Said It Here

Why do I keep getting calls after getting quotes online?

Online lead-generation platforms and contractors share or sell contact details to multiple third parties once a quote request is submitted. This results in a barrage of persistent phone calls and text messages from companies the user never contacted, even after they have already hired someone.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    Using a virtual phone number (VOIP or cloaked number) so personal numbers are not shared
  2. 2
    Ignoring calls and texts from contractors after choosing someone
  3. 3
    Going directly to company websites instead of using lead-generation platforms
  4. 4
    Using a separate phone number or a privacy service like Cloaked for getting estimates
  5. 5
    Contacting local contractors directly instead of filling out online lead generation forms

In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.

r/HomeImprovement2 people · September 2026

“somehow I've now had two completely different companies call me saying they heard I was looking to get the work done.”source ↗

RhetoricalPrecinct · r/HomeImprovement · 24 upvotes

“I've had this happen after getting quotes online and I have no idea who actually passed my info around”source ↗

loftily_good_movie · r/HomeImprovement · 2 upvotes
r/Plumbing2 people · September 2026

“I'm still getting calls and texts from some of the others asking if I need someone and yesterday a completely different company contacted me saying they heard I was looking for a plumber.”source ↗

BonyGallantry · r/Plumbing · 23 upvotes

“I’ve had this happen with contractors before now I usually get a few quotes pick someone and ignore the rest.”source ↗

vial_of_shoes · r/Plumbing · 2 upvotes

Where this came up

People with this problem also raised