I don't like this. I have had a Yahoo web mail account for a number of years. I use it when signing up to news letters etc. when I think there is a fair possibility of getting spammed.
 
Now, today, I can not access my account unless I tell Yahoo my phone number so then can SMS me a access code.
 
The whole point of the account is to stop my main email getting spammed so I have no desire to give out my mobile phone number just to keep it running.

well google and hotmail asking for the same....still have option to skip but sooner or later will be obligatory.
anytime when somebody forcing me to give personal information I'm giving them false numbers.

Hi,

I would say it's time to let those accounts die!

They are the ones with bad security that is causing issues ... so asking for personal information is inappropriate and out of line.

I would even consider filing a complaint to the state about that.

IF they have a question, they can pick up your phone number and call you to verify the account ... which would be much more appropriate for them to tell you what your information is, than you giving it to them.

Not to mention, that this tells you that folks have access to your account and this is the reason why it is compromised in the first place.

I DO NOT use those services at all ... and never thought they were safe, and they still are the biggest runners of spam and viagra and crap anyone has ever seen, and they won't do anything about it ... and they CAN if they want to ... run a reverse DNS on the mail servers the repeated emails come from and ... half the email gets dumped!
 
It's even worse to think that Microsoft and Google make so much money and they can not afford a couple of people to take care of the security in these things ... look folks ... it doesn't add up ... and that means these people need to lose some money and accounts until they learn to stop ripping you off!

Hmm...  I'll have to remind myself to set a few accounts up for future use the next time my roommate leaves and forgets his cell phone (a fairly frequent occurrance!).

Muhahahaha!!!

Mine haven't bothered me for that, yet.  If they do, I'll give them an old, unused number.  

The only problem with that Jan, is that you need to respond with the code they send you - and you'll never see it on an unused number!

craigb


The only problem with that Jan, is that you need to respond with the code they send you - and you'll never see it on an unused number!

Oh.  Well, I guess I'll have to figure out a plan B then.  If they insist on that, I may have to look elsewhere for an e-mail address.  

they are trying to get your all personal data and information so you cannot run and cannot hide...
Same is happening in some  stores, after I paid they want my phone number! WTF

always say f%$#@ off!

My ISP provides up to ten email addresses... Maybe yours offers a few as well? I have several used already... One for personal, one for sites that will likely spam me (shopping, etc) and a couple for my bogs.

I use those two, plus one for "legitimate" warranty stuff.