Telemarketers - even more annoying and pointless

[Warks]

Okay we've probably all done our bit to avoid the telemarketers. About ten years ago we started screening all phone calls where the number wasn't known to us. We got on the "do not call" list (which, by the way, seemed to increase the numbers of calls for a while) and basically over time the calls just became something that happened occasionally. If they just hang up then it's no one we know (or want to know).

In the past week it seems someone has managed to get my home number, work number (home office line) and mobile and ring each number in turn at least three times a day. On my mobile I simply add them to the "reject call" list so the phone doesn't ring but I still get an annoying text message to tell me they didn't leave a message.

What's funny is that they keep using new phone numbers just a few digits different and try again so go on the block list. They seem to call the mobile the most although if the phone rings at home when I'm not there who knows?

I've googled the phone numbers and get various websites which list the numbers as belonging to spammers. But the weird thing is that people say if they answer there's no one there and if they ring the number it says "call could not be completed". I've checked and it's true. If the phone rings at home I pick it up and hang up to reduce the disturbance.

One can only wonder what is the point of all this.

These are the numbers I've been called from on my mobile in the past few days. Multiple times for multiple calls.

0280196364
0289868364
0280196354
0289868354
0280196354
0289868354
0280199363
0289868363
0289868364
0289868364
0289868363
0289868326
0289868326
0289868326

Anyone else copping this? Assume I can't actually do anything about it and if I ignore them long enough they'll go away. In the past we'd get three calls in a day and then nothing for a while but this mob is more persistent although I still don't know why.

 

[yohy?!]

it's probably a charity, I think they're exempt from the DNC register - if it's that constant that they're calling I think it's worthwhile answering 1 call and identifying the company and the name of the caller then asking them to remove you from their database permanently and not to call again (they have to do this under law). if they keep calling then you can lodge a complaint with ACMA about them https://www.donotcall.gov.au/enquiries.cfm

This has always worked for me in the past, i only get calls now from companies i've forgotten to opt out of marketing when signed up for credit cards etc

 

[Limewood]

We've had a few blowers trying to flog us items or services on out silent No. soon as I tell them this they hang up.

If they call on mobile I just hang up.

 

[mannej]

it's probably a charity, I think they're exempt from the DNC register - if it's that constant that they're calling I think it's worthwhile answering 1 call and identifying the company and the name of the caller then asking them to remove you from their database permanently and not to call again (they have to do this under law). if they keep calling then you can lodge a complaint with ACMA about them https://www.donotcall.gov.au/enquiries.cfm

This has always worked for me in the past, i only get calls now from companies i've forgotten to opt out of marketing when signed up for credit cards etc

I would contend that the calls such as these are generally not charities, even if they purport to be as such.

 

[JohnK]

Sounds weird. I get the occasional call on my mobile from people trying to sell me insurance but as I have been telling them not to call again I get less and less calls.

Why is there a way for spammers to modify their number when calling so you see a different number. Just like the stupid idea of allowing people to fiddle with the sending email addresss when sending spam emails.

It's not like we need more ways to allow spammers to survive. Or do we?

 

[opusman]

The "no one there" thing is due to the calls being placed by automatic diallers. Basically their computer just continuously dials numbers, and it's only when one is answered that it gets routed to an actual human - if one is available. If no human is available at the moment you pick up the phone, you just get silence until there is.

 

[mannej]

Did you mention an Auto Dialler?

 

[Warks]

The "no one there" thing is due to the calls being placed by automatic diallers. Basically their computer just continuously dials numbers, and it's only when one is answered that it gets routed to an actual human - if one is available. If no human is available at the moment you pick up the phone, you just get silence until there is.

Yes I'm always telling my mother to hang up if there's silence on the line but given she's a pensioner and loves to tell people that maybe it's a good thing she engages them and wastes their time!

It's odd they don't have enough people to handle all the calls. The practice should be illegal but good luck with that as it's probably an overseas company anyway.

 

[Warks]

They hit me with a new number on the mobile this morning which I added to the reject list. Then they rang the home office line which I answered and gave to the cat. Strangely when I checked back 'they' had hung up.

 

[chelzmalee]

Luckily I have a silent landline and so far so good. The office is the worst - energy companies of late. And those who call and ask for someone specific and say its "a personal call" to which I tell them personal calls are not allowed and they hang up.

Personal calls are allowed but as a general rule I know the people who will ring for personal matters around here