Tracking Numbers with Restricted Area Codes

[ryan.gerardi]

Some dealerships use tracking numbers on their website and on local listings such as Google and Yelp that restrict callers from dialing in if they are not calling from a number in permitted area codes.

Nowadays with so many people on cell phones from area codes where they previously lived, it would seem to me this is not a good idea. If I'm trying to call a local business and am restricted, why would I bother?

 

[craigh]

Who still does this?
Why on earth would they do this?

 

[ryan.gerardi]

That's what I was wondering. Just doesn't seem like a good idea but I came across a dealer the other day where the number appearing on their Google listing had an area code restriction when I called.

This is where Mystery Shopping would be handy.

 

[Jeff Kershner]

Ryan, are you sure it was a "tracking number"? I ask because I remember working at a dealership moons ago that had a few toll free numbers that worked only for callers within the tri-state area. Later I found that the dealer actually owned the numbers (had them for years) and were acquired through the local phone company. Old School stuff I guess.