Comments on: One Method of Fighting Telemarketers

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:02:19 +0000

@ David Risley

I came across another site called WhatNumberIsThis.com that actually only contains existing numbers i.e. the user can’t submit a ‘new’ number if it doesn’t fit into the existing area code and exchange information. Seems like it might be better for protecting against erroneous phone number insertion and the unknown phone calls seemed to have stopped: http://www.WhatNumberIsThis.com

By: David M

David M — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:17:11 +0000

What problem? I’m very happy with Vonage. The price is excellent as well at a price of $15 per month….plus a few pennies a minute to call Europe.

As for my cellphone getting solicitors? It very rarely happens. I don’t know why. So that has not been a problem either.

By: Martyn

Martyn — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:07:24 +0000

In the UK there are a few companies which help try and stop these companies calling. Main one is TPS and silentcalls. TPS have a database of numbers which companies have to ‘not call’ by law otherwise they can face a fine of £50,000. But as you’ll know this doesn’t stop 100% of nuisance calls. One product to buy and put into your phone line is a ‘Call blocker’ http://www.optoutuk.com/callblocker.asp?screen_id=intro
This basically screens all your calls and plays a message stating that you do not accept cold calls, marketing calls etc etc and to remove your number from their database. Personal callers can press 5 to get through to your actual phone. This product is guaranteed to stop 100% of nuisance calls on your home phone. But then its just your cell/mobile phone to solve the problem with.

By: Drew

Drew — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:56:00 +0000

Well your first problem is that you are with Vonage

How do you remedy the situation on your cell phone?

By: David M

David M — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:04:07 +0000

I have Vonage and I simply dialed *77 which blocks those who have their caller ID’s blocked which eliminated 98% of the crap calls. If someone wants to call me all they have to do is unblock their caller ID’s. If their call is that important, then they will.

By: Drew

Drew — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:10:19 +0000

There are a couple of these databases on line and I reckon they’re great. But when your phone is ringing away, it’s not exactly feasible to jump online, search the number out (if it’s displayed) to see if it’s on the list or not so you can determine if it’s worth answering.

My work around was to simply add an address into my phone directory with the label ‘DO NOT ANSWER – SALES CALL’ and I listed all phone numbers that I’ve received under that same name. I currently have about 8 numbers that when they call me, I know not to answer it.

It’s something of an inconvenience to have to take the call first without knowing who it is, but it’s preemptive for any future repeat calls. Saved me quite a few times now.

By: Doug aka Nullvariable

Doug aka Nullvariable — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:27:53 +0000

The abuse factor is similar to the problem with the Rip Off Report website. Too easy to add hard to remove. ROR is worse though because you have to pay to get your report “fixed”

I have my phone set to where if Caller-ID is blocked they can’t call me. It cuts back hugely on junk calls.