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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if giving a false phone number is a thing?

740 replies

DuckyMcDuck · 01/10/2020 18:31

Went to a cafe with a friend, we sat outside but she was asked for her phone number. Once we sat down, she admitted that she always gives a false number and so does everyone she knows.

Is this really a common thing? I haven't been in places very much but have always given my number when asked.

OP posts:
Boobissue · 02/10/2020 08:30

I already use her top tip but I sometimes only change one digit.

That's just awesome, do you swap them round or just use a completely different digit.

You're all so clever, people would never think of it! You've let loads in on your secret though, now they'll all be doing it.

If only people had known lying was just so easy.

Whatwouldscullydo · 02/10/2020 08:31

Yeah cos giving the customer your personal mobile number texting or the shop number calling is a great idea..
As Staff aren't in enough danger as it is

TheNavigator · 02/10/2020 08:31

This thread is so horrible to read. Wishing someone would get Covid and die? Really? Look, people make choices we may not approve of or are different to what we would do. But I am happy to live in a country where people are free to make bad choices rather than compelled into compliance. We must not let a pandemic remove our basic humanity and respect for each other. That is what must survive when the virus is no longer a threat.

SmellsLikeFeet · 02/10/2020 08:31

Slow hand clap @Potterpotterpotter I expect they'll be asking for ID next or ringing your number to check it's correct before they let you in because of people like you
Try and be part of the solution
Do you work with vulnerable people that you are tested so regularly?

Boobissue · 02/10/2020 08:32

Guys it’s really not worth arguing with a narcissist, they are never going to change, and in fact get off on the negative responses they are getting. Best to disengage and leave them to their wretched little lives.

@Dervel, you're right. I'm off to get on with my day now.

People are selfish, rules don't apply to them and they're not going. To change by us telling them.

Whatwouldscullydo · 02/10/2020 08:33

I expect they'll be asking for ID next or ringing your number to check it's correct before they let you in because of people like you

No its planned already. They will keep going til everyone finally says no. Cabt even trust boris to brush his hair and yet look at you all.

MummytoCSJH · 02/10/2020 08:34

Sorry when I posted yesterday I didn't click this was about track and trace for some reason. No idea why as I've read it back and now I sound like a dick! I only read the opening post and a few replies not the whole thread. I've obviously given my real details in those circumstances. I was thinking more along the lines of a man wants your number and you don't want to give it, or a company you've purchased from 'needs' your phone number but will likely sell your info.

MyPersona · 02/10/2020 08:34

[quote Potterpotterpotter]@MyPersona there are thousands of people like me, they just don’t admit it.

Nice of you to wish covid on me because I give a false number.

Yet I’m the cunt? 😂[/quote]
Well yes. You’re the one risking spreading contagion with no shits given for anyone else. You’ve admitted you don’t care about social responsibility. The cap fits. Own it.

OlympicProcrastinator · 02/10/2020 08:37

TheNavigator

I know it’s awful isn’t it? Really shameful in so many ways. Sad

JinglingHellsBells · 02/10/2020 08:38

FWIW Weatherspoons is not allowing anyone in now unless they either give their details on paper or log in with the NHS app. They have security on the doors at our local pub/cafe.

(and you do all know these are destroyed after 21 days unlike all your personal info which is held forever in huge data warehouses when you buy anything online, use banking, and even Mumsnet!)

Potterpotterpotter · 02/10/2020 08:39

@MyPersona I think Iv fully owned it on this thread but you are not any better then me. Wishing covid on all the ‘cunts’ that give false numbers. You are worse then the people that give false numbers. So fuck off back onto the high ground you pretend to live on.

Dervel · 02/10/2020 08:40

@Boobissue if it helps it’s not just selfishness it stems from such a profound sense of self loathing that the true self is buried so comprehensively its as if it doesn’t exist. The narcissist lives entirely in their own projected sense of self, which is usually grandiose and unrealistic. They NEED this attention (wether positive or negative), because without it the whole fragile false self would collapse. It’s actually pretty tragic truth be told, but don’t ever make the mistake of empathising with them, because advanced emotional traits like empathy are buried with the true self. I pity them more than anything.

However have a wonderful day!

JinglingHellsBells · 02/10/2020 08:41

What's laughable @Potterpotterpotter is you seem naive. You do know that your phone is tracking you anyway- where you go and what you do online. People working in data warehouses have all of that info on you anyway.

And if you have ever used a credit card or done any online shopping, you gave a phone number and all those details are out there.

So what you want to achieve by not giving a name and number in a cafe is not exactly clear.

Oliversmumsarmy · 02/10/2020 08:42

What I don’t get is if you give your number for a lot of the places that are open all day and night. There could have had a couple of shift changes and someone coming in and having a coffee at 9am when no one is around could test positive for Covid yet you could have gone in 12 hours after they have let and still have to isolate.

Yes the customer could have given it to their server or could have served themselves coffee from a machine in which case there wouldn’t have been any chance of infection

Yet if you are using the same building 12 hours later you have to self isolate

emilyfrost · 02/10/2020 08:43

FWIW Weatherspoons is not allowing anyone in now unless they either give their details on paper or log in with the NHS app. They have security on the doors at our local pub/cafe.

JinglingHellsBells No pub/cafe/restaurant is letting anyone in without getting their details, either by the app or on paper.

It’s a legal requirement; it’s not up to the restaurants.

peboh · 02/10/2020 08:44

I give the right number, however I'm really struggling with the idea I might have to self isolate because Margaret who sat inside Costa, whilst I sat at the outside tables has tested positive. That's a bit of a joke.

JinglingHellsBells · 02/10/2020 08:44

Life is too short to read all your posts @Potterpotterpotter, but what exactly is your reason for not giving a real number?

Struggling a bit to understand, cos all I can imagine is that it's a bit of a silly schoolgirl type prank that gives you some kind of buzz.

JinglingHellsBells · 02/10/2020 08:45

@emilyfrost I know that BUT I have friends who have been to other pubs and cafes where they are/ were very lax and not bothering to take details.

JinglingHellsBells · 02/10/2020 08:47

@Peboh- but Margaret may have used the toilets, before you, or the waiters who served her outside and then you may have picked something up and be infected and pass it on to you.

Whatwouldscullydo · 02/10/2020 08:48

So what you want to achieve by not giving a name and number in a cafe is not exactly clear

Then they have it and they don't need it again do they. And certainly not on a scrap of paper behind a counter that might not be disposed of correctly.

WhoseThatGirl · 02/10/2020 08:49

Wow and I thought the ‘I’m not going to bother getting tested even though I have symptoms’ thread was depressing.
I wonder if the people who act like this are as self-centred in other parts of their life? I can’t imagine caring so little about potentially spreading it to people who are vulnerable. You could literally be responsible for someone’s death? How can you not care about that? For the sake of having a coffee? Just stay home if you don’t want to take part in the track and trace system.

emilyfrost · 02/10/2020 08:52

[quote JinglingHellsBells]**@emilyfrost* I know* that BUT I have friends who have been to other pubs and cafes where they are/ were very lax and not bothering to take details.[/quote]
Then your friends—or you if you know the establishments—should be reporting them.

EasterIssland · 02/10/2020 08:52

[quote JinglingHellsBells]@Peboh- but Margaret may have used the toilets, before you, or the waiters who served her outside and then you may have picked something up and be infected and pass it on to you.[/quote]
My in laws went to a pub Wetherspoons in Swansea 2 weeks ago. Left (real) contact details. Few days later there were news in my local newspaper (not Swansea) that the pub has had 8 workers being positive in the last month or so but that the public have nothing to worry about. To be honest not sure what needs to happen so that they close that pub... so it’s not a danger to the people going. T&t hasn’t contacted my in laws.

MyPersona · 02/10/2020 08:52

@Whatwouldscullydo

So what you want to achieve by not giving a name and number in a cafe is not exactly clear

Then they have it and they don't need it again do they. And certainly not on a scrap of paper behind a counter that might not be disposed of correctly.

But all they know about you is that you were in their premises.

This attitude is insane, especially from people who own smartphones, use loyalty cards, buy stuff online, are on the internet, make debit/credit card payments...

Batshit.

Ginfordinner · 02/10/2020 08:55

@ChaChaCha2012

I've always given a false number. I wouldn't answer an unknown call anyway so makes no difference.
Time to put your big girl pants on and grow up Hmm

I can see why many places prefer us to have the NH S covid app and be able to scan the QR code.