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Do you mean they knew you had filled in the survey nanabelle or was it just coincidence?

I didn't look at the survey but you often have to be careful to tick or untick whether you wish your details to go on to a data base or be used for marketing purposes.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence but I'm always nervous of these sorts of surveys because it seems to me that almost any activity on the internet generates unsolicited phone calls and e mails. Apart from that, I wouldn't wish to assist with BMI's information-gathering. When you consider the number of gransnet members who might have filled in the questionnaire, BMI is acquiring quite a lot of information - which helps them to decide on their marketing strategies - for next to nothing.

I had a look at the survey. They ask for your email address but not a phone number. I think it must have been a coincidence, Nanabelle.

I think it is possible for a person's e-mail to be searched for and located in a different database which may also contain a telephone number. I've heard many people say they've enquired about a product, a holiday or a service via the internet and have subsequently received phone calls or e-mails from companies offering similar services.

Nanabell You said "I had a phone call today from a company ... concerning it [the BMI questionnaire]". Do you mean they referred to you having filled in the BMI questionnaire or are you just assuming the call was related to it?

hello again - yes, the caller referred to the Gransnet questionnaire - that is why I was prepared to speak to them. Usually I cut those sort of calls of straight away. Wish I had made a note of the company now.
Once on the internet with emails, shopping, etc our names, numbers etc are out there I guess, whatever we do in the future!

Nanabelle Thanks for clarifying. Since the caller actually referred to the Gransnet questionnaire, I'm sure it has now occurred to you that there is a strong possibility its purpose was to create or add to a database (which other associated or subsidiary companies also have access to) - one of the purposes of which is to enable possible customers to be targeted.

Lara The reassurance that neither Gransnet nor BMI are responsible for the sales phone call that Nanabelle received begs the question - how was the caller aware that Nanabelle had completed the questionnaire and how did the caller get her phone number?

I don't understand very much about computers or the internet but I'm wondering whether it means either the Gransnet or the BMI Healthcare database is insecure and another company has hacked into it? That is perhaps even more concerning. Also, it still doesn't explain how they got the phone no. since Ana said the questionnaire did not ask for a phone no.

I think the matter requires further investigation.

Well, the caller definitely referred to the Grandsnet questionnaire that I had completed and asked further similar questions. A mystery!

Lara I wonder if you or the team have had any more thoughts as to how a company unconnected with BMI Healthcare became aware of Nanabelle's participation in a BMI survey and of her phone no.?