Community Chat

[WaJa61]

Agreeing that the silent auto robo dialer with no visible number to block is the most annoying of all. I have never answered it, yet it rings in here several times a day.

[gloriajean]

I get the same calls I usually do after registering with the Do Not Call List - they are not charity ones or political, but one which only has on for the number says "Without Caller ID" I did ans. it and told them to take my number off, which they never did, when I asked what they wanted, they say that my computer is ready to crash and I should do this and that and this and that to prevent it. I never ans. those or any other ones again. Thankfully I don't get text messages or voice messages from them.

[gonnab]

These calls are increasing! First one was at 8:00 this morning - and I have received 4 more during the day! Don't answer but it's getting to be a problem!!!

[agnesann]

gloriajean - that is a well known hacking scam and you are wise to have hung up and never answer again. Also report it to your phone company, though they use disposable cell numbers.

gonnab, it sounds like your number has recently made some distribution list. Did you recently give it out in public? Like apply for a credit card, for example? I know my own bank sold mine because I am so cautious about giving it out, but had to give it them. Immediately after I was bombarded for months. Another friend here was upon retiring and I've heard so many complaints of the charity and political calls increasing immediately after signing up for the DNC list. I have never joined it for that very reason. TG for call blocking!

[dooBdoo]

On 7/7/2014 gonnab said:

These calls are increasing! First one was at 8:00 this morning - and I have received 4 more during the day! Don't answer but it's getting to be a problem!!!

gonnab, You can do an Internet search for the phone number in the caller ID. There are a couple of great websites with reports on the numbers, info on who's behind some of them, suggestions for fixes to the problem.

Just put the phone number into the search bar, or go to these two safe, reliable websites: http://800notes.com/ (doesn't have to be an 800 number to look it up) and http://www.whocalledme.com/.

As agnesann said, if you've signed up with a company, website, promotion, etc., or if you've been a customer of a company, they do have the right to call unless you opt out. There's usually fine print that says they can contact you via phone, postal mail, or email unless you notify them otherwise.

Did you try the links I posted in Post #10 to see if you qualify for free call blocking?

[ROMARY]

I'm now getting the home improvement/energy saver ones.........now, who would actually invite men from 'who knows where' to come into our homes, to 'inspect', advise, 'remodel', etc. ????? Oh, my goodness..............that's a 'no-no'.

[Financialgrl]

Here's two I keep getting - "you can significantly lower your interest rate but there is little time left, this is the last call offering you this great deal". Last time my @## - I get two of these a day - never answer but the same message keeps going to voicemail.

The other one is for one of those medical alert systems (as in "help I've fallen and I can't get up" devices). It says someone has referred me and my number and if I act fast . . . I don't answer that robo call either.

[Havarti]

I have a call blocker that has helped me. Here is the latest version of the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Call-telemarketer-programming-accidental/dp/B00E914II6/ref=sr_1_4?s=elect...

I programmed mine to stop all incoming calls from toll free area codes such as 800, 822, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889. Then when I receive a call from a regular area code I do not answer unless I know who it is. If I don’t recognize the number I Google it and look to see if anyone as reported information on that phone number being a telemarketer – or not. If I find that the number is from a telemarketing business, I simply press a button the call blocker box and it adds that number to the blocked calls. When they call, it disconnects them.

I will tell you that the phone has to ring once for the call-blocker to check it, so I have learned not to answer any call on the first ring. If it is a blocked number, the call blocker will disconnect the call before it can ring a second time. The thing I have had a hard time with is UNblocking a call that I accidentally indicated should be blocked. I have had mine for over a year and have not been able to figure out how to unblock an important number.

It blocks up to 1,500 unwanted phone calls. It works with land lines, VoIP, and DSL services. If you have some other type of phone service you should check with the company before purchasing it.

I have to say this handy machine has helped ease some of my frustration with the ever increasing number of companies that ignore the Do Not Call list. There is one thing that has happened a couple of times lately that sent a chill down my back (caused flash back memories to a movie I saw when I was younger) . These calls show up on my caller ID as coming from my own phone number and I know I am home alone at the time. It feels creepy to see that on the caller ID. There is always a recorded message telling me it is my LAST CHANCE to lower my interest rate. They sure do give a lot of LAST CHANCES.

[WaJa61]

I sure do thank you for this info, Havarti!! I'll check out the device tonight. Is there a number you can call to ask how to remove numbers you've blocked? Maybe in your owners manual.

[SelahG]

Looks promising, Havarti---I have had the calls from my own number---FREAKY!

Thanks to dooBdoo for those links, too.

Now if we could only find a solution for those that get around displaying a number at all in Caller ID. Ring, ring, ring daily from 8:00 am up until 8:00 pm or so.