Can Nuicance calls from "International" or "Unavailable" be traced?

Heinz

I know it's difficult when someone asks, "May I speak to Mr. Bella_B please" not to be honest and say, "He's at work" but you're giving information away - admitting the caller has correctly associated a name with the telephone number - simply by doing that.

I always answer such questions with, "Who's calling?" and then fashion my further responses by how they answer me. "No, armed police dragged him out of here before we moved in" is one of the responses I then use if they are obvious time wasters.

It might be better simply to screen (via an answering machine's loudspeaker) all daytime calls which come up as 'Withheld' or 'International' on your Caller Display so, if it's a genuine call, you can pick up but, if sounds not to be, they'll have the option to leave a message.

Stokkers

Been getting these calls for ages now. The last time I had one, with the same caller display, they told me they were calling from United Utilities plc and based in Central London. I have sent a complaint to United Utilities, via their Contact Form. (Can't post a link as a new member, but just Google United Utilities Contact us Form & select Corporate)

Occasionally, I will have a bit of fum with these callers. I will often ask them to hold the line while I set up my Dictaphone so that I can record the conversation. Another time I will ask them to hold and just lay the phone on my desk. I will also ask them for a contact number in the UK or take the survey until they start asking for personal details and then rant and rave at them for being so bloody personal - after all, they are paying for the call. I always wonder why they hang up!

As other posters are saying, the TPS doesn't work on overseas calls and that includes 08** numbers in call centres based in India, South Africa, Holland and anywhere else

I NEVER answer WITHHELD numbers or 08456 021 111 or 08456 200 111 - told they are scams telling you have a message at 6***** that costs you an arm and a leg.

And still they call back!