topic Re: Private numbers in Android

Private numbers

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:12:09 GMT

I had a malicious call from a private number on my phone ( probably using 141 in front of my number) the things they said were very hurtful and sick minded. If anyone knows if I can trace the number so I can report this to the police it would be a great help.

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:16:34 GMT

The police are able to track a withheld even though you can't. Whether they will is another matter given there will be no evidence.

Re: Private numbers

Bambino — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:36:08 GMT

The best thing you can do is not answer the call. By all means report this to Customer Services and the police, but other than that there's not much you can do. If this happens continuously, O2 will allow you one free change of phone number.

Re: Private numbers

jonsie — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 23:48:42 GMT

Just reject the call and they will soon stop wasting their time. As upsetting as it is, these sick people need help not you.

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 05:43:22 GMT

Hi @jayjop6723

It's awful when these things happen but their are avenues for you.

You can change your mobile number once for free with O2, as said ~ although it is unfair for someone to have to do this ~ the process of changing your contact number with family, friends and businesses brings it's own inconvenience.

O2's help link on malicious calls is http://www.o2.co.uk/help/everything-else/unwanted-calls-and-messages

One tip is to answer and say nothing too. Many hopefully get bored and move on.

I hope they stop.

Re: Private numbers

Bambino — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:36:01 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

One tip is to answer and say nothing too. Many hopefully get bored and move on.

Suggesting to the OP that they answer the call to give some lowlife the opportunity to use abusive language is bad advice. If the caller knows the call will be answered they will keep calling. There is absolutely no need for the OP to be subjected to have to listen to it.

Re: Private numbers

Toby — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:47:57 GMT

Hi jhop6723,

Sorry to hear about this :(! I hope that you get a good resolution if you choose to report it.

Re: Private numbers

Bambino — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:52:20 GMT

@Toby perhaps you can PM the OP and offer some professional advice from O2?

Re: Private numbers

Toby — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 08:47:21 GMT

Hi Bambino,

The advice you have given is a good direction to take first, so I chose not to repeat it.

@jhop6723, you're more than welcome to PM me if you'd like

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:56:36 GMT

Bambino said "Suggesting to the OP that they answer the call to give some lowlife the opportunity to use abusive language is bad advice. If the caller knows the call will be answered they will keep calling. There is absolutely no need for the OP to be subjected to have to listen to it."

This is advice repeated across many forum / help pages !

Ie : http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Solve-your-questions/What-to-do-if-you-receive-Nuisance-calls/ta-p/3488085

http://m.help.talktalk.co.uk/how-do-i-manage-nuisance-calls

Re: Private numbers

jonsie — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:02:32 GMT

Doesn't necessarily mean it's good advice.

Re: Private numbers

MI5 — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:04:22 GMT

Lots of advice on forums is just someone repeating what someone else has already said - Before long people think it must be right because it's been said so often

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:06:54 GMT

I agree advice is good to the individual and the individual situation.

However it does look like general advice if the phone is answered to put the phone down and leave it.

Theirs nothing saying sit and listen to it.

Let's hope the OP situation has improved.

Re: Private numbers

jonsie — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:07:46 GMT

Far better to reject the call in my opinion.

Re: Private numbers

viridis — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:08:16 GMT

1. Hire a premium rate number for a month.
2. Divert all calls from unknown number to premium rate number.
3 when they call, put phone on side and don't hang up.

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:08:50 GMT

Ok jonsie

I was initially replying to Bambino to explain where the source had come from that's all.

Re: Private numbers

viridis — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:10:18 GMT

Joking aside,
Any abusive calls should be reported to the police in ANY circumstances.
They will handle it from there especially if it has caused you distress or fear.

Re: Private numbers

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:06:33 GMT

After receiving a few unsolicited calls from a particular number, I downloaded an App to block the calls. Entered the number and no more problems, caller simply got a message saying that my number was no longer available.

Re: Private numbers

jonsie — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:29:50 GMT

Most modern phones having blocking capabilities built in these days but apps are available across all platforms too.