Malicious calls, what are my options?

Caspar · 22-03-2004, 22:11

Hi, I've had some nasty calls tonight...the ones left on my voicemail I've recorded onto my PC.

When it comes to NTL, what are my options? re: call barring, changing my number, what can NTL do about it? etc...

thanks.

Stuartbe · 22-03-2004, 22:13

I believe that they are regulated and have a proccess to follow the same as BT or any other telco.. Record the calls and keep a log..

Dont forget that you have to tell the person that you are recording the calls though !

MovedGoalPosts · 22-03-2004, 22:21

Link to the BT site on malicious calls http://www.bt.com/customerservices/c..._work_togetherunsurprisingly cant find an ntl equivalent

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartbe

Dont forget that you have to tell the person that you are recording the calls though !

But if messges are left on an ansaphone / voicemail then the caller knows it's being recorded

Frank · 22-03-2004, 22:22

ACR is one option, but if you have a message then don't you know who it is? It seems rather unusual that a malicious caller would leave a message!

Caspar · 22-03-2004, 22:34

I know who it is...I'm just asking whether NTL can bar him from calling me ...or do i have to just change my number. It seems annoying that I have to change my number cause he phones me

MovedGoalPosts · 22-03-2004, 22:39

First step is to contact ntl, who should be able to take action. If you have the evidence the person, if they used a private phone, may find themselves disconnected. Depends if they were that dumb.

If the person involved does it more than once, and it is evident, or should be evident to a reasonable person that theeir actions do or would cause distress, then there could be a strong case for harrassment. In that case ntl and your local police should work together as it's a criminal offence.

Marge · 22-03-2004, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caspar

I know who it is...I'm just asking whether NTL can bar him from calling me ...or do i have to just change my number. It seems annoying that I have to change my number cause he phones me

There is a malicious calls bureau that can be contacted, the CSA takes the details and passes them along and then the bureau calls you back, definately worth trying

quadplay · 23-03-2004, 01:58

If you are receiving Nuisance Phone Calls there is a free advice line on 0800 052 1370

Caspar · 23-03-2004, 09:46

I've called that advice line, which majored on fax line calling or silence calling, but did advise to call NTL CS on 0800 052 2000 or 151 from an NTL line.

I did that and she bascially said I have two options, anonymous call barring, which basically block people who withhold their number and of course changing my number.

She also gave me option of referring it to the police and the bureau. I've already contacted the police and I'm told they'll contact NTL if they need to.

Thanks for everyone's advice and support

asdf · 25-03-2004, 12:20

Keep us posted on the outcome.

Hope it goes well!

poolking · 25-03-2004, 12:39

Isn't it great when someone has nothing better to do than make malicious phone calls, some people just need to grow up and a life.

**Chris** · 25-03-2004, 12:58

Keep a whistle by the phone. Next time this person calls, blow the whistle down the line as loud as you can. Might make them think twice about doing it again.

Ramrod · 25-03-2004, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caspar

I know who it is...I'm just asking whether NTL can bar him from calling me ...or do i have to just change my number. It seems annoying that I have to change my number cause he phones me

If there are threats involved, tell the police.
edit--just read post#9

Frank · 25-03-2004, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caspar

I know who it is...I'm just asking whether NTL can bar him from calling me ...or do i have to just change my number. It seems annoying that I have to change my number cause he phones me

You don't have to change your number. Ring them and ask them nicely to stop calling you. If they don't, simply call the police and then get a restraining order

goblin · 25-03-2004, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuartbe

Dont forget that you have to tell the person that you are recording the calls though !

FWIW you don't have to advise a malicious caller that you are recording their conversation. You can record any calls on your own phone. The only time you would have to make them aware is if the recipient of the calls were to make these voice recordings available to a third party ie: broadcasting the calls down the phone to another person for instance.

The usual method of doing this sort of thing is to aquire suitable recordings. Transcribe them to paper and make them available to your legal representative. Making them aware that you have "recordings" should they be needed. Though stipulating, you would like advice on any penalties involved in playing these recordings to that party ie: get some advice from your solicitor.

The problem with these sorts of issues is the "Burden of Proof", it comes down to the recipient having as much "Proof" on their side as possible. Otherwise the situations becomes "your word against theirs".

If this were to goto court. Then a transcript could be supplied to the defense. It is then upto them to dispute it. Or provide their interpretation of what was said and the way it was said.

Getting back to the main point. If it's your phone line. You can record any and all traffic over that line. It's just making others aware of the content of that call\s.

FWIW IANAL

Here are a few links:

A Practical guide to dealing with malicious\nuissance calls:
http://www.bullyonline.org/related/malcalls.htm

UK Telephone Recording Laws
http://www.callcorder.com/phone-recording-law-uk.htm

Dealing with Malicious Calls
http://www.bt.com/customerservices/c..._work_together
(.pdf file attached)
http://www.bt.com/customerservices/d...ious_calls.pdf