We recently tried to upgrade our dsl service.  this number started calling us saying they needed information about who was in the house at what time and asking if we had any animals in the house.  they said they were verizon and needed to send technicians in.  we called verizon after the fact and they said it was not them and they put a tracer on our phone and suggested we call the police and fire a report.

This is Verizon tech support calling.  I had a problem with my DSL and they would call up to update me.  They would also called to setup a time for when a technician can come over.

Ahhh After reading the above post by Luis I feel much better! I too, just had DSL problems with Verizon and had given my cell number as an alternate contact number. While I did not answer the call so I cannot say with 100 % certainty, I feel the call is most likely from Verizon.

The caller ID says "Progressive" but it is really Verizon tech support

I was having problems getting my modem for internet to work.  I had not called anyone as yet; however,  "I received" a call from -- they said Verizon.  They didn't have my phone number.  It was a new cell phone.  How did they know my number to call me?