Unwanted phone calls

[davidk65]

For some months now, in the early evening, our home phone rings. On answering the phone there is always a delay and then a recorded voice message starts to play, usually having some open word like "this is a public service message." at which point we hang up. These calls have now started being received in the mornings.
On checking, I find that "the caller withheld their number".
Two questions:
Q1. Is it true that with these type of calls answering the call, even though you hang up quickly, can result in charges being incurred?
Q2. Can these calls be stopped by the phone company without them charging for stopping these calls? We are with Talktalk and having looked at their website there appears to be a charge of �3 per month.

[vandersam]

hi, I recieve these phne calls as well...how annoying are they! What I tend to do is if there is ever a delay when you pick up then just hang up staright away. If it happened to be someone else they will phone back!

You do not get charged for recieving these calls but sometimes you will have to pay to block them. I wouldn't advise doing this as another cold calling will end up with your number and you will recieve calls no matter how many you try blocking. The only way you can prevent these calls forever is by changing your phone number and making the new one ex-directory.

[davidk65]

Thanks for your comments.
What concerns me is that I am ex directory and have been for many years.

[chas2008]

there are computer type systems in place at call centres ,although i believe they are prohibited in this country but doesnt stop the foreign call centres, that just keep dialling numbers until they get an answer so ex directory doesnt come into it.
They target the number not the person...

[Mr Veritas]

Don't worry about the fact that you are EXDirectory,as chas says it is all done by computer (in the UK,where they ARE allowed still,or from abroad,which is more usual).
The computer dials out numbers at random,when it gets a ringing tone it connects it to an operator or (as in your case) to a recording.If the phone is not answered in a short while the computer cuts the call off and moves on to the next call.It does NOT know what number it is calling,or if it is EXDirectory.
You can stop these (number witheld calls),but I think you can only stop the UK ones;but check with TalkTalk first before paying for this service.
You could also think about having a "Caller Display" service(if available with Talk Talk) this would show a dispaly on a small screen of the number calling you,and if you see"Number Witheld" you can chose not to answer the call.

[Huderon]

Try registering your phone number with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). It's not an instant fix (takes 28 days for the registration to become effective) but it will stop or greatly reduce the number of unsolicitated marketing calls you get.