$186,000 for “Jenny’s” Phone Number

The “Jenny” phone number which attracted International attention with its eBay auction, has received a final bid of $186,853. This leaves some wondering if it might create a gold rush for others with phone numbers matching Jenny’s.

The phone numbers, made famous by matching the “867-5309” lyrics sang in the 1982 hit “Jenny” by Tommy Tutone, are apparently held by a small number people living in different area codes.

According to James Massey, publisher of www.WhatSellsBest.com a free website which tracks top selling eBay items. “It’s not the first time a number matching "Jenny’s" has been posted on eBay.”

Massey recalled a New York Times article in 2004, where a Manhattan law student (With a 212 area code) had posted his "Jenny" number on eBay.

“Apparently he received bids as high as $100,000 before his phone provider stepped in to dispute his ownership rights. Understandably, eBay had no other option than to shut the auction down due to the ownership dispute.”

At that time (2004) the NYT article quoted a spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission, as stating phone numbers were ’’public resources’’ which ’’are not owned by carriers or their customers.’’ But the article also stated the F.C.C. did not rule out a number being sold as part of a business.

In the case of the recently completed “Jenny” auction. The seller has stated (In the auction listing) the phone number was being included with the sale of his DJ business.

Massey also stated; “What I’ve heard about owners of these numbers, (Matching Jenny’s) is they tend to get a lot of calls, mostly from curiosity seekers and pranksters. In light of the recent auction I wouldn’t be surprised if they start receiving some offers to sell. Hopefully they’ve been watching the news and don’t sell too low.”