'old' phone number- I just changed it. But I looked through the site- it has names and pictures-possibly from Facebook- as well as residence cities of lots of people. I can't be sure the rest of my info isn't going to pop up later.

 

If you haven't already done so I'd make sure that your Facebook profile is locked down. When a non-friend views my profile they can't see my profile photo or my friends list. There are some holes concerning who tags and shares your pictures, but you should try to make it more difficult to acquire your pictures.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

About a week or two ago, I saw an obviously fake ad on Backpage. I texted the guy and told him the pictures were fakes. Well I just received a text from a number I didn't know saying that my phone number could be found at a site called Exposing Johns Dot Com http://exposingjohns.com/

 

Sure enough my number is there. Supposedly you can pay the site to do an investigation. And if they can't find you actually solicited, they will take your number off the web site. I'm pretty sure that part is a scam to get money and make it easier to find out your identity. So far the only thing on the website is my phone number and the text I sent - which said something to the effect of -' those pictures are fake'. I'm not quite sure what else to do. I may talk to a lawyer. My main concern is if I did get a job, and I needed to be licensed for something- this could lead to my other hires being found out which could get a state license jerked or not granted. I'm also thinking of changing my main phone number. And getting a cheap pay as you go phone to respond to anymore ads.

 

If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate hearing them.

 

Gman

 

There's a couple of things about the site worth knowing.

 

1) They appear to lift a lot of information off Facebook, which is another reason not to use face shots in your personal profile, or to make it public.

2) They are based out of India.

3) They have a rating of "F" with the BBB, and don't respond to emails or complaints.

4) Their phone number is disconnected.

5) They can't spell or write for shit. Go to their FAQ page... there's a number of grammatical errors.

 

And there's this. Ripoff Report about Escort Shakedown Site Scams

 

I wouldn't worry, Gman.

[+ Gar1eth]

There's a couple of things about the site worth knowing.

 

1) They appear to lift a lot of information off Facebook, which is another reason not to use face shots in your personal profile, or to make it public.

2) They are based out of India.

3) They have a rating of "F" with the BBB, and don't respond to emails or complaints.

4) Their phone number is disconnected.

5) They can't spell or write for shit. Go to their FAQ page... there's a number of grammatical errors.

 

And there's this. Ripoff Report about Escort Shakedown Site Scams

 

I wouldn't worry, Gman.

 

Thanks Chris,

 

I had found out most of this. But it's nice to have confirmation. The interesting thing is I found out I was on the list by being texted from a phone number with a 310 area code. When I googled the phone number, it came up with the name of a guy in Houston who has had several phone numbers in the past. I'm thinking there is a good chance that this guy is somehow working with that website.

 

Gman

[marylander1940]

Thanks Chris,

 

I had found out most of this. But it's nice to have confirmation. The interesting thing is I found out I was on the list by being texted from a phone number with a 310 area code. When I googled the phone number, it came up with the name of a guy in Houston who has had several phone numbers in the past. I'm thinking there is a good chance that this guy is somehow working with that website.

 

Gman

 

Next time we exposed a flake on here, please don't warn him that he got caught by us, or he'll change his pictures and cellphone and even monitor the site.

 

The whole idea of this site is for us to know without letting them know...

 

It's common sense!

[ZhenXBear]

About a week or two ago, I saw an obviously fake ad on Backpage. I texted the guy and told him the pictures were fakes. Well I just received a text from a number I didn't know saying that my phone number could be found at a site called Exposing Johns Dot Com http://exposingjohns.com/

 

Sure enough my number is there. Supposedly you can pay the site to do an investigation. And if they can't find you actually solicited, they will take your number off the web site. I'm pretty sure that part is a scam to get money and make it easier to find out your identity. So far the only thing on the website is my phone number and the text I sent - which said something to the effect of -' those pictures are fake'. I'm not quite sure what else to do. I may talk to a lawyer. My main concern is if I did get a job, and I needed to be licensed for something- this could lead to my other hires being found out which could get a state license jerked or not granted. I'm also thinking of changing my main phone number. And getting a cheap pay as you go phone to respond to anymore ads.

 

If anyone has any other ideas, I would appreciate hearing them.

 

Gman

 

One thing to keep in mind is that the number that texted you did so without your expressed consent to be contacted on your mobile phone line. In the United States this is a violation of the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) a federal law. If the caller knowingly and willfully contacted you at that number then the fines ($500/call) are trebled ($1500).

 

You may wish to contact the site administrator and advise him that you are weighing options for a Civil Suit in Federal Court for TCPA violations along with charges of harassment, extortion, defamation of character, liable and emotional distress. Or, he could simply take your information off the site.

 

Some dirt bag Junk Debt Buyer tried to do a dialing campaign on me for a credit card of my ex-boyfriend. Needless to say they became fairly sober when my Attorney sued them in Federal Court for $100k. We settled and they have never ever called again.

 

Never be afraid to exercise your rights under the law. You didn't solicite anyone; you pointed out that their pictures were fake.

[+ WhamIAm]

Those websites exist because of escorts are tired of guys who tease them, scam them or make plans and don't show up.

 

GMan, that sucks. Had a similar situation -- emailed with an escort to set a call in order to perhaps something up. Between the emails and the call found out through Google Search that his pics were fake. Told him I didn't want to spend time on the phone because of that. Didn't to my knowledge get posted on a site, did get about 3 days of semi-psychotic texts.

 

I'd gotten the impression that this site and similar sites were scams. Chris, Steven, do you guys use them or know of any reputable ones that escorts in the US rely upon? (I'm pretty sure I've read in prior strings that there is a legit, well-vetted one in the UK). Also, there's a post on a current string addressing the same issue in which at least one escort has stated he doesn't trust and won't respond to contacts from Google Voice numbers. I'd be interested in your take on that?

[+ Gar1eth]

One thing to keep in mind is that the number that texted you did so without your expressed consent to be contacted on your mobile phone line. In the United States this is a violation of the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) a federal law. If the caller knowingly and willfully contacted you at that number then the fines ($500/call) are trebled ($1500).

 

You may wish to contact the site administrator and advise him that you are weighing options for a Civil Suit in Federal Court for TCPA violations along with charges of harassment, extortion, defamation of character, liable and emotional distress. Or, he could simply take your information off the site.

 

Some dirt bag Junk Debt Buyer tried to do a dialing campaign on me for a credit card of my ex-boyfriend. Needless to say they became fairly sober when my Attorney sued them in Federal Court for $100k. We settled and they have never ever called again.

 

Never be afraid to exercise your rights under the law. You didn't solicite anyone; you pointed out that their pictures were fake.

 

Thank you for your advice Zhen. This happened about a year and a half ago. I've since changed my phone number. I only brought the thread up to show support for dcsmlxl and his similar predicament. I thought he might be interested in following the discussion of what happened to me. YOUR advice was very helpful, I wish I had had it at the time.

 

Gman