Nuisance Phone Calls

[Coldicote]

I guess many of us have had them and dialled 1471 to try and find out who called. “You were called at (..time..) today. We do not have the caller’s number to return the call.”

Sometimes if I answer the line will just go dead, or someone might ask for me by name but with an accent almost impossible to understand. On other occasions there’s a chattering noise in the background, probably some kind of call centre. Without having the caller’s number I’m not aware of any way to block incoming calls. How do other ABers cope with this?

[rockyracoon]

If they come from an international call centre there's not much you can do about it, if they are UK based you can register with TPS and the calls should cease after a couple of weeks.

[rockyracoon]

Here is TPS website

http://www.tpsonline....tps/mobile/index.html

[thenry]

"'ello. Could I speak to the owner of the company please?"
"who are you ?"
"I need to speak to the owner !"
"OK you can speak to me"
"Are you the owner?"
GET LOST LOSER !

[daisya]

Get in touch with the ICO and register with the TPS. Google both to find out more about them. It worked for us and thanking no more unsolicited calls even recorded message ones.

[daisya]

*thankfully* (not thanking)

[magicmick]

These calls are a pain, so now when they do decide to speak and ask is Mr magic mick there I say hang on I will get him for you, then go back to ab for about ten mins then go back and put reciever down, maybe childish but they do get on my wick.

[EcclesCake]

Quite often there is a long pause after you answer. If I detect the pause I just hang up and carry on with whatever I was doing and they can move on to the next call.

I really don't understand the various revenge tactics that are employed by some, yes the calls can be irritating but they are only doing their job.

[nungate]

I have caller id if I don't recognise the number I don't answer, the machine can pick up any calls and I decide whether I want to call back - never have yet!

[Coldicote]

Thanks for all your answers. Rocky, the link you give is interesting and I'll take time to explore it.

[Coldicote]

Another point please - how do I get 'caller ID? Should it be something already existing within my phone (which perhaps I haven't discovered) or do I have to arrange it with BT?

[chi-chi66]

you get caller ID through your provider, possibly have to pay for the service.

I let all my calls go to answerphone..if it's somebody I know, then I pick up.
If its nuisance call, as soon as it says leave your message they hang up.

People I know, know that I do this so always say 'its so and so talk to me'

[queencharlotte]

By international telepathy, they wait until I have just nodded off before waking me up. Any "number withheld" or similar - ignore. If it is an X-Directory friend, they will leave a message.

[Hopkirk]

I get caller display for free with TalkTalk.

Often these calls are from overseas, and come up as 'International'

I never answer if that comes up.

There is a market research company with a London number, who ignore TPS rules. I have stored their numbers as 'Ignore', so I know what to do if they call.

[mikey4444]

I have been having similar problems for a long time now. Its worth registering with the TPS but it seems to have no effect on calls coming from a foreign source. Also many UK companies just ignore the TPS and call you anyway.

It has become so bad now that I have resorted to taking the phone off the hook permanently. I emailed everybody I know, telling them to call me on my Mobile instead, or use email.

Its the only way that I have been able to cope. All the revenge methods suggested are just useless.

There needs to be legislation. Its the only way forward on this issue.

[chi-chi66]

the problem is Mikey, these type of calls find their way to your mobile too.

Again if its an unknown number, don't answer, and on text, just delete,
otherwise they know the number is active if you press the 'stop these txts'.

[furrypusscat]

We have been getting these calls every other day. I sometimes have to answer to stop them waking hubby up when on nights. We are registered with TPS but these calls show 'International' on phone window and unless you can get the number nothing can be done. When I answer the recording just says 'Goodbye'. Soooooo annoying.

[Coldicote]

Well, this topic has certainly had a good run. It seems my best bet is to get on to BT and ask about caller ID. I'll give this thread a rest now and thank you all for your interest.

[Giggsie]

I have free calls anytime for a £4.90 each month and get caller display free with that. If you only have caller display think it is about £3 it is worth the extra to have free anytime if you use your phone a lot.