Soliciting calls on home phone.

mike-uswest wrote:
This isn't RV related, but people on here seem to have a lot of information. On our home phone lately, we have been getting a ton of calls trying to sell us home security, computer stuff to make our computer safer, begging for donations to everything under the sun. We put all of our phones on that no call list a couple of times over the last few years, and that seems to get no results. Has anyone had any luck with any source??

Mike

Do not call list from the start was a complete failure, in fact it makes a great active phone number list for robo callers and scammers which are typically ALWAYS OUTSIDE the US.

With the advent of Voice over IP (VoIP) Internet phones it is easy and cheap for scammers and other unwanted junk callers to get phone numbers inside the US but originate the calls OUTSIDE the US.

I am fortunate with my home phone that my phone co offered a anonymous call rejection feature with my phone package. Stops ALL calls which does not have caller ID. My phone never rings if there is no caller id provided (IE caller ID is blocked).

I get very few unwanted calls and if a call gets through we screen the phone number and if it is nobody we know we let it go to the answering machine..

Now if this feature is not available in your phone company package you can now add a caller id blocking box. The downside of this box is you will have to manually add any number which you want to block.

HERE is an example of a call blocking device you can add to your phone line (you WILL need Caller ID service for this to work).

Telemarketers don't have to "steal numbers" to use. It's really pretty simple for them to spoof any Caller ID number they want displayed. When I was setting up my analog telephone adapter (ATA) to use the PhonePower VOIP service, I had to tell them what number I wanted Caller ID to display. It's not quite as easy for me to change the number at will because I don't have direct access to the call management software, but the telemarketers do.

We get at least 3 calls a day. Some I answer just to be able to say "Go Away". Now about half of the calls are from Contractors. We don't have Nomorerobos available here. I have called ATT and they cannot/will not block calls unless it is a known number. If I redial the number, it alway states that the number is not in service. They must steal numbers and use them once. At least I can block certain callers on my Cell.

Ya I had on of them call me a couple of days ago on my cell so I went a head and told them I was very interested in there energy saying stuff.
Windows, HVAC, Solar all of it. She said wonder of wonders they had a man in our areas the next day would I like to set up and appointment.
Sure I said. Were 15 miles out of town LOL.
Did not tell her I would not be home. I figure is they want to waste my time why not waste there's. I will not nor never will do business with anyone who calls me out of the blue.
Oh he did show up left a card at the gate which I throw in the trash.

"Sorry, not interested, 'Bye" does it for me. Why should I listen to these buffoons.

Except the Microsoft Computer Security Division. I love messing with those guys!

We have caller id, and don't answer the phone unless the id shows a family member or friend.

When we don't answer, the phone call rolls over to voicemail. Our voicemail message says "We screen all calls, if you really need to speak to us, identify yourself on our voicemail, leave a compelling reason that we should call you back, and include your number."

The only ones who leave "compelling reasons" are political candidate calls - which we don't find that compelling :R

rk911 wrote:
or just let it ring and go to voice mail.

Yes.

mike-uswest wrote:
I have been away from the computer, thanks for all of the answers. I am going to look in to some of them. The only thing wrong with the caller ID plan, is you have to stop what you are doing and go to the phone to see who is calling. If they quit calling after awhile, at least that will help. Thanks for the help.

Mike

or just let it ring and go to voice mail. we stopped acting pavlovian when our phone rings a long time ago.

I have been away from the computer, thanks for all of the answers. I am going to look in to some of them. The only thing wrong with the caller ID plan, is you have to stop what you are doing and go to the phone to see who is calling. If they quit calling after awhile, at least that will help. Thanks for the help.

Mike

djgarcia wrote:
Check out Nomorobo.com, It is free and works 99% of the time. Very few calls get past and those that do, I ask for the solar rep to come see me immediately so I can waste their time like they are doing to me! They must not like my joke...

I like it! I answer the phone and if a live person is there, I say hello, they start their dialogue and then I put the phone down on my desk and walk away. After about 10 min. I hear "hello" are you there and when I don't respond they hang up:):):)

unfortunately AT&T and Verizon wireless do not support NoMoRobo...at least in my area. too bad.