National consumer database

[Dave A]

How do I get off the National Consumer Database?

I just got called on my cellphone by Metropolitan Life, a company I have never had any dealings with before ever, telling me that I have been selected to be offered a funeral policy +++.

My question - How did you get my number and how did you select me?
Off the National Consumer Database apparently.

This has got to be the ultimate marketers list, I tell you. Not only do they have a number to contact me that is not commonly available, they also have enough information to know that I qualify for their product.

Who maintains this database?
How did I get on it?
How come this information is being made available for use by marketers?

Come to think of it - how do I access this marvelous marketing resource?
I'd like to look up the marketing staff of Metropolitan Life and advise them they've been selected for an offer to get fumigated.

[duncan drennan]

I received some unsolicited SMS's from the DA to register to vote, as well as a phone call (during the first registration weekend). They also said the info came from the National Consumer database. When I email them they referred me to this website, http://www.etl.co.za/ and the "Remove my info" link.

I am not sure if that is the same database, but it sure does seem like a big one.

[Dave A]

Aah. Key statement here.

ETL Solutions’ Virtual Data Warehouse system accesses data from a number of co-operative database owners who are authorised to share the data that they own in an attempt to maintain its accuracy.

I can see two snags:

• So somewhere along the line I have authorised the sharing of my personal data? (not for anything with my cellphone number on that I know of).
• There is a difference between "sharing data to maintain accuracy" and using it to compile lists for unsolicited direct marketing purposes.