'supporting each other through really tough times'

[Deleted User]

Afternoon toughies, we are constantly getting unsolicited telephone calls these days, fishing I think usually 'We can get you £3,600 for the accident you have just had' sometimes trying to sell us shares in slightly iffy companies, once trying to sell us 'wine futures' ( a vat of new wine that in their estimation would be worth 10 times as much in 10 years time when it was sold) and today a firm offering to move our pension to their company as 'It is a so much better deal than the one you have' - we dont have!!!!!! We are already registered with the telephone preference service and can never get the answer to' where did you get this phone number from?' and we've started getting them on the mobiles as well - I know it is a sign of the times that all companies are looking for business but it is driving me MAD!!! Is anyone else having this problem, and has anyone been able to find out where they are getting the phone numbers from? Sometimes the callers are really persistent and get quite rude when you say no- one even shouted at He Who Knows for a good period of time and got abusive trying to bully us into doing what he wanted - I'd love a solution if anyone has one - Cheers Lyn xxx.

mardatha

Mrs L - we're getting this too, ever since we switched to Plusnet. We pick up the phone, admit who we are, then say hang on, then lay the phone down and walk away. I ditched my mobile sim card and got another one which is top secret and given to friends & family only.

nuttyp

Mrs L we just ask the caller to wait a minute, and then place it on the side and walk off. Check after 2 minutes and put the phone down. Usually they don't ring back. As they don't get the response. If someone asks for any details, I usually say if you are genuine you would know everything and wont need to ask.

As for where they get the info from, no idea. OH gets offered loans daily over the phone, even though he has only just been cleared from BR. So stupid.

lyrolee

Mrs lw, your query made me remember a very funny thread about unwanted phonecalls https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/741653

You may glean an idea or two from it.

alfsmum

It's got to the stage that I won't answer the phone unless I recognise the caller ID. I figure that if its something important the caller will leave a message and I can get back to them.

We have regular calls which come up as 'international', loads recently from Dennis Publishing (oh has a couple of subscriptions with them so they want you to 'try' another magazine). Was thinking about getting a call monitor to filter out the unwanted numbers as we are also registered on TPS but it doesn't stop them. Think there's a device called Trucall which will let the numbers you want ring straight through but will intercept others and take a message. Not sure I want to spend what IIRC is around £100 but am really fed up with the calls too so you have my sympathy Mrs L.

westcoastscot

I just don't answer the phone anymore - I look and see who phoned, and if it's someone credible I return the call. I do have a mobile but only for emergency use - my children have the number but no one else.
I hate 'phones anyway - I admit they are a useful tool for emergencies but I rarely use them for social contact. Would rather visit, or write a letter.

[Deleted User]

Thank you all, I know I'm not the only one now, I do so wish we could make them stop for all of us. LYROLEE that thread is so funny, thank you, I've got a few good ideas for a strategy now!!! The other thing I'm wondering about is a very loud whistle but I suspect that's illegal - tempting though!!! Cheers Lyn xxx.

Margaret54

Me too westcoastscot. Mrs Lurcherwalker I do feel for you. My dh and I receive these calls each week even though we signed up for T.P.S It is a real pain I agree.
It is bitterly cold here today too. I stripped the bed and have the bedding on the line as it is very windy, so hopefully the clothes will dry before the rain comes on, then some ironing to do and want to make a quiche for the first time. So glad you are enjoying work Fuddle.x

Margaret54

I don't know if I ever shared this with anyone on here before, so please forgive me if I did. Mrs L you were saying about using a whistle? It reminded me many many years ago when my children were small. I got a few silent phone calls no one spoke, then the calls became crude. I was upset and obviously I hid this from my children. I did say to them though when the phone rings no one is to answer it only Mummy.
My youngest son then was about 7 and at the time you saved up the caps on the tubes of Smarties and when you had enough you sent off for a little coloured zapper thingy which when you pressed each colour a different sound came on. He would press it all the time and nearly drove us mad. He had also been watching Home Alone on the television. One night before his bedtime I was in the kitchen and the phone rang. I went to come into the hall where the phone was, and my wee son lifted up the phone and said in a loud voice" Get off the phone you filthy animal " and pressed one of the wee buttons on his zapper thingy which sounded like a machine gun and we never ever got that call again. Bless him my wee son had obviously picked up the tension from me when he watched my face and sensed it was someone not very nice. We laughed about it many a time later. He was always a clever sensitive wee soul, just trying to keep me safe I think and protect us all.

nuttyp

Well the boiler has packed up again, no heating or hot water. Rang the council but I know they will be in no hurry to sort it our again. They are quick enough to collect the rent....... Oh well. Work have rang and tomorrow I have the day off. Well as long as the staff turn up that is.

I have clean the house within an inch of its life, bleached areas that no one else ever thinks to go. And I have done 4 loads of washing. Where does it all come from?

Just waiting in for the person to collect the dining table on auction site that sold. I hope they turn up, desperately need the money, payday is another 4 days.....