Update: Verizon to be spanked for selling unlisted numbers
Remember Verizon, the inaugural Naughty Business of the Week? The company earned that distinction by selling a list of phone numbers for about 12,500 Washington County residents who had specifically paid not to have their numbers published.
The numbers ended up in 2008-2009 EZ to Use Big Book, published by Ogden Directories Inc., that was mailed to residents last week.
According to a follow-up by Sun business reporter Lorraine Mirabella, the Public Service Commission has called Verizon onto the carpet --- they're meeting at a hearing today to discuss the mistake.
From the story:
"As far as we're concerned, this was totally unacceptable," said LaWanda Edwards, a spokeswoman for the PSC. "This goes to a bigger issue as it relates to public safety."
The PSC will review a range of possible actions that could include a fine, she said.
Law enforcement officials are concerned, even though Verizon offered to change the numbers of those affected for free, as well as offer a free year's worth of unlisted service.
According to Wayne Hose, a Hagerstown police officer and president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3373.
Changing phone numbers might be a solution for some, "but your address is out there. Short of relocating, I don't know what other remedies they can come up with."
