What to say when a seller asks "How did you get my phone number?"

[Jessica F.]

I'm an investor in Philadelphia and I run into this issue often. What do you say when you are calling a seller and they ask, "how did you get my phone number?" I have heard people say that they just say "county records" and for most people that is a sufficient response but some people may be very persistent or challenge your answer. What if the seller lives out of state (how did you get their info from county records if they live in GA and never lived in Philadelphia area?). What if the seller happens to work for the county or is a state or federal office worker and tells you flat out that such info is not avail from county records etc? I am just curious what other clever response or options people have used when faced with this question or someone who tries to challenge the response. Also, I just don't think most people hearing that "I paid a virtual assistant or had your personal information skip traced so I can reach you" is also the best way to go but that's just my opinion. 

Also, I am aware that if the seller is truly motivated that they won't care where or how you got their info but in my personal experience, I have a lot of people ask (some people never asked and never cared to ask) even the ones I have closed deals with. 

Here is what I am NOT looking for. If you are going to post in this forum just to say "be honest and tell the truth because honesty is best, etc," please do not bother posting. Also, if you are going to reply some snarky, sarcastic or rude comment (because some people on here do not seem to know how to deliver advice without being condescending), again do not bother posting. Just trying to be honest since we come to these forums for helpful advice only. Thanks. 

[Don Gouge]

Let me go ahead and be the snarky one here. I do not appreciate people coming here for advice and telling others before hand what they don't want to hear. I say tell them the truth.  If telling the truth bothers you or receiving advice you don't like just go ahead and block me.