5. Don’t Feed the Beast
Let’s face it, telemarketers spend more time finding your number than you do hiding it, so why make it easy? Remember that episode of Seinfeld when Kramer asks, “why does Radio Shack ask for your phone number when you buy batteries?” They nor any other store can hurt you if you refuse to answer. If they insist, give them a fake number. This goes for all online purchases and pretty much any time you deal with a business that doesn’t need your number. In fact, only your bookkeeper, bank, credit card company, and the like should have your phone number for emergencies. Macy’s, Walmart, Amazon, etc. do not need it now or ever.