In spite of being ex-directory, we're having at least two unsolicited calls a day. Luckily, our phone has caller display and the ability to block numbers, so if I don't recognize the number I don't answer it and google 'who calls from this number', and then, if it's a scam, put a block on it. There seem to be a lot beginning with 0207 or 0208. Anyone else having the same problem?
They are driving me NUTS, I am also ex directory and get at least 6 or more every day, starting from 9 o’clock right up till around 7/8 o’clock. Lots of 084, im guessing most are computerized (silent calls) as when I used to answer the phone just goes dead, now when I see number I just ignore it. Ive also had a couple around 1 o’clock in morning ,was worried sick when phone rang at that time as thought something had happened to my son, ive tried blocking them it works for a while then they start again, have also reported them, but still they keep coming
My mother in law, who's in her nineties and now in a care home, used to be really frightened by the silent calls. We kept explaining to her what they were, but she couldn't understand. I find caller display a godsend, and would hate to be without it. Appalling that you have had calls in the middle of the night - presumably from overseas.
The only calls I get on my main telephone line, which is unlisted, are either from people to whom I have given the number or they are wrong numbers. My second line however, in listed but the only telephone connected to that line has the ring switched off. It was originally for my fax machine [before I had a computer let alone a printer/scanner/copier/fax] and I keep that line as it is the one to which my emergency speaker/amplifier is connected - and also for use should my main line go down but that one not. Whether it gets calls or not I do not know, as the ring is switched off and I do not have voicemail on it, so unsolicited calls do not get answered! My main problem is that if I call someone overseas and they have caller display, they will see that it is an overseas call, number with-held. If they have an answering machine I will say that it is me, please pick up the phone, otherwise I have to arrange by email what time is convenient to call.
There's a telephone service available that will only allow the numbers you put in (family friends) & the hospital & police in your area, any number that calls you that's not in list gets redirected back to caller.
Trouble is, that would stop genuine calls, like delivery drivers who can't find us! (we're tucked away and really difficult to find).
Right there's a telephone service that will charge 08 01 & 02 numbers £10 per min when they call you, they will be diverted to a an automated voice first telling them they are being charged £10 per min & do they wish to continue if so press 1 if not hang up.
My bungalow is not tucked away but as there are no numbers outside and in any case the numbers do not always run to order, delivery drivers always telephone and ask where I live. Then I have to ask from which direction they are coming as from one end it is straight ahead from the mini roundabout but watch out for the macolet on the right, my bungalow being the one on the left after the one opposite the macolet. Coming from the other end it is "go on and on and on until you see the macolet on the left, in which case you have gone one house past mine, which is on the right." You think they get it? I always ask what colour their vehicle is so I can plonk outside and wave a crutch at one that colour - and yet some still either drive past or turn into the little side turning where the macolet is. There is no such thing here, as far as I know - and it would be useless for those calls where the number is withheld.
I can't get withheld numbers the caller gets a message telling them the person your calling does not accept withheld numbers please hang up & redial with a non withheld number.
Never heard of that one! I have heard of people who've successfully claimed money from them - possibly for time wasted, not sure.
Unfortunately that is not the case here. All work telephones, either from landlines or mobiles, come through as "withheld". Especially the mobiles from delivery drivers. I am not really bothered as my usual response to the gobbledegook [Israelis speak as if a sentence is just one non-stop word] is, in English, "I do not understand Ivrit, or you speak in English or I close the phone". And if they really want me they will either speak in English, or say they will get someone who does to call me, because they all know how to say, in English, "I no speak English". My Ivrit is, after all these years, fluent. But being rather hard of hearing I cannot distinguish the gobbledegook on the telephone, hence asking for English although if I an actually understand most of it. I am just not prepared to "break my teeth" as they say here, trying to listen and speak Ivrit on the telephone - unless it is something important.
@6JRT's Don't London numbers begin with 01 and 02? If so they could be genuine. Re. withheld numbers, I find that the Police, Doctors and Hospitals use these too. We did the telephone preference thing, but they seem to find a way past it. I get a lot at mealtimes. They always hang up as soon as you tell them you are registered with TPS, but by then it's too late you've already left the cooker and got to the damned thing!
@CaroleC No idea I just put what was on there web site, it said 01, 02, 08, will be charged £10 per min if you join the scheme.
I don't know if this is true, but I read somewhere that the TPS only applies if they are trying to sell you something. So, so-called market research companies can ring because they are not themselves trying to sell you something, and then ask a wide range of questions and pass your details on to other companies.
