How does the newspapers get your personal details

[jean2579]

I have just received an email personally addressed asking me to subscribe to a major Sydney newspapers online service. Up until recently this has been a free read now you are limited to 15 reads before it restricts access.

What I can't understand is that I have never subscribed to any publication from this newsgroup and are at a loss to understand how, not only did they have my email address but full personal name.

[just_me_karen]

They buy contact info from websites that collect the info by hosting competitions, or through associated websites who share info. There are lots of ways they obtain the info... annoying isn't it.

[cherry*135]

That is unusual jean.I found my access restricted to the same major newspaper recently. A  box just came up and covered most of the screen which said I had exceeded the monthly limit for free articles and then info on how to subscrib (paid).

For our lnearest city's newspaper I did join for 30 days free online subscription, I gave my email address when signing up for that. When the 30 days was up they emailed me with paid online subscription options.

[crystal-gems]

If you read newspapers online and post a comment on any of the articles........they have your details.

[jean2579]

I have spoken to the paper involved today and apparently I am not the only one. They are investigating the complaints they have received. Seems a bit weird.