"IVA" cold-calls - what can be done?

Guybrush_Threepwood

I'm sure I'm not alone here... your phone is ringing, it's from a number you do not recognise... you pick it up and the person introduces themselves as "Mike" or "Kevin" (or some other typically 'British' sounding name) but in a heavy foreign accent. They then claim to be able to write-off up to 70% of your debt...

What can be done about these calls? I get them daily now. I can't just ignore the numbers as I do get calls for work from different numbers that I do need to answer.

I've now blocked around 80-90 different numbers that they call on. Sometimes the number shown is a landline style, sometimes a mobile, but it's always the same story.

No amount of "Please take me off of your list" or "I have no debt" seems to work. I just block the number and then they call again the next day from a different one.

It's driving me mad...

ariba10

Just say “Hang on a minute “ put the phone on the table -Not the cradle- and walk away.

That’s what I do.

sourcrates

Hi,


I have a blocking service on my phone, plus one with my provider, thats all you can do really, changing your number and going ex directory will help, these people seem to operate with impunity, i found TPS to be utterly useless.

Guybrush_Threepwood

Thanks - I am registered with TPS but haven't noticed any real difference. How do these 'firms' make it appear as though they are calling from a UK number? Are UK based phone companies providing them a service or is it just a trick they use...?

I try to keep my composure, but was rude to one of them a few weeks back. I told him I wasn't interested (in colourful language) before he had said much, and he had a go at me for declaring my lack of interest before I knew what he was offering. I told him he was about to suggest an IVA and he hung up.

sourcrates

Guybrush_Threepwood wrote: »

How do these 'firms' make it appear as though they are calling from a UK number? .

Not really a tech geek, but i would asume its some autodialler software, that makes it appear as though it is, you can do anything with the right equipment and a laptop these days.

JCS1

I found I am getting a lot more since clearing all my debts!

I just keep blocking on my mobile.......

DawnW

Guybrush_Threepwood wrote: »

Thanks - I am registered with TPS but haven't noticed any real difference. How do these 'firms' make it appear as though they are calling from a UK number? Are UK based phone companies providing them a service or is it just a trick they use...?

I try to keep my composure, but was rude to one of them a few weeks back. I told him I wasn't interested (in colourful language) before he had said much, and he had a go at me for declaring my lack of interest before I knew what he was offering. I told him he was about to suggest an IVA and he hung up.

He has no right to expect you to 'listen to see what he is offering'. You haven't invited the conversation. Just put the phone down.

jwil

You can report them to the ICO. I do that each time, it's a pain but it's evidence should they ever manage to prosecute someone.

https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/nuisance-calls-and-messages/spam-texts-and-nuisance-calls/

theoretica

If you say you don't want what cold callers are offering they can argue - if you say you can't talk at work or can't take personal calls on a work phone and hang up it doesn't give them an in to argue.

molerat

I tend to ignore calls where I don't recognise the number but if I do get one I tell them to !!!! off. Doesn't stop the calls but certainly makes me feel better

RecentPost

Same problem, i got rid them by telling them i already have a debt solution and therefore cant have another one.