"The number you have dialled does not exist"

kuepper

I missed 2 calls today, when I phone one back I got that message and when I phoned the other I got a 'dead line' sound. Is it a tech problem?

[Deleted User]

 Might be nhs or similar when the number isn't public. 

 I get this whenever my gp phones 

Ian011

The number shown on CLI is merely a "presentation number" and in many instances can be programmed by the caller. This is useful for calls made from "outbound" callcentres where call recipients do not see the telephone number of the individual line that called, but instead see the phone number for their central "inbound" callcentre.

Scammers also have access to the same technology. They use this to show a specific fake phone number (perhaps attempting to convince people that they are calling from a particular company or organisation) or a random phone number (which may or may not exist) or junk digits (simply to try to hide their tracks) when they call.

Calling the number back is never recommended, especially if it is premium rate 084/087/09 number or is an international number. Indeed, the "Wangiri" scam relies on people calling back to premium rate numbers from missed calls.

J_B

kuepper said:

I missed 2 calls today, when I phone one back I got that message and when I phoned the other I got a 'dead line' sound. Is it a tech problem?

Why did you phone them back?

_shel said:

 Might be nhs or similar when the number isn't public. 

 I get this whenever my gp phones 

Our GP presents the correct number, but used to present 'withheld'