Who is Datacell?

[Gammaray]

This is getting ridiculous.
I'm sure everyone has had the phone call where a rep tries to sell a phone/contract or whatever with an annoying sales pitch, so fast sometimes that you can hardly make anything out.

I'm getting these types of calls on a freekin daily basis now and it's seriously ****ing me off. I'm sure this constitutes as unsolicited communication. Every time I asked them where they got my details (cell number of course, along with ID number, names, etc.) they say they get it from Datacell.

I can't find anything on a company like that here really. Who are they and where do they get my details? I know for a fact, whenever I open an account, fill in any application etc. I never give any permission to disclose any of my information to any partners or affiliates.

I've called my service provider's customer service, but they couldn't shine any light on the subject.

/rage

[Azraphael]

Under the new Consumer Protection Act, there is a "master-list" that you can add your details to and marketers are not allowed to contact you if your name is on that list. How you get onto it, I have no idea. I have the same issue with Direct Axis. The amount of paper they have wasted on all sorts of print marketing really ****es me off. I get about 6 envelopes/fake passport thingies/ fake credit cards/ pamphlets a month.

[GeometriX]

https://www.nationaloptout.co.za/

[Rah_Skill]

Registering on this database will mean that you will not be contacted by members of the DMA (Direct Marketing (http://mailing.nie-spamuj.eu/marketing.html) Association of Southern Africa).

The DCM (Don't Contact Me Database) helps you to make sure your address, email address, telephone and cell number are no longer available to organisations, who are members of the DMA, who want to make offers and send information that you do not wish to receive. You can also do this by contacting companies directly and asking them not to contact you.

Before you register however...
You should reflect on the fact that registering may well prevent you from receiving information which you would really like to have - thereby cutting you off from relevant and worthwhile opportunities. For example charities use telemarketing as an economical way to raise awareness and much needed support.

If you are happy to receive direct marketing contacts from some companies but not others, contact the companies who you do not wish to hear from and ask them to remove your details from their contact lists. Registering your details on the DCM could stop all contacts from all companies registered with the DMA, including charities and voluntary organisations who you might want to support.

Edit: GeometriX beat me to it >__>

[Gammaray]

Ok, I've registered on the database.
Now to see if it works seeing that this only applies to members of the DMA.

Still want to know how they got the details in the first place.

[Toxxyc]

Ok, I've registered on the database.
Now to see if it works seeing that this only applies to members of the DMA.

Still want to know how they got the details in the first place.

You'd be quite ****ed to know that your information is sold to these marketers (from anywhere - you quickly enter a competition to win a golden penis-pump at your local caf? and you foolishly write down your name and contact number, as well as your age). It sounds funny, but names are sold just like everything else -

"I'd like 10,000 names and numbers of men between the age of 18 and 21, single and with a crappy credit record plox."
"Sure thing sir. Would you like ID numbers with that as well?"
"Well, what's the price difference?"
"That'll be R99.99 per person extra sir."
"Hmm, no. Just the names and numbers will do for now."
"OK sir, that'll be Rxxxxxx.xx for the lot."
"Do you take credit cards?"

*chick-ching*

And your information is sold. You get contacted by some bloody irritating company who wants to sell you a brand new swimming pool, even though you are living on the 11th floor in a stack of flats. FFS, makes me rage.