Most "Silent" calls are computer generated. All I do with them is lay the phone down and let the cost of the phone call build up!! Another often found problem is where a friend has put their mobile phone in their pocket without locking it and it has accidently dialed a number in their address book. I can see the number of the incoming call so hopefully never run those up a too bigger phone bill!!!
I'm ex directory am also on the TPS no idea where they got my number or if they would just call numbers at random.
Yup - unfortunately random number selection happens quite often - we are ex-directory AND on the Telephone Marketing Preference Service - but we still get the odd strange phone call - although like John we have number ID and therefore know either the callers number, - the fact they have withheld their number or if it is an overseas call
Good warning though - I am still amazed at the companies I do do business with ringing me up offering me something and then asking for my CC / bank details - needless to say they never get them - I just tell them if they have all my details already to write to me and I will deal with it then
I also think it is worth adding that people should be a little guarded about what details they put in their messages on the forums too, as it is possible to give away a lot about yourself.
I try to be deliberately vague about where I live when posting on public forums such as these. If someone needs my phone number, email address, or other details for whatever reason I only use the PM system, and never on a thread which can be read by anyone at all. Even that is probably not foolproof though.
I never publish exactly where I live, or details which could lead directly to the schools my children are at, just in case. I don't think I have ever published their names even, just that I have three girls.
On one parenting forum I used to use there was even a thread for people to put up photographs of the houses they live in and the cars they drive. Not a good idea in my view.
Think before you write, and don't be too trusting. You never really know who is watching the forums, in reality. All that you know for sure is that it is not simply those of us who post regularly.
3p's experience shows though, that you can probably take all the precautions in the world, yet there can still be a way for something to slip out, even if it was random dialling.
As a matter of interest, how secure is the PM system from outside interference?
Helen.
Last edited by Topseyt on Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:10 pm; edited 1 time in total
Hi- I know this is quite an old thread, but I came across it whilst browsing for something else! I used to work for a company that took complaints about annoying phonecalls and wanted to offer some random advice!
The Telephone Preference Service stops all UK sales calls, but cannot stop silent ones- but there is a service called the Silent CallGuard and all companies that used automated diallers (ie: the calls you get that just hang up when you answer because a computer has called you but there is no available sales person) must abide by this service.
Register your number on 0870 4443969 and it will stop these calls (it's an automated (very quick) service and you must register once a year).
oooh thanks, that silentguard number could be useful
Quote:
The Telephone Preference Service stops all UK sales calls,
This is slightly misleading - what they don't tell you is they stop all UK Based sales calls - with more and more UK companies having call centres outside the UK, they cannot do anything about calls originating from oversaeas - as I have found to my cost and when UK companies break the rules from within the UK, in my experience they do NOTHING to act on it, and do not follow up customer complaints
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- although like John we have number ID and therefore know either the callers number, 
