How do cold callers get your number?

Doesn't it drive you mad when you repeatedly answer cold callers.

How do they get your number? It's baffling.

We are x-directory, but everytime we have moved house, the calls seem to come think and fast and continue for years!

Who is selling the phone numbers? Is it the estate agents? The removal company? The utility suppliers? It seems that the Data Protection Act is not worth the paper it's written on. I've just answered another call on my house phone from an 0208 London number.

"Hello, my name is Senil, how are you today Mrs E"?

My hackles are already rising.....

"I am phoning from Exeter NHS Health Care."

Really? From a London number? And who is Exeter NHS Health Care when they're at home?

"You rang and reported an accident and I am phoning because we can help you claim".

Now seething I reply...... "I've not reported any accidents, because I haven't had any accidents. However, if you continue to phone me, it may be that you suffer an accident as the next time I will lose the will to live and may scream down the phone so loudly that your eardrum may burst!!

"Goodbye Senil, and you make sure you a nice day now!!"