Dynata: who they are and how to opt out of calls

Dynata describes its business as providing sampling solutions and technology for survey research. In practice that means it helps its clients find people to answer surveys, by internet, telephone (landline and mobile), post or a mix. Its privacy policy says the company was formerly called Survey Sampling International and Research Now, and that its customers include for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, universities and government agencies.

Why people look it up

Most searches come after a call or email. Dynata's own page for people who got a survey call is titled "Called By Dynata?" and offers an opt-out from survey phone calls. A survey call is not a scam call by itself, but the number can look unfamiliar, and scammers do pose as survey companies, so it is reasonable to check before you answer questions.

What data it says it collects

The privacy policy lists names, email addresses, phone numbers (home, mobile and business), residential addresses, business contact details such as job title and employer, and data collected automatically, such as IP address, browser type and the pages visited on its websites.

The policy also says Dynata may collect personal data from third parties, naming information service bureaus, social media platforms, data management platforms, ad networks and sample suppliers. That can include age, gender, location and mobile ad IDs. In some cases it may use data collected by automated means to recognize a user or household across devices. The policy says it uses cookies and similar technology for things such as fraud prevention, audience measurement and ad targeting, subject to consent where the law requires it.

What you can do about it

Dynata's page says that to be put on its no-contact list for survey calls, you call 1-833-757-1746 from within North America, or 1-801-341-0764 from outside it. To talk to someone about a call you received, the page gives 1-866-360-9678 within North America and 1-801-379-4094 outside it. The privacy policy also points to a contact route for updating your details and for questions about its practices.

A call from a company that holds your phone number is one way your details travel. Many companies get numbers from lists, which is why data brokers matter here.

How to protect yourself

Ask to be put on the no-contact list

Use the numbers on Dynata's Called By Dynata? page. Write down the date you asked, in case calls continue.

Don't give personal details to an unexpected caller

A real survey doesn't need your bank details, card number or passwords. If a caller asks for those, hang up. See vishing for how phone scams work.

Check the number yourself before you call back

Find the company's contact page on its own website rather than calling a number from a voicemail or text.

Reduce where your phone number is listed

Survey and marketing lists often start from commercial lists. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them.

Use your phone's tools

Screen unknown callers and block numbers you don't want. Our guide to spam calls explains the options.

Frequently asked

Is Dynata a scam?

Dynata describes itself as a survey research company with a published privacy policy and an opt-out page for survey calls. That says what the company is. Anyone can claim to be a survey company on a call, so don't share sensitive details with a caller you can't verify.

How do I stop calls from Dynata?

Dynata's opt-out page says to call 1-833-757-1746 from within North America or 1-801-341-0764 from outside it to be placed on its no-contact list.

Why does Dynata have my phone number?

Its policy says it collects phone numbers and addresses from the people it deals with and may also obtain personal data from third parties such as information service bureaus and sample suppliers. The policy doesn't say which source a given number came from.

What is Dynata?