Cellphone Numbers

Apparently, phone numbers are becoming a new area of identity theft and privacy concerns.  According to this NY Times article, cell phone numbers are tied to a number of databases:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/13/business/cellphone-number-social-security-number-10-digit-key-code-to-private-life.html?src=me&_r=0

In effect, consumers can apply for credit and receive access codes to a line of credit that are given via text message.  If someone has access to your cell phone and it's unlocked, that could create some problems!  As fewer and fewer people have landlines, a cell phone number is something that someone could hold on to for a very long time.  While people move, cell phones are portable so a lot of people keep their old numbers.  Of course, if you move from half-way across the country, you might not want an old cell phone number with an unfamiliar area code.  Nonetheless, consumers have a choice.  In fact, 212 area code phone numbers have quite a demand:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/25/nyregion/as-manhattan-area-codes-multiply-some-still-covet-a-212.html?_r=0

You could be clear out in Kansas with a Manhattan-based cell phone number.  And yes, Dorothy there is a Manhattan in Kansas.  Still, looking at a phone number that begins with 212, my initial thought is Manhattan, New York, not Manhattan, Kansas.  Until next time, catch me in the library.