New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

I'm getting phone spammed. Salespeople, mysterious people that call, then hang up e.t.c. And what all these guys do is block caller-id (presumably so I can't call them back and bitch :).
What I think would be a really cool optional service that NTL could supply is the ability to automatically block all calls that the reciever can't see the caller-id data for. I reckon that anyone that wants to hide their number from me is not someone I want to talk to. I'd pay a quid a month for that :)

--Rakhal

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Err, you might want to look at "Anonymous call rejection" which tells anyone that calls you using a witheld number that you don't take anonymous calls.

You can switch it or or off at will :)

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Good idea, but that only blocks calls where the caller has witheld their number.

Many of these calls simply don't have the number forwarded, which is a totally different kettle of fish.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Err, but he said "what all these guys do is block caller-id"

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

But did he actaully mean that they block it, or that they aren't forwarding it?

We need some clarification from the OP.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

What would be good would be an integrated phone/answermachine that only rang if the number was presented (or indeed was not on a blacklist) and put all other calls through to an automated answer. ;)

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Or, better still, it could transfer their call to an extremely expensive premium rate number (for which they would get the bill).

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Now that is an idea I like the sound of :D :tu:

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

... just a little bit illegal...

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

The message I get when I ring 1471 is 'The caller withheld their number' nearly always, so I assume that means they are deliberately blocking it.

I'll have to look into this anonymous caller rejection thing. Thanks!

(yes, I like the premium rate line idea as well. Damn laws... :))

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

... and technically not possible - the caller only pays the cost of the code of the number they dialed any forwarding cost is paid by the person that forwards the call. :(

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Register with the Telephone preference service on 0845 070 0707 and the Silent Callgard Service on 0870 4443969. this should take care of those silent marketing calls.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Or visit http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

And, whilst you're at it, register your postal address with the Mail Preference Service as well so you don't get junk post :)

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

I thought caller withheld number is simply same as anonymous call blocking?

Where they type a number before they dial you that stops 1471 working.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

On BT (where they charge for ACR, so on the main line, we just let the answering machine take it, and friends know to talk over it), there may be a difference between "The caller witheld their number" and "We do not have a number for this call".

There is a change in the quality of unwanted calls, from the occasional long-suffering telesales operator, to the current total **** of: silent calls, autodiallers, recorded garbage (very wary of "press 9" or whatever, though I thing the only exploit was related to a switchboard - otherwise it would be worth making an attempt to get to an agent and then wasting THEIR time for a long as possible).

They should make this "telephone spamming" ILLEGAL - unfortunately, the worst of this VERMIN seems to be outside the remit of TPS - specifically, for instance, random / sequential dialling that does not use a list, is not required to honour list-based exclusions.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

When we have it enabled on our phones, my mate cant phone us from his work (he works in a hospital) and I cant phone home from my work (I work at Woolies). Both places dont withhold the number, but rather "the number is not available". I've never received a call that I couldnt get the number for by dialling 1471.

If it helps, I'm in an ex-CWC area and I use *227# to enable it and #227# to disable it.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Well what makes a number simply not be available?

They must be witholding it some other way.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

A lot of old private exchanges (before CLID) do not pass on any number. So if you route you call via one of them you get a "number unavailable" message and not a "number withheld" message.

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Interesting yeah thats a problem, when you say private you mean it would only affect special types of customer?

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Private exchanges (the type you have in a company connecting all the extensions together and to the outside world) as opposed to a public exchange (the type a home customer is connected to with NTL or BT).

Modern private exchanges will normally issue the direct dial number of the extension calling out or a "presentation number" (usually the main reception or switchboard number).

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Also known as PABX's I believe?

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

Hmm isnt this illegal to not have the calling number traceable?

Re: New service request. Block non-caller-id calls
 

It is still traceable using the old-fashioned methods before CLID existed, it just does not present a number as CLID data.

In fact, relying on CLID data to "trace" a call is not enough. The data can be faked or scrambled anywhere along the chain. In fact, there are legal charging services in the US that will do this for you.