TalkTalk scam 'out of area' calls

Jemma-T

Why are you answering the phone to strangers?

Anyway, buy a blocker https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/65957199#Comment_65957199

Dr._Shoe

I have had the "Microsoft" scammers a few times now but I run a Mac so I just follow their instructions as much as I can. Whe the ask if I can see a symbol on my desktop I shuffle papers around and pretend that I think they mean on my actual computer desk. You can have a lot of fun with them.

I was getting a lot of "we understand you have had an accident recently" calls. I asked them to tell me which accident they were referring to. He must have thought he'd won the lottery, "we can handle all your claims!" he said. So I started to talk him through all the accidents I had, the time I mounted the curb and demolished a postbox, and then the time I crashed into a shop... He soon rang off. Haven't had any calls since.

wiogs

Jemma-T wrote: »

Why are you answering the phone to strangers?

Anyway, buy a blocker https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/65957199#Comment_65957199

A call blocker is of no use to those of us who need to accept calls from businesses that withhold their numbers.

Cold callers I just swear at and am generally abusive to until they hang up.

Swipe

Everyone should start blocking withheld number calls, then genuine businesses would then have to stop withholding their numbers if they wished to speak to their customers. If it's important they'll email or write to you.

wiogs

Swipe wrote: »

Everyone should start blocking withheld number calls, then genuine businesses would then have to stop withholding their numbers if they wished to speak to their customers. If it's important they'll email or write to you.

I wish I could but I would lose a lot of business so currently not an option.

Jemma-T

TalkTalk offer free last caller barring even if the number is withheld. It's just 10 numbers unfortunately last I looked.

A way of getting withheld numbers is diverting them to a Flextel number (paid £1 for mine) which shows virtually all the number. Works perfectly as you can then set up a wildcard with CPR like 01514*.

Having a Flextel number is also a good way of catching spam calls and then blocking them to on the fly. Lots of options.