Cold calls from numbers that don't exist...

bagginslover

I'm not sure if this is the right section, but....

My parents are getting repeated cold calls from a number that doesn't exist. Mum seems to think this is illegal? They have to display their real number now?

The first time they called they asked for me, then when told I don't live there anymore said it didn't matter and asked questions anyway. Didn't ask anything that could be of real use to them (utility suppliers etc) but after a few questions mum got spooked and said she didn't want to continue and said goodbye. They have tried again repeatedly, and the number that shows up is 014531114, which when you call doesn't exist.

How do we go about stopping these calls (if we even can?!). My parents are on the TPS, though I think it's effects might have worn off (can you sign up again?).

Many thanks in advance.

macman

TPS does not expire on a residential number. But calls originating from abroad (as many cold calls now do) cannot be stopped by them-they have no jurisdiction outside the UK.
There is no requirement to display their real number, or any number.

Heinz

A false CLI, such as that used in this example, is used to avoid getting rejected by lines which have anonymous call rejection.

Your parents may wish to consider getting a DECT cordless phone system which can be programmed to ignore calls from specific numbers.

Swipe

If you don't recognise who's calling just hang up on them without even acknowledging them. Most people seem obliged to engage into conversation with cold callers. I don't get why it's such a big deal for people.

scheming_gypsy

How do yuo mean it 'doesn't exist'? do you just get a dead tone when you call it?

if so, the number does exist but it's the way their phone system is set up. All phone calls will go out via one number which isn't configured to take inbound calls for a couple of reasons; mainly so there's only one phone bill and because of the way the system is set up to divert inbound calls to different agents.

Buzby

There are two schools of thought; (1) Hang up without entertaining the caller, & (2) Answer the call and find out what it's all about.

The first option, whilst more satisfying, ultimately does nothing. The person calling you doesn;t dial your number, a computer does, by pre-dialling your number before passing it to the next agent. By slamming the phone down (or not answering) it is classed by the computer as a failed call, and it will be marked for a redial at the next available opportunity.

By answering the call, and letting the caller commence ther spiel, gives you an opportunity to speak, saying you;re not interested and to stop calling. If you're reasonable, then they'll flag the call as completed and calls for that campaign (at least) will not bother you.

It is only during the period where your call details are open on the operator's screen are the calling options easily modifiable. If you lose the place and swear, the chances of them marking the stop calling option active around nil.

We don't answer calls that show as being international, and note the frequency of attempts, and whilst we cannot be sure that each call is from the same call centre, the calling pattern is consistent, with around 8 calls in a 2 week period. We can stop it by answering and saying we're not interested.

borders

If your parents are with BT, or one of the companies that use BT lines, they can provide Choose to Refuse. Lets you reject unwanted calls from specific numbers. No idea about prices. Will work with 'dummy' numbers sent by cold calling switchboards. Problem is if the call originates from another network which doesnt use the same signalling protocol as BT. The number gets sent as part of the signalling and choose to refuse recognises this and refuses the call. If it's a different signalling then choose to refuse might not recognise it.

Could be worth trying.

bagginslover

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

How do yuo mean it 'doesn't exist'? do you just get a dead tone when you call it?

if so, the number does exist but it's the way their phone system is set up. All phone calls will go out via one number which isn't configured to take inbound calls for a couple of reasons; mainly so there's only one phone bill and because of the way the system is set up to divert inbound calls to different agents.

When you call the number, there is a BT (sounds like the standard BT lady anyway) message saying 'this number does not exist', or words to that effect-I've not called it myself, and can't try it from here at work it seems (just get a dead tone, which Mum didn't when she tried when I was there earlier).

Swipe wrote: »

If you don't recognise who's calling just hang up on them without even acknowledging them. Most people seem obliged to engage into conversation with cold callers. I don't get why it's such a big deal for people.

Mum and Dad have several phones-some with caller display, some not, if they are closest to the phone without it, they answer whatever, as by the time they get to another phone to check who it is, its rung off

macman wrote: »

TPS does not expire on a residential number. But calls originating from abroad (as many cold calls now do) cannot be stopped by them-they have no jurisdiction outside the UK.
There is no requirement to display their real number, or any number.

I wonder where they got that idea from then, they definitelt think there is a new law in force that cold callers can't hide their number anymore, and it has to be a real number.

I didn;t say before, but the first 5 digits of that number are the local area code, but the whole number isn't long enough to be a full phone number. Is this part of what ever number faking software they use?

We tested out their phone with several mobiles and it does display a full 11 digit number all at once, so its not that it scrolls on the screen and they missed it

I posted this on my mums behalf, as it was her that was bothered about it. Cold calling doesn't bother me at all as all I use my landline for is internet-if the phone rings we ignore it!! I'm not even sure why we have a phone attached all the time to be honest!

Swipe

Buzby wrote: »

There are two schools of thought; (1) Hang up without entertaining the caller, & (2) Answer the call and find out what it's all about.

The first option, whilst more satisfying, ultimately does nothing. The person calling you doesn;t dial your number, a computer does, by pre-dialling your number before passing it to the next agent. By slamming the phone down (or not answering) it is classed by the computer as a failed call, and it will be marked for a redial at the next available opportunity.

You wait until you hear their voice to find out who it is and then hang up. I'm pretty sure they get the idea you're not interested.

borders

bagginslover wrote: »

I didn;t say before, but the first 5 digits of that number are the local area code, but the whole number isn't long enough to be a full phone number. Is this part of what ever number faking software they use?


!

01453 11 shows as an unallocated range. If the page I checked is still up to date. Switchboards can rent presentation numbers which dont receive incoming calls. My BT work phone gave an 0800 number that didnt receive incoming calls. Some of the ones I used to see in BT included 0123456789, 0111111111 and similiar. Doesnt have to be a 'real' number as such. But if it is calling from the UK it should get registered as belonging to a company.


Try this page to report the number with Ofcom.

http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/telecoms/privacy/unsolicited-telesales-calls/

Although it isnt a full number it may still be a registered number that Ofcom can contact the number and get your parents number taken off their calling list.

Mark_In_Hampshire

Is it possible that the caller is using a VOIP service?