nuisance phone calls

[TEAK36]

For the past 2 days I have been receiving what I can only describe as nuisance phone calls.When I answer the call there is no response from the caller,and after about 20 seconds the call disconnects.I use 1471 to find out the number, but when I try to call the number back it says that the number does not exist.The number is different every time, but always begins with 0302, and the calls are mostly very early in the morning (5.30 this morning), but I have received 2 of these cals in the past 10 minutes. I am getting really fed up with this, but have no idea how to stop it.Any ideas would be most appreciated.

[Ralph]

Hi teak, the first thing I'd try is to register with the Telephone Preference Service (or something like that). This should stop most marketing calls, which is most likely what this is.

If you think that they may be more sinister, then don't feel guilty about contacting BTs Nuisance Call People, they can maybe sort it out fairly quickly and that's what they're there for. Definitely register with the TPS though.

[commoner]

.......Nothing sinister about them teak......Tele-sales companies are increasingly using computers to ring potential customers - and if there aren't enough sales staff to handle the calls, all you will hear is silence when you answer the phone.

In other words they dial a load of people all together and just answer the ones they have staff for...the others manifest themselves as silent calls

[alunrw]

Im registered with Telephone preference services but still get these type calls, (far less than I used to get though) when you answer they just seem to cut off - I wonder if there's a quota of answered calls these centres need to make and once you answer it classes it as a succedful call -Just a thought?

[commoner]

...sorry clicked before I had finished.........

If you don't like unsolicited sales calls, you can register with the Telephone Preference Service, which is run by the Direct Marketing Association. This tells all DMA members not to ring your number.

Address: Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
DMA House, 70 Margaret Street
London W1W 8SS
Telephone: [phone]

[dzug]

Bear in mind that TPS can take a month or so to kick in. It has succeeded for me in reducing this type of call from almost daily to once every couple of weeks or so.

I tend to play them along now if they do get through - yes I'd like your free mobile phone but I don't want the line rental or contract - just send me the phone. So you were lying when you said it was free. Hasn't worked yet though....

[dzug]

There are new regulations coming into force next year on this type of call - they cannot be silent when you answer but must play you a short explanation about it being a marketing call, don't panic, no need to call us, that type of thing, without actually doing any advertising.

The times of your calls suggest it's aimed at an overseas market and that your number has got called by mistake. At a guess I'd say it was Australian. 03 is Melbourne (Victoria anyway)

[Kos]

My trick with these calls is to simply place the receiver on the table for as long as I feel necessary............. they pick up the bill !!!

If you get a voice at the other end, simply tell them you'll go and find whoever it is they're asking for and then again put the receiver down on the side. It's quite funny listening to them say 'hello?................hello?'