ricardo7
Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile
Every day I receive 2-4 calls from unknown people. I don't answer the calls as they are unidentified and they terminate the call after two rings. Each caller has a different phone number so blocking won't do anything. Any suggestions??
They are trying to get you to call back (many people have to see who called them!), possibly at your expense via a toll line? Maybe you can report them to the phone company, they should have records of the incoming number, but they will need the time of the call of to match the number. I get one once in a while, but never return the call. If I'm near a computer, I google the phone number. Yes, it's very annoying!!!
Hal81
Loc: Bucks County, Pa.
I heard on the TV the other day that when you get those calls you should say just a minute, lay the phone down till you hear the tone they send when your phone is off the receiver. They will take your number off their calling list.
I get several a day and I am on the do not call list in my state. The telemarketers have found a way around it I guess. I don't answer them but they are still annoying. Some of them even text a message.
ricardo7
Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile
But I don't get repeat calls. Each is from a new number.
ricardo7 wrote:
Every day I receive 2-4 calls from unknown people. I don't answer the calls as they are unidentified and they terminate the call after two rings. Each caller has a different phone number so blocking won't do anything. Any suggestions??
Depends on my mood and time available.
For those selling newspapers or magazines I ask if it comes in braile as I am blind. Usually a quick hang up. If I want some fun I pretend to be interested and waste their time with innumerable questions some totally unrelated until they give up and hang up. Frequently I answer as if I am an agent of the FBI, INS, IRS etc. and the call is being traced so we can get them in the appropriate way. Quick hang up. I got a call from a guy wanting to know if "Judy" was there. I said yes, we are in bed together and she does not want to talk with you right now and wait until tomorrow.
Or as others have said just set the phone down or I say I will sue them and own them by next week if they ever even think of calling again.
We've had several phone calls from the "Windows Technical Department". We usually tell them we don't own a computer.
I hate the "last chance to lower your credit card bills".
I only get 3 or 4 "last chances" a week..
I purchased the CPR CallBlocker that was recommended by Jerryc41 on this site. Yes, it does cost $99. Yes, it does block the calls. It comes with 5000 known scam phone numbers. It blocks unknown, private and any numbers you want to add (up to an additional 1500 numbers). I have only added 37 numbers and I haven't had any scammers for over two weeks. Unfortunately, the credit card people tend to use many different numbers, 35 of the 37 numbers. But once you add the number, they don't get through. You do have the opportunity to answer (one ring) a "private" number if you want. I recently called a customer service number of a pharmaceutical company. The dummies called back on a private number. The CallBlocker rang once, then terminated. They called right back and I was able to answer. I explained they should change their ways and show who they are on caller ID. They said they didn't know why some people never answered.
This product is worth the money in just peace of mind. I hate those scammers. When you get a Toll Free number, or other, that you don't want, just hit #2. Their ID number is added to the list and they are immediately disconnected. BYE BYE scammers. You do have to answer the phone at least one more time until the numbers are added to the list. Just keep this product in mind in the future. The phone companies are making too much money from these people to be helpful. The "Do Not Call" lists don't work. I no longer have to deal with the phone ringing by bad guys.
ricardo7
Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile
I'm going to guess the CPR CallBlocker is for land lines. I only use a cell phone.
Do what I did. I got tired of being bothered by telemarketers. Get a cell phone. What a world of difference. Also, texting can save on time when you just need one piece of info from a loved one.
I am getting these on my cell phone. My wife told me that if you return the call then you have contacted them. Once you contact them they can do whatever they want.
ricardo7
Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile
SteveR wrote:
Do what I did. I got tired of being bothered by telemarketers. Get a cell phone. What a world of difference. Also, texting can save on time when you just need one piece of info from a loved one.
I'm using a cell phone. I don't have a land line!
ricardo7 wrote:
I'm using a cell phone. I don't have a land line!
I don't know what to tell you. I've been very hesitant to give my cell phone number out. In fact, when asked for my phone number online when it is required but I don't feel that they really need to know I give them my old land line number. The people that have my cell phone number are my hospital, doctors, relatives, and very few other people that I trust.
You may need to get a new number. It may be a bit cumbersome to change your number with businesses and those who need to know, but it should stop those calls. In the future, protect your number.
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