Nuisance calls - does this old trick still work?

*Scarlett

Register with the Telephone Preference Service. http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

I'm not sure if this works for overseas calls but it seems to be effective for UK cold callers. It might take a few weeks for this to take effect.

I used to be inundated with cold calls but since registering a few years ago I get virtually none. Any calls that I get, I just tell them that I'm not interested and request that they remove my details from their database.

I realise that this will probably not deter persisitant companies that do not comply with the law (but you can try to report them) or real scammers, but it does screen out a lot of unwanted calls.

Keeping_Positive

*Scarlett wrote: »

Register with the Telephone Preference Service. http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

I'm not sure if this works for overseas calls but it seems to be effective for UK cold callers. It might take a few weeks for this to take effect.

I used to be inundated with cold calls but since registering a few years ago I get virtually none. Any calls that I get, I just tell them that I'm not interested and request that they remove my details from their database.

I realise that this will probably not deter persisitant companies that do not comply with the law (but you can try to report them) or real scammers, but it does screen out a lot of unwanted calls.

TPS is good but it doesnt work on overseas calls

lincroft1710

*Scarlett wrote: »

Register with the Telephone Preference Service. http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

I'm not sure if this works for overseas calls but it seems to be effective for UK cold callers. It might take a few weeks for this to take effect.

I used to be inundated with cold calls but since registering a few years ago I get virtually none. Any calls that I get, I just tell them that I'm not interested and request that they remove my details from their database.

I realise that this will probably not deter persisitant companies that do not comply with the law (but you can try to report them) or real scammers, but it does screen out a lot of unwanted calls.

Doesn't work with overseas calls and you will (as you have experienced) still get UK based calls, which I just reply with "I'm with TPS", most callers just apologise and say they will amend their database.

Probably still worth registering with them, though.

vikingaero

Sublime wrote: »

I just say No Thanks, and put the phone down. It usually works. If they're very persistent a Fcuk off, and phone put down also works.

Actually the Indian callers are the ones that tell you to Fcuk off because you don't want their scam service!

CWCDiver

fluffnutter wrote: »

It probably does work. It's also assault.

An assault? Says who?

Blowing a whistle down the phone does not have the force necessary to do physical damage. The speaker diaphragm isn't large enough.

wobbley

fluffnutter wrote: »

It probably does work. It's also assault.

And I suppose you view farting in a lift as GBH ?

MissUno

We just have our landline unplugged, plug it in only when I wish to make a call, anyone who has reason to get in touch can do so via email or my mobile. I got sick of the unsolicited calls regardless of being on TPS...all those Indian call centres phoning time and time again apparently wishing to provide financial services, they can foxtrot oscar.

Blowing a whistle down the phone at them when they persist haha. Reminds me of the days my Nan (God rest her soul) had one of those panic alarms by the phone to blast in case of a nuisance call...oh how I miss that woman.

Oliver14

Just don't answer International calls. Simple really

redpete

DrPaul wrote: »

The idea being that the frequency of the whistle was close to the "resonant frequency" of the phone line and so could be quite painful at the far end.

Nothing to do with resonant frequencies but because a loud high-pitched sound is unpleasant to the human ear.

DrPaul

redpete wrote: »

Nothing to do with resonant frequencies but because a loud high-pitched sound is unpleasant to the human ear.

Well, technically I think the idea was that the whistle note was around the maximum point in the frequency response of the old POTS, so came through particularly loud and clear as well. But thought that was a bit overly technical for such a half-serious post.;)

Originally I think that the idea was proposed to get rid of heavy breathers and obscene calls in the days before tracking such calls got a lot easier - sounds like Nan might have had that sort of problem, good for her for giving as good as she got!

To reiterate my original post, I wouldn't propose this as a way of dealing with an annoying double-glazing salesman, but the people I am pi**ed with are self-confessed criminals - they know what they are doing, they are not poor call-centre drones.

Can I get away with calling it "proportional response"?:D