How do I stop all these spam calls?

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herrsteely@reddit

Answer it and say

"Good morning chief inspector Drayton, fraud squad how I help you?'

I did it once, and the calls virtually stopped overnight

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Not_Sugden@reddit

setup call forwarding to 999 😆

^(maybe not to 999, but its not a bad idea to make it forward to a genuine police station)

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vctrmldrw@reddit

Call forward will dial from your number. Not a good plan at all.

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Not_Sugden@reddit

I made a comment and deleted it because I thought it was wrong but I got confused it is right.

So I have three phone numbers, i'll list them by their last 2 digits. 04, 53, and 29

I setup 04 to always call forward to 29

I called 04 from 53, and the caller ID in 29 showed 53. So it doesn't use your number.

The first time I posted this I was super confused and thought it was using the same number and then just as I went to take the sim cards out of these shitty phones, I realise I was right

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Not_Sugden@reddit

so I know I'm late back to this but its 3am and I can't sleep so I put all my three sims in different phones to try it and it definetly doesn't use your number.

I setup the number ending in 04 to always forward to the one that ends in 86 and then on another phone, ending in 53, I dialled my number ending in 04 and 53 rang saying the caller was 86

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Not_Sugden@reddit

I remember testing this at one point ages ago and I recall that it doesn't. I could be wrong but I was sure that wasnt how it worked

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vitaminkombat@reddit

All the calls are robots I find though.

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terrygenitals@reddit

Lmao okay I'm going to need to be trying it

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MooMorris@reddit

I've said something similar and got the same results, usually gives me a break of 6 months to a year.

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ChilliMayo@reddit

I used to take the piss out of these guys by saying yes I’d had an accident, and then when they ask what happened I’d tell a very detailed story that ended with me shitting myself.

I don’t really get any calls these days.

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TEFAlpha9@reddit

As soon you engage they mark the line as active and forward you to the next line of the scam

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ChilliMayo@reddit

I think after you’ve mugged them off a few times they take you off the lists

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Yeah, I think wasting their time is the best way to get them to take you off the list. Otherwise it costs them very little to just keep calling and calling (which is done automatically). It's only once you are put through to a human that it starts to cost them a significant amount because they have to pay that human. Just answer and waste their time a bit.

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TEFAlpha9@reddit

If I were them I'd add you to more lol

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RecommendationOk2258@reddit

I haven’t had one of them for ages. Last one I said I’d broken one of my legs and that my head had “briefly” come off, but that I was actually feeling much better now. They hung up.

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schmoovebaby@reddit

I’d be tempted to say I died to see what they say

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tardigrade-munch@reddit

I’ve done this a few times and each time they have been very confused for a moment. Asked me again and then realised what I have said and hung up.

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Militant_Worm@reddit

Are you registered with the Telephone Preference Service?

I signed up to that and haven't had a spam call in months.

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TheToothFae@reddit

This is the correct answer. It doesn’t stop absolutely everything but I have gotten significantly less spam calls since registering

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TotsGuin@reddit

Thank you for this. Had no idea it worked for mobiles the 10-15 calls a day were driving me mad. Hopefully it helps.

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oizonfw@reddit

Thank you for this. Had no idea it worked for mobiles the 10-15 calls a day were driving me mad. Hopefully it helps.

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FraGough@reddit

This along with MPS and FPS used to be common knowledge. Though I can understand why the F part isn't as well known these days.

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terrygenitals@reddit

They don't even follow it anymore. I'm part of telephone preference service they still dial

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FraGough@reddit

Then your phone number has been leaked to scammers, scammers don't care. Block and report.

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DickensCide-r@reddit

Unfortunately fraudsters are unlikely to pay heed to the TPS. It'll cut down on legitimate companies, but not those (which when googling some of those numbers suggests they are!)

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TrustyRambone@reddit

I've been signed up to TPS for years. Rarely get spam calls. Whenever I do, I just ask them who they are calling from, make a note of their company name (or pretend to write it down) and then say I'm registered with TPS so why are they calling? They usually can't get off the phone quick enough.

Suspected spam calls get sent straight to Google assistant. If it's a scam call they just hang up.

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MobiusNaked@reddit

Also mention that they mustn’t delete any recordings as that is destroying evidence.

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herrsteely@reddit

I may be wrong, but I thought they only covered landlines?

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peteralexjones@reddit

You are wrong

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herrsteely@reddit

Clearly! 😁

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Militant_Worm@reddit

Everyone I mention it to says that so don't worry. They cover mobile numbers as well.

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Willz093@reddit

Thanks for saying this, I’ve just signed up, I always thought it was just for landlines too!

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spooges90@reddit

THANK YOU! I receive 2 or 3 calls a week from various companies trying to sell their service to me (really the company I work for) and it's been driving me mad. The spam callers I don't mind too much but having to stay professional on my personal phone number to someone who I haven't asked to call is so annoying.

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BeanzOnToasttt@reddit

I've been registered for a few months and have had 11 spam calls in the past 30 days :( my phone automatically blocks most of them, if it doesn't, I block them myself but it simply never stops 😐

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bordin89@reddit

Huh, I tried my number, it says it’s already registered with them, but 1) I haven’t done so in the past and 2) I keep getting lots of unsolicited calls! Weird!

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joolzter@reddit

Block unknown numbers.

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Rude_Visit7597@reddit

Google pixel screen call is one of the best inventions ever. Have not once picked up a call that I don’t recognise. Not sure what the iOS equivalent is

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PornAltDumbAss@reddit

I got mad and told them to “lose my fucking number” one time and that helped

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Kymerah_@reddit

Don’t reject them, let them time-out.

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overlard_underbutter@reddit

I started answering unknown calls using the voice assistant (called Text Call on Android) and noticed a sudden drop in the number of calls. I believe Apple has a similar feature.

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sotonian1982@reddit

Answer them and just say “yes” to everything they say. I did that, and they soon stopped calling

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wavydragon48@reddit

I answered the calls a while ago and politely asked them each time to remove my details from their system as I wasn't interested. After a few weeks, no more calls.

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Training_Ad4291@reddit

See if you can make the number a premium call cost and just keep them hanging on

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saladinzero@reddit

If it was that bad every day, I'd be thinking about getting a new number and starting over.

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Cynical-Basileus@reddit

I’ve just helped my elderly mother set up a new phone with a brand new number and within the day she was receiving these calls so that’s not a guaranteed solution.

Silence unknown callers on iPhone sort of works. But they can still ring, it just ignores it and notifies you.

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AffectionateJump7896@reddit

Numbers are being recycled by operators these days. Agree that there is absolutely no guarantee that a "brand new" number isn't on the lists, as it may well not be a brand new number.

An app that sends all calls that aren't in your phone book straight to voicemail is the best answer.

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Scattered97@reddit

An app that sends all calls that aren't in your phone book straight to voicemail is the best answer

Do you have any recommendations here? That sounds like an app I could very much do with!

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scrippsy76@reddit

I get the exactly same it’s so annoying. The amount of calls on my block list is huge!!!
Problem is sometimes hospital departments will call u from unknown numbers so if u are under NHs for anything and they want/need to call u , you could potentially miss a very important call if you switch something like this on via setting ??!

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Litmoose@reddit

There's an option already built into Android phones for this

On my phone its call settings > block numbers > black calls from unknown numbers

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rodzag@reddit

I wasn't ware of this, this is great. I've been getting around 10 nuisance calls a day, evidently from spoofed numbers. I keep blocking and reporting as spam but they keep coming. I'm at the point now where I block any number that isn't in my address book, and to hell with the consequences, so this is perfect.

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Toninho7@reddit

And for anyone reading who uses iOS - Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers > [set to ‘On’]

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Rehdyn@reddit

Or to block a single number tap on the ‘i’ next to the number, scroll down and click ‘block number’ (Calls from the NHS often comes up as unknown numbers because of phones going through a huge hospital internal switchboard FYI)

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BobbyB52@reddit

Calls from the emergency services will show up as unknown numbers too, for similar reasons.

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AwesomeGoat@reddit

I use an android app called "Should I Answer" which does an OK job, some get through but you can then just block the number

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0K-lets-g0@reddit

Mr number app does loads of stuff like this, it’s around £13 for a year

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MakingShitAwkward@reddit

They don't even necessarily call from these numbers. My last mobile number was being spoofed for outbound calls and I'd end up with calls back or texts asking who tf I am.

Tried to explain a few times but people didn't understand what I was talking about so that was pointless.

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cyberspacedweller@reddit

You can block specific numbers too. I’d just block every one as it came in. Eventually you should get most of them

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georgejk7@reddit

I got a new SIM with a new number and got advertising calls straight away so I wonder if the SIM provider sells my number to a company or the company just got lucky with the numbers?

Strange though.

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bleach1969@reddit

Are they just trying random numbers!?

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JoeDougieD@reddit

I've had a load of spam calls this week coming from almost identical numbers to my own. The callers number only differs by 2 or 3 numbers at the end. I guess they're just going through and trying every number they can.

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georgejk7@reddit

Yeah I mean probably but it wouldn't surprise me if these SIM companies sell our numbers to Tele marketers.

Big companies do all sorts of things that they aren't allowed to do, the fine or punishment is usually less than the profit they make doing the illegal deed 😕.

I'm not saying they definitely do do that but it wouldn't surprise me.

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larrythegoat420@reddit

That sounds like it would be a massive breach of data protection no?

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John_Smith_71@reddit

The potential fines are outweighed by the profits.

And highly unlikely to be fined.

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GrapheneFTW@reddit

Have you heard of Snowden? Privacy doesn't exist lol

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CrazyMike419@reddit

Providers own huge blocks of "numbers". It's ehu if you Google your number you will often find it on a long sequential list with the network listed.

This is also why if you switch Providers you will still get those fake calls claiming to be from the numbers original provider offering you deals. I get calls from "O2" every few days. I left that network about 20 years ago

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SoMuchF0rSubtlety@reddit

The O2 calls are often scams trying to steal your identity. I was highly suspicious of one of them and spoke to O2 after, they had never heard of it and told me they don’t offer deals over the phone any more.

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CrazyMike419@reddit

They 100% are scamming in one qay or another. Being able to say they are from XXX network and it being correct 95% of the time gives them a higher success rate.

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flyhmstr@reddit

Check the ofcom number plan doc

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flyhmstr@reddit

Bulk dialers , they just hammer through number ranges

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geeered@reddit

Some Sims we had at work from one provider got regular recorded spammy calls in Chinese or a similar language, never had any association with that, I guess that group of numbers were just registered to people of that origin before.

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Acrobatic-Stable6017@reddit

I’ve had my number for a decade but only recently started getting calls in Chinese. I suspect my number was sold by some dodgy company. I normally leave them to voicemail (always a prerecorded message in a ladies voice) but I answered one the other day because I was expecting a call - it started with the same pre recorded message, but when I said hello, a man asked me if I spoke Chinese. I said I didn’t and without another word he hung up.

I’m actually learning Chinese, so next time I might see how long I can keep him on the line by asking directions to the train station or discussing the weather.

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jameath@reddit

The real reason is hidden option number 3.

Your “new” number was not new at all, and has actually been in use for 5/10/15 years, probably readily discarded by its former owner due to all the nuisance calls.

Sorry, nothing new or scandalous, it’s just an old number.

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ToastofCinder@reddit

I can’t speak for all providers, but generally speaking, no they don’t sell your data, that would be a very serious breach of data protection.

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Aconite_Eagle@reddit

Same thing happened to me. Got a new SIM with my provider week before last - from O2, of whom I'm already a customer.

The very next day these calls started - absolutely spamming me, four, five times a day. Its driving me mad they must have sold the bloody number.

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DISCIPLINE191@reddit

My gran passed away last year and I haven't ever deleted her phone number. The number now appears as someone called Josh in my snapchat. Likewise with a friend who passed in 2020. A few months later and his number popped up as "left the group chat" in one of our friends chats. So obviously numbers just get recycled and if the numbers already on a list somewhere then the calls start immediately!

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_KX3@reddit

Like someone’s said above, providers sometimes reuse numbers. So you can get someone’s old number.

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cotch85@reddit

Yep when I got a new contract with three I got these calls the next day

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jpb86@reddit

So mobile phone operators recycle the phone number. If that phone number had been on a data scrape somewhere it will still be held by scammers and sold on.

I think they get recycled after 7 years I seem to be remember.

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gruuberus@reddit

Nah. I had this, it was bad for a few days then i started to block the numbers and they all just stopped

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MCD_Gaming@reddit

Or just say the number belongs to a 12 year old, since its illegal to advertise to minors and they won't want to risk a noncary charge

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PuzzleheadedLow4687@reddit

All these spam calls come from abroad. They don't care about the law.

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MCD_Gaming@reddit

Expect, I most of mine come from the UK

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PuzzleheadedLow4687@reddit

No, they are faked to look like they come from UK numbers, but they don't really. It's so easy for them to fake the calling number.

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MCD_Gaming@reddit

As an IT tech I know what spoofing is, but I am telling you, I fucking mess with them, and the callers are British

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PuzzleheadedLow4687@reddit

In that case you should register with the telephone preference service and report any that continue to call you. If you are registered with TPS the UK companies can't legally call you, so the only spam calls you'll get will be from abroad.

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themcsame@reddit

Blanket block ALL non contact numbers... If op got into this situation once, it'll only happen again. Not much point going through the hassle of switching numbers (the process itself is easy, it's updating everyone (including account information) and making sure all the important people have your number) to end up having to do it again.

Worst thing you can do is answer, letting them know the number is in use.

Second worse is letting them ring, letting them know the number is, at the very least, active

Far easier and more convenient to just block ALL incoming calls from people who aren't on your contacts. Anyone calling for an important reason, who's unable to get through, will leave a voice message.

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tittytofu@reddit

Mine is like this. I was thinking about getting a new number but what's stopping them calling that one. I don't even know how so many scam callers have my current number (and email for that matter).

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red_macb@reddit

Register with the telephone preference service (https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/). It'll remove your number from legitimate robocallers, but illegitimate ones will keep calling - in that case, you can report them and they get fined.

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Spicelinkzin@reddit

Been using the free 7726 service. To report scam text and calls for a while. And the overall quantity and frequency has gone down. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls/

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systemos@reddit

Stop answering calls from any number you don't realise. They've gotten smarter in their antics. What they do now is blind call numbers, if they answer, it hangs up and that number is marked as 'active' and then sold on to other companies. It's a shitty system, but they get the results they're after.

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PositivelyAcademical@reddit

Answer… Put phone on mute… Put phone on desk… Wait.

You waste enough of their time with zero engagement they’ll start removing you from their lists.

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TheNinjaPixie@reddit

I find it best not to notify them it is a valid live number

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vctrmldrw@reddit

The fact that it rings will tell them that.

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TheNinjaPixie@reddit

I dont have an answerphone and i never answer without checking the number online. After ringing for a few days they do not ring again.

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Squoooge@reddit

Unhinged distant screams do a similar thing but quicker

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Outrageous_Editor_43@reddit

I do heavy breathing and whisper random things. Sometimes they stay on the phone (the weirdos!) sometimes they hang up!

It is also a good way to develop confidence in speaking a foreign language! I am learning Spanish and answer in Spanish and make as many remembered sentences as I can for every question they ask.

Not sure if they have removed my number but at least I am mastering Spanish!!

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vctrmldrw@reddit

It doesn't need to be a real language.

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collectedd@reddit

I love this, I'm gonna try it out!

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LetMeSniffYouPlz@reddit

Disculpe donde esta telebanco por favor? Una hamburguesa con queso y ensalade! Duolingo said he'll kill my family help

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SaltyName8341@reddit

You should try Welsh Duolingo is obsessed with dragons

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Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit

Croeso draig

Hwyl Mrs jones a Dylan (that one's direct from autocorrect)

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JacobSax88@reddit

Answer it and they know it’s an active number. Catch 22

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Ellivlum@reddit

This should be higher. Some of them have automated systems that will mark a line as dead if it answers and there is no noise. I started this and the number I had reduced from 1-2 a day to 1-2 a fortnight

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Hitonatsu-no-Keiken@reddit

I do this. I don't speak, the line is totally silent and hangs up usually after 12 to 13 seconds which must be the default timeout setting on their autodialler.

If there was a real person on the other end they'd say something but the computer is politely waiting for a response, if it doesn't get one it hangs up.

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Not_Sugden@reddit

I would argue this should be lower for pretty much the same reason. Lines that dont answer would surely be less likely to get spam calls. Rejecting counts as answering in my book though - On a random sidenote, I never reject calls. If I don't want to answer it I let it ring out. I have had the same number for probably about 10 years and I get spam calls probably once every 2 months. I get spam texts about once every 6 months

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glytxh@reddit

Nice to see this validated. I began answering these calls and just listening. Most of the time nobody actually says anything before you do, and in the times they do, they quickly give up when they get no response.

If you ring them back, they almost never pick up.

Spam calls dropped by 99%. I’ll get maybe one a month these days.

I didn’t know if this method actually achieved anything, or if it was just a convenient coincidence.

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Sackyhap@reddit

This is the way. Answer it then but don’t say anything and they will just hang up after a couple of seconds. They have an automated system that calls numbers and then links you with someone once you answer, if you don’t say anything then their system blacklists your number or something to that effect.

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adoptedscouse@reddit

I answer them & just leave it on a table while they talk to themselves. Other month it was sat next to my tablet so the telemarketer got 2mins of football commentary before giving up.

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JohnLef@reddit

I like to answer, express interest, and then tell them to give me their best spiel, really sell it to me, and I will answer questions at the end, before laying the phone down and getting on with my day.

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OkBlacksmith5630@reddit

A couple weeks ago I got one saying they were calling from Microsoft about my PC.

Me"I don't have a computer". Whilst sat, staring at the computer I was currently playing on.

She still continued with her spiel "okay ma'am, we need to cancel your license and freeze your PC"

Me "But I don't have a computer".

She then checked if she was speaking to the home owner.. my dad but apparently he is a Mrs now.

Me "Yes, but I don't have a computer".

Still repeated that they are cancelling the license...

Me "I don't have a computer"

She then said something in another language and hung up. I like to think she insulted me. I'm honestly surprised she continued beyond me telling her I don't have a computer.

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JohnLef@reddit

Must. Read. The. Script.

I have learned swear in several languages, especially for these people

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OkBlacksmith5630@reddit

I just kept repeating the same thing but she was so adamant! 😂

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Not_Sugden@reddit

I often find that there arent even people on the other end of this. Its a robot pretending to be HMRC or amazon or something

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d_smogh@reddit

The calls are auto dialled. Robots don't care.

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terrygenitals@reddit

Robots don't care about your feelings

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PerspectiveFull1259@reddit

Some calls are made using a predictive dialler, others use live agents working off a data sheet

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what_up_homes@reddit

Actually doesn’t work. I worked in a cold call type job many years ago and bad leads people keep on the system because they don’t give a shit about the next person to deal with them. In fact everyone competes with one another, so it actually benefits them

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cant_think_of_one_@reddit

You know what works better than silence? The sound of someone furiously masturbating, but with no vocal sounds.

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Affectionate-Law9142@reddit

Put your phone on the side place a metal pan over it and smash it with a metal spoon, they’ll soon hang up

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Intelligent-Eye402@reddit

I just leave it ringing until it misses the call for me, answering and muting is still engagement they know youre there, leaving it to ring out ALWAYS has worked for me

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Effective-Ad-6460@reddit

some phonecalls are simply to check if the number is in use and will hang up immediately giving them the info that you are well and truly reachable

I have solved my issue by just blocking every scam number that comes through ... havent had one in 9 months

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soulhot@reddit

I just reply ‘police fraud line.. what is the nature of your call’

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voltasapprentice@reddit

Let them talk a little, half cover mouthpiece "Sarge, I've got another one on line six... ok...right.." they frequently drop the call.

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quiltless@reddit

Did something similar to repeat calls on my parents land line.

Answered.

Listen to spiel.

"Oh yes I am interested, but I need to go answer the door, can you hold on a second."

Put phone down, and go back upstairs. Carry on with Xbox.

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tmstms@reddit

This is what I do.

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Ok_Beyond3964@reddit

Nothing you can do really, just block and move on with your day.

A lot of cold calls are sometimes autogenerated, they pick a random number and call. Some are based on leaked data that they have received - it could be from your SIM provider, or other websites that you have signed up to where you put in your phone number. Quite often it's from social media like FB, X, Instagram, TikTok etc. They are sharing your contact info with advertisers without you knowing. Even if you opt out of receiving anything, that doesn't stop the leak. Once it's leaked, it's all over the internet for anybody to grab.

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Jimmyc1981@reddit

I’ve found I get a lot more spam calls since joining Three all be not as bad as this). First register your mobile number with the telephone preference service, then go to the Three app - Account - My Details and uncheck the boxes allowing them to share your details.

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x1xc@reddit

Are they for diesel claims, I get loads daily and always from different numbers.😤

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Suitable_Buffalo_909@reddit

I had this recently, they called me 15 times on different numbers every time cos I blocked each new number

Eventually I got fed up of being called 3 times a day so I picked up and yelled “STOP FUCKING CALLING ME YOU’RE PISSING ME OFF NOW” and hung up.

Haven’t had a call since

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JacobSax88@reddit

Get a Pixel. I have an iPhone and get these constantly. My wife has a Pixel and it screens her calls. Can see that she has been called but they just block spam numbers.

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WillowSevere9435@reddit

Just block them all and report

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jaackk96@reddit

There’s an application called Hiya that’s intended to block spam callers might be worth installing this to see if it can reduce the amount of calls you get

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sanftweiches_bambus@reddit

Just as an aside, you should stop giving your number out willy nilly. Something has caused this.

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Swimming-Formal69@reddit

If I don’t know the number I answer say “emergency gas call out service” they take emergency numbers off their lists

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jenni7er@reddit

Get a new SIM ?

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Accurate_Raccoon_406@reddit

Don't answer. For real. If you answer, they record that someone is there and pass it on.

I had this issue for months, but after ignoring all of them, it eventually stopped completely.

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gruuberus@reddit

I started blocking the numbers

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Punk_Princess_Sarah@reddit

Go into your phone’s settings & turn on ‘Silence Unknown Callers’.

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Mysterious_Research2@reddit

Register the number with the Telephone Preference Service - https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/

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MachineXXXX@reddit

Amazon drivers have phone number like first 2 . Pop from London due to anonymous protection. Most of customers don't reply due to this. Meaning that drivers using they're personal phones,and cuz of the app this phone number, connect the driver to the customer. Silly thing for a big company like amZ

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Altruistic_Note_5991@reddit

I pick up and say “you’ve reached the office of trading standards can I take your name and address please” 100% of the time they hang up before I finish. (U.K.)

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28374woolijay@reddit

Use an app that lets you block a range e.g. 0204572****

I use Number Shield on iOS.

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PuzzleheadedLow4687@reddit

With scam callers the number they are calling from will be faked and probably just random.

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Friendly_Speech_5351@reddit

Just answer them and play around make a thing out of it, show your friends, family.

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pheonix1979@reddit

It sure if in the answers but register on the TPS register and when you get the calls ask where they got your number and then inform them the number is registered on the TPS register. They will hang up and remove you quickly as they will get fined for the nuisance calls. You would have to report their number for calling you though on the register.

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VariousBeat9169@reddit

Answer “FBI here, how can I help?”

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AaronBri12345@reddit

easy, pick up and scream at the top of your lungs, before either of you hang up, scream “they have a knife!” And hang up

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Ant_and_Ferris@reddit

Stop accepting cookies helps

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CptPJs@reddit

I've had a great amount of luck with answering, and convincing them to hang up on you. it doesn't matter how you do it, if you out irritate them a few times, they'll blacklist you. have fun with it

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OkAmphibian4392@reddit

https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ the do not call register. Companys can be fined if they ring after being registered. Or awnser one tell them its a business line and that youll be invoiving them £100 per min of time wasted and £150 per spam call.

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UK_Photo_Collabs@reddit

They may be different numbers, but probably all from the same scam call centre! Next time you get one you suspect is one of these calls answer the phone 'hello, City of London Police serious fraud unit', I bet the call ends within a second! If you're not that brave, just answer with hello and wait for them to ask for you, then ask them who's calling? If that doesn't put them off (it probably will because you're coming across as aware it's probably a spam or phishing call) hold the phone away, then shout "sarge, theres a call for you from someone saying there from... If you make them think you're something like anti-fraud, they're gonna take your number off their list and it'll probably come off all the other lists it's on too

[-]

mattl1698@reddit

you should also report any spam calls to ofcom, it super easy. you just text "Call" to 7726 and after they reply asking for the number, you send that.

you can also report spam texts too by forwarding the text to 7726 and then the number once asked for

[-]

ConstantRecognition@reddit

They spoof numbers via VIOP you're reporting normal people's phone numbers (I know because mine got used to phone people and I got a load of abuse because of it).

[-]

D3t3st4t10n@reddit

I get the same and they don’t follow the TPS but sometimes that can help. (Telephone preference service)

[-]

Sr-Schmitz@reddit

My strategy is:

When you answer, start like you extremely interested in what they say, and at the exact moment when they feel like they driving the conversation, start to act kind of a Karen and start to demand answers and things that are very unlikely they will offer, like a new washing machine, a key hanger etc

After the 3rd call they probably won’t call again for a while.

[-]

willowdene@reddit

Try Mr Number, allows blocking by prefix

[-]

INFERNOdll@reddit

I wish apple would implement something like Google has. I never received any spam calls on my pixel.

[-]

mosakale@reddit

there is an app for ios, "begone: spam call blocker"

you can block all numbers like 020 4572 xxxx

[-]

Ein_Esel_Lese_Nie@reddit

You could try texting just the phone number to 7726 (S-P-A-M), it's the national crime agency's nuisance calls/texts line.

Also https://ico.org.uk/ if you want to put some more time into it.

These are both assuming that you're keen on actually keeping your number.

[-]

kimonczikonos@reddit

Whatever you do don’t mess with them with current state of AI you don’t want anyone to have enough of your voice to synthesise it

[-]

Responsible_Ad_9234@reddit

My nana used to sound a loud horn down the phone whenever she got scam callers 😂

[-]

LordJebusVII@reddit

Your nana is a boss

[-]

Responsible_Ad_9234@reddit

She was a legend - Glaswegian battle axe. Once I put a woman in a bin and she was only 5ft1

[-]

iamacarpet@reddit

Text “call” to 7726, they’ll reply and ask you to forward the number.

It’s a universal spam reporting service on all networks, and it works for spam texts too.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls/

[-]

Auntie_Cagul@reddit

Short answer: you can't...

...Unless you are willing to block everyone who is genuine but not in your contacts. Not an option if you use your phone for business or are a contact for a local organisation.

The numbers they use are not the number they are calling from. So blocking each number rarely works long term as they keep displaying new numbers.

Your SIM provider will have a finite number of phone numbers. Old numbers will be recycled.

My best advice, if you have time is to take them off topic. The longer that you are on the phone, the less time they have scamming others. Talk about anything: flowers in the garden, holiday destinations, hobbies and interests. They will keep trying to get you back onto their script. Remind them that they called you so they must have wanted to hear what you had to say.

For a while, once I had ascertained that I was speaking with a scammer, I tried blowing a whistle hard into the receiver in the hope of hurting their ears. This wasn't very effective though. Perhaps I needed a better whistle? ;)

[-]

IMaximusProductions@reddit

Have you thought about using a service like INCOGNI to get your number removed from all the databases?

[-]

No_Tackle_5439@reddit

I am using BitDefender as AV, and this one has an antispam calls function incorporated. I'd say it catches over 90% of these calls, I'm very happy with it.

[-]

SrReginaldFluffybutt@reddit

I'm on a sumsing on 02 and everytime one of these calls it comes up saying spam alert and I press the block button.

The calls stopped almost immediately.

[-]

blosomkil@reddit

I like to answer it by thanking them for ringing me back regarding my GDPR query.

[-]

Phyonix@reddit

Answer and mess with them.
The more time they're on the phone with you giving them the runaround, the less time they are on the phone with someone's nan scamming them.
Additionally, there's few things more fun than hearing them try to stick to the script when I respond to "Were you in a driving accident that wasn't your fault" with "Oh, it wasn't an accident, I hit the fucker on purpose"

[-]

banedlol@reddit

I don't do it because scammers have very small penises and very fragile egos and if you piss them off they'll do whatever they can to get you back. Probably making sure to add your number to some other list for other scammers.

[-]

Phyonix@reddit

Fantaatic, which means they waste even more time with me telling them my email is IsYourMotherProudOfYou@ ymail.com

[-]

banedlol@reddit

Sometimes they already have a lot of your information. Best to ignore unless you are using a fake number specifically for scam baiting.

[-]

AtillaThePundit@reddit

No kidding I once had a scam caller girl start ringing me up on her breaks . I wish I was kidding but she would genuinely ring for a chat because she found it funny maybe ? No idea. It got a bit weird tbh.

[-]

Ayuamarca2020@reddit

Honestly, messing with scammers is so much fun. I told one guy I'd fallen in a hole and couldn't get out, had him on the phone for 5 minutes (I remember him asking me why I'd fallen in a hole and me shrieking about not doing it on purpose whilst begging him to help me haha!)

[-]

sambxiv@reddit

I use a half arsed solution,

Settings Phone Silence Unknown Callers ON

[-]

runrunrudolf@reddit

I did this for that reason then ended up missing some urgent hospital calls because I forgot it would block them too so use with caution.

[-]

terrygenitals@reddit

This is why it's so frustrating.

If there wasn't that as an issue you could solve all the shitty callers in a heartbeat

[-]

sambxiv@reddit

Yep! It’s half arsed but they should leave a voicemail on your phone immediately if it’s urgent and then you can answer to it from there.

[-]

BritishTeapot@reddit

Speaking as someone who has to make calls to patients, if you don't have a voicemail that identifies you (full name ideally) we can't leave voicemails due to risk of violating GDPR (at least in my trust!).

[-]

dibblah@reddit

Having just dealt with a lot of hospital shit, and working in an area with no signal, I have found they do not leave voicemails, instead send arsey letters to your GP saying you are refusing to answer the phone.

[-]

runrunrudolf@reddit

I got 2 voicemails saying they would call back later then a final one saying "you didn't answer so fuck you we're closing your case" but I didn't find this out until after so it was really on me

[-]

TheCarrot007@reddit

Would be better if you could ignore unknown number given callers and get unknown number callers.

But then again (Voda,O2,EE), I get under 1 every quarter. Well maybe more on average as they try multiple times under different numbers when they do.

(You probably can).

[-]

klawUK@reddit

pressing ‘hang up’ on ones like this that you know are fake. If you’re not sure, then answering and being quiet the robots will hang up.

the problem with ‘block all unknown callers’ is there are too many genunine callers that are unknown. You’ll miss a bunch of random proper calls doing that. I wish there was a better way to get around that - or that companies would understand that spam calls are so bad these days that lots of people want to block unknown callers so they shouldn’t withold caller ID for legit calls.

[-]

Fantastic-Support524@reddit

I was with 3, I have no proof they sell your number but I also ended up swamped with spam. Switched networks and now I get one or two a week.

[-]

greekattorney@reddit

I was thinking about buying an airhorn. That will get them not to call ever again.

[-]

caffeine_and@reddit

SETTINGS > PHONE > SILENCE UNKNOWN NUMBERS.

Hope this will get to you OP!

[-]

IndependentWar5059@reddit

Just answer, tell them to bugger off and hang up.

[-]

shanedj@reddit

I use Truecaller. One of the few apps I actually pay for

[-]

bazeloth@reddit

I use Truecaller. Works like a charm.

[-]

motoringeek@reddit

My Samsung phone has screen monitor.

It tells me it's a scam whilst calling. I then just press block.

Also Googles unusual numbers and tells me where they are from.

It's a standard feature I just needed to turn on.

[-]

TheNoodleCanoodler@reddit

My Google pixel has this built in as well. So helpful.

[-]

mikelward@reddit

In the US it will automatically screen calls and block spam. It's a game changer. Hopefully they bring it to the UK too!

[-]

doublemp@reddit

Pixels actually do even better, they let you screen the call without talking to the caller. Usually if it's a spam caller they'll hang up and never call again. If it's legit you'll see what they want and then chose to pick up the phone.

[-]

ThrowRAMomVsGF@reddit

I thought it was a generic Android feature. My Xiaomi has this as well.

[-]

Initial_Computer_152@reddit

Block them every time. Every time you go on an inter et page, block all media when the pop up comes up. They're selling info to vendors.

[-]

TheCommomPleb@reddit

Just don't answer, your number gets taken off the lists after a while

Can also just answer and pretend to be a scammer too.

"Thank you for phoning me back sir/madam, as a valued customer we are happy to offer you the loan of £5000 you seek at a rate of just 1%!"

[-]

Timmoncaster@reddit

If your iPhone I have the silent unknown callers. They don’t get through

[-]

DoctorOctagonapus@reddit

"Hello, Action Fraud, how may I help you?"

[-]

Genetic_Fox@reddit

Register your number with the Telephone Preference Service and thank me later.

[-]

TheEndOfGraceIsHere@reddit

Dial 333 hit the I’m thinking of leaving three button your get put straight through to a advisor explain to them you want a new number

[-]

banedlol@reddit

I just block every time. I also literally never answer phone calls and I'm always on silent no vibrate. WhatsApp calls are far more trustworthy.

[-]

bigboyjak@reddit

I just block the numbers. Every time I get a new call, the number gets blocked. After a couple of weeks the calls stopped because every number was blocked.

I still get the odd one here and there, but that's just a new number on the block list

[-]

Best-Curve8440@reddit

Same I keep getting spam calls I answered one by accident told him to f off

[-]

Practical-Custard-64@reddit

I've used all of the networks in this country at some point or other and one thing I can say about Three is that I systematically started receiving junk calls within days of the line being set up. This did not happen with the other networks. Make of that what you will.

Currently using TalkMobile (MVNO owned by Vodafone) and not one junk call yet (touch wood!).

[-]

SimpletonSwan@reddit

This message has been brought to you by the Vodafone marketing department

[-]

SimpletonSwan@reddit

Switch to android and use a call blocker app

[-]

MySQL-Error@reddit

Just FYI for those who opt to block all unknown callers, that some NHS Hospitals will sometimes calls you on a withheld number if you’re a contact for someone who is in hospital. My wife got hospitalised and they couldn’t get through to me as my phone wouldn’t ring (thankfully not urgent) - totally thought it was a spam call…

[-]

NotoriousbiggsX@reddit

You can’t tbh…it’s unstable and will never stop happening best to ignore and if it someone you know they’ll leave a voicemail or message 🫡

[-]

Hot-Rise9795@reddit

There's an app that's literally called Stop Calling Me. It allows you to filter by root numbers easily.

[-]

Mook69@reddit

Im from the States, didn't know this sub existed.. But I can't help just reading all of yall's comment with a british accent 😂

[-]

SirThanoz@reddit

Want a cup of tea?

[-]

FunPie4305@reddit

Unless you are expecting one, just ignore all calls from unknown numbers.

[-]

pinkthreadedwrist@reddit

This is what I do. The less i answer, the less I get. Once you DO answer, they know it's a live line and keep calling it.

[-]

Never_Let_Go_Jack@reddit

The most enjoyable way to stop them is to answer and waste their time. They will eventually make a note that you are a nuisance caller and stop ringing you. That's what I did.

[-]

Rare_Athlete_2496@reddit

Use a Google pixel phone has excellent call spam filtering

[-]

Able-Jello5177@reddit

I’m fairly certain you can sign up to a list that makes it illegal or like they’re not supposed to call you, my dad was on it or maybe he made that up to fuck with them, we used to all take turns pranking them

[-]

zerogravitas365@reddit

Personally I called the provider and had them disable my voicemail and then put my phone on do not disturb. Where it has been for roughly four years.

[-]

MushroomStriking5499@reddit

From my experience it's do with cookies and more sketchy sites

[-]

Competitive_Pool_820@reddit

Just keep blocking

[-]

mrmike4291@reddit

I just play along with them, the other day I was called by Microsoft ~ I said that I was so thankful that they checked for me, and could they hold the line as I needed to get it from the chicken coop as the chickens are watching a cooking show on it, then just leave the phone on the side and wait for them to hang up. Record was 11 minutes 😂

[-]

beerforbears@reddit

Unpopular reply here but pick up and act horrible. Whenever I get a scam call I pick up, call them a scammer and list every Indian swearword I can remember. They tend not to bother after that.

[-]

BibblerP@reddit

I'd get a new number

[-]

Galaxygaming777@reddit

When you answer say somthing so weird that they'll never call you again and warn other scanners too

[-]

Bathhouse-Barry@reddit

http://www.tpsonline.org.uk

In theory this should stop all spam callers. By being on this list and getting a call they can be fined heavily. It’s worked for me.

[-]

-nooobmaster69@reddit

Change your phone number and get off the porn sites.

[-]

DMmeyourflowerpics@reddit

Try following the instructions on this page and see if it helps you: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106#:~:text=You%20can%20use%20Silence%20Unknown,spam%20calls%20on%20your%20iPhone.

[-]

FeelingEvent8318@reddit

Honestly try and keep them on the phone... pretend you'll pay for whatever they're trying to scam you on and waste as much of their time as you can until they get pissed off or you start laughing. Insulting them afterwards also helps... you'll be blacklisted and they won't call you back

[-]

Tacobatzi@reddit

Maybe it’s important. See who it is

[-]

DHAMak@reddit

Pick up and say ur like some major guy in Ofcom, they’ll hang up right away

[-]

0K-lets-g0@reddit

I used to use an app called Mr Number (it’s still going and is £13 per year ish. ) It can block spam numbers for you as they call and as it rings it will say it’s a scam and has been silenced etc, it was great.

[-]

Mr_blucky@reddit

I’ve found one of the best ways to get rid of these absolute eijets is to answer the phone with “good morning/afternoon/evening this is (make up a name) escort service how may I help you today… it’s always met with a stunned silence an muttering of we will take you off the call list 😂…….

[-]

WelshEngineer@reddit

Well the 0204572#### ones you might be able to block using a wildcard in your blocked numbers. But honestly I don't know if that is a feature in iOS; Android has had it for years so Apple will probably "invent" it sometime in 2030.

But you can try blocking "0204572****" and see if that works.

[-]

FunnyDoc2010@reddit

You need the BeeKeeper

[-]

dwardu@reddit

Answer the calls and be brutal to the scammers, make them rue the day they called you

[-]

iantgotnomoney@reddit

There's app call Truecaller! It can block all unknown,/private, blocked or spam calls and texts. You can even set it as your primary SMS.

Not a big tech person but I hope this helps :)

The next best thing is maybe to change youe number if it's getting this extreme. It'll be annoying having to change your number on your apps etc, vut it'll be worth it.

However, maybe see about clearing up your phone? Like, clear you cache?

[-]

NeatCandle6856@reddit

I searched for life insurance and stupidly used my genuine mobile number and email. Now I’m blocking every contact individually. They will run out of numbers eventually. I hope.

[-]

LaughAtMyJokes_@reddit

Highlight number. Report as scam, good luck you’ll be there for a day and a half ridding that shite

[-]

throwaway2187472929@reddit

As someone who used to work in a call centre at uni (not spam ones), ask for your number to be 'blacklisted'.

Outbound call centres hardly ever work for just one client, so if you pick up and ask for your number to be removed, it is only removed for that client / particular campaign. The argument is that it may just be 'that' offer you weren't interested in.

If you ask to be blacklisted, it means your details have to be removed from the company call list entirely. It's a whole legal thing, and they're not allowed to break it.

For extra assurance, you can ask who the company is that they're calling from (not the client who they're calling on behalf of, but the company they work for).

This ensures if in the unlikely event they call again, you can flag it to the company and you will 100% be removed. They can get in a lot of trouble if not!

[-]

DonC1305@reddit

I have no idea if this actually worked, but I used to have about 6-7 a day, give or take. Then I started answering every one and keeping them on the line as long as possible, giving no information, and confirming nothing. Just acting like I'm interested enough to have them not give up.

After a week, they stopped, and I have never been called more than 3-4 times a week.

Might be coincidence, but I like to tell myself that I beat them.

[-]

ShortGirlUK@reddit

I’d answer and ask them what they’re having for dinner tonight

[-]

Freefall84@reddit

Are you registered with TPS?

[-]

Plantain-Feeling@reddit

You don't

Even getting a new number won't change it cause your phone provider sells the number to these scammers

[-]

Accomplished_Algae19@reddit

A sure fire way I found was to answer and play along.

I have ordered phones, computer upgrades, started loads of accident claims, played along with logging into my accounts, pretty much every type of spam call you can imagine.

If it is a sale go right to the end and when they want money tell them that you are only 14, so you don't have a bank account, for the others play along as long as you possibly can without giving any factual information at all. Especially the accident ones, invent a really, really long winded scenario where everyone dies except you, as they are rubbing their greedy lawyer hands together, tell them you have regretted it every day and if only you had not driven after that bottle of whisky and gram of coke, everyone would still be alive.

I did this for about 6 months for every call, now I get none at all, literally zero. I assume the scammers must have an "anti target" of people that will happily waste their time and it appears that once you are on that list, it all stops.

More fun than just blocking them.

[-]

BissoumaTequila@reddit

I would do every trick in the book. Waste time. Go full Abe Simpson on them. Hell, even try and sweet talk them so they go off script.

[-]

Bat_Flaps@reddit

Mine got so bad I had to change my number; which in itself was a fucking nightmare with online banking/bills/apps etc

[-]

Abacabb69@reddit

Hey I got loads today aswell, tried calling them back and the numbers didn't exist apparently

[-]

duffwardo@reddit

Turn your phone off

[-]

Lito_@reddit

Just block them as they come, they will eventually stop.

[-]

numptynoodles@reddit

Register your number on the Telephone Preference service (TPS)?

[-]

GJ55507@reddit

Settings -> Phone -> Silence unknown callers -> On

[-]

Wrong-Broccoli-701@reddit

Although it doesn't stop these calls if you answer the phone and do not speak for 4 or 5 seconds if it a call centre it will automatically cut off You can then bloc the number

[-]

throwthrowthrow529@reddit

Why does no one know about the Telephone Protective Service!

It’s a government service I found when trying to protect a relative with dementia.

My number has been on it for 10+ years and I’ve had maybe 3 spam calls in that time.

TPS people!!

[-]

cctintwrweb@reddit

Get a phone with android 13 or above and it should start auto filtering most of them out as spam automatically and allowing you to add others to the spam list at one touch.

[-]

Jamesl1988@reddit

Get a decent phone that blocks them automatically.

[-]

Bell_Turner@reddit

There’s an app called “Hiya” that works really well at blocking the majority of calls. You can also report ones that get through so they add them to the database.

[-]

Ukleon@reddit

I use one called Mr Number. It's free and excellent as far as I can tell. Uses a community blacklist to block or flag calls, you can report etc

[-]

WhoThenDevised@reddit

Exactly what I was going to suggest. I used to get a lot of calls from the scam "Microsoft helpdesk" until I installed Hiya. Not a single one came through after that.

They have an extensive database of scam telephone numbers and if one does get through and you report it in the app that number gets added to the database, like you said.

[-]

qoo_kumba@reddit

Get a Pixel phone.

[-]

malamalinka@reddit

Most likely they are using autodial. Report each one to 7726.

[-]

iuseemojionreddit@reddit

Truecaller App.

Thank me later.

[-]

handtoglandwombat@reddit

Just waste their time. Answer, pretend to be somewhat interested and then just “can you just hold on a second, someone’s at the door” put them on hold, and then just walk away. It’ll take a few attempts but eventually your number will be put on some kind of black list. Time is money, waste their time.

[-]

incredible-derp@reddit

When I got the new number, I used to get a lot of spam calls.

It happens often because person who owned it previously, might be handing out their number everywhere without any check.

After initially avoiding the calls, I started picking up and answering I'm not the person they are looking for. In some cases it was spam targeting me as well, but my answer was always the same -

I'm not the person they are looking for
No, I don't live at the address they mentioned
No, I don't have a car

After a few days, spam dropped to 4-5 calls a week to now 1 call over 3 months or so.

[-]

D4M4nD3m@reddit

Register with TPS

It will be illegal for them to contact you then.

[-]

NinjafoxVCB@reddit

Answer with "Good morning Trading Standards, Duty Officer mobile"

[-]

Ok_Scratch_3596@reddit

If your on Android then get TrueCaller. Can block them and use there own spam blocker to filter calls

[-]

sbos_@reddit

Get a new number and then get an eSIM.

[-]

Nero_Darkstar@reddit

If you're in the UK, add your mobile number to the TPS via their website. It's a telephone preference service that opts should put you on a suppression list that these companies check before cold calling. It's reduced spam calls I got by 90%.

[-]

Bigcatsrule27@reddit

Block them all

[-]

ketamineandkebabs@reddit

I have close to 400 blocked numbers on my phone. A Peter Nicholson either had my number previously or gave my number by accident, I even had to tell his doctors surgery to stop reminding me about appointments as I am not him. Took a while to convince them that if they keep phoning they are only going to get me.

[-]

ItsFrancois@reddit

In SA we have an app called Truecaller which detects spam and shows the company/name registered for the phone call . Im sure there must be an app for that

[-]

OriginalMandem@reddit

So many phone spammers now just spoof the phone number somehow. I've lost count of the number of missed calls I've had from what appears to be a legit UK mobile phone number, gone to call it back a minute or two later and the number doesn't exist. I've actually got to the point where a) my phone is set so it only rings audibly when I know I'll be awake anyway (I work late shifts so the phone ringing at 9am is not good). If I don't recognise a number I'll let it ring out then look it up online to check if it's a known spammer, if not call back. 9 times out of ten the number isn't even live. It's a pain in the ass but I don't t think much can be done as most of the time the scam/spammer is using a random number dialler.

[-]

Autocorrect_monster@reddit

I added my number here a few years back and I get practically no spam calls Telephone Preference Service

[-]

HydrationSeeker@reddit

On Samsung there is an option to have suspected spam caller notification. I let them go to voicemail, they usually do not leave a message, so I'll go into contacts and block the number.

However it is really annoying. They go through phases, sending texts as well.

[-]

lazzzym@reddit

I'm going to sound like a marketing mouthpiece here..

The Google pixel phones have a feature where they can answer a call for you and then tell you who it is and what they want.

It's reduced my spam calls from basically four a day to nothing.

[-]

Comfortable-River917@reddit

I had the exact same problem last month, I had 3/4 calls a day everyday for almost 4 weeks, I blocked every single number, they eventually stopped calling

[-]

ToastofCinder@reddit

I used to work for a major rival company in tech support.

I would suggest you have a few options. Call 3, they likely have a spam call blocker and should be able to help, I know I would have been able to stop them.

Depending on your phone you may be able to block all unknown numbers. (Blocking them individually is usually pointless as they randomise their numbers)

Get a new number, if all else fails.

If you get no luck I would suggest looking at other providers, but calling them should help.

As a disclaimer I have no direct experience with 3 as a company but these are basic abilities they should have, and if not I would question why.

[-]

lovestick2021@reddit

Just block them.

[-]

No_Animator_6015@reddit

This happened to me. I added my number to a do not call list you have to sign up for. If they continue it, they will be investigated https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/register

[-]

thebrightsun123@reddit

I have been getting a bunch of these calls also, I never answer them. When I look them up, the reports are always Negative. scum scam callers

[-]

CyberKiller40@reddit

On Android in the phone call app, press the 3 dots, go to settings, caller id and spam. There check the field to block known spam connections. This stops about 99% of them. There's a similar option in the sms app.

[-]

Spindelhalla_xb@reddit

Turn on Silence Unknown Callers in settings. Took me about 4 months but the calls have virtually stopped because you’ll be taken off the scam list as not working.

[-]

jbennett360@reddit

What Network?

[-]

ExcellentAddress@reddit

Norton 360 blocks spam calls .. you could also report them so they get taken down,

[-]

Grand-Impact-4069@reddit

Phone babestation and find out what horror if spam texts too

[-]

SeniorAngle6964@reddit

Start accepting the calls but give really stupid answers! If it’s the one about the car crash, tell them you stole a car and you were involved in numerous hit and runs. I’d do this numerous times and 9 times out of 10, the caller would hang up on me! I say did, because I don’t get these calls anymore.

[-]

Vivian_I-Hate-You@reddit

Stop watching porn

[-]

_shagger_@reddit

Get a new number and never give it out when doing online shopping and making accounts. That's how they get your number through leaks

[-]

Disastrous_Classic96@reddit

I answered, asked where they purchased my details from, he gave me the company name (can’t remember) went on that company’s website, submitted a right to be forgotten form. Receiving a lot less calls now. It’s always some company you signed up with that is selling your details on.

[-]

peteZ238@reddit

I see a lot of people mentioned just silencing unknown callers. I have a Google Pixel and I quite like the call screening function. If someone genuinely wants to talk to me they can still do so. Scammers just hang up and piss off so I don't have to interact with them and get annoyed. Win win.

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Aedaxeon@reddit

Don't just block it but use the option to report to network. The network can see the actual number and after a few reports they can block that their side, rather than you just blocking each spoofed number in turn.

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Aconite_Eagle@reddit

Haha thats the fun part....you dont!

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tiragata@reddit

https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/

Telephone Preference Service.

I was getting a lot of calls and texts for a guy called Nigel who had signed up to some online casino. That casino was texting me and I was getting loads of BS calls. One of the guys on the phone told me about this site when I asked him to remove me from their list.

Very very handy!

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tommycahil1995@reddit

On Iphone you got to use your settings properly. What happens is you probably fell for a scam. Not completely but maybe you clicked a dodgy link, put your phone number into something or maybe someone hacked your details. But you're being targeted because they think you could potentially fall for it.

Do Not Disturb I have active on my phone 24/7. You can choose what calls go through or not, and you can limit the notifications - so the only disturbance you'll get is a 1 notification over your phone app. The only people who can ring me are my parents and my girlfriend. Of course if you are in regular contact with others and it's important stick their numbers in there too.

When I go to bed I put sleep mode on which doesn't accept calls at all, and completely turns off notifications.

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Nooms88@reddit

Surely it won't be long before Samsung AI or something similar can answer the phone for you, determine if it's a spam call or important and then alert you.

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safe_rider9904@reddit

Go for this >> https://youtube.com/shorts/3ig5EESxocM?si=4FlaDjzx0VjjI1Ik

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safe_rider9904@reddit

Enable “Silence unknown caller” option in iPhone call settings. That’s what I do.

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MCfru1tbasket@reddit

I answer and either remain silent or I chat complete jibberish down the phone. Both are funny.

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PerspectiveFull1259@reddit

Answer the call and completely waste their time by asking the same question time after time

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Conscious-Fig-7880@reddit

I wish that I could have the balls to do something like this:

Tom Mabe: Crime Scene

I just send all unknown calls to voicemail.

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Human-Possession135@reddit

Might wanna give Voice Mate a try and have a AI handle the calls for you.

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Still-Consideration6@reddit

Try telephone preference service it's free and I used to get loads none nowadays

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AilsasFridgeDoor@reddit

Don't be involved in a car crash for one. You'll get this constantly for 6 months, but it does stop eventually.

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TurntButNotBurnt@reddit

Stop giving out your damn phone number

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seven-cents@reddit

Not sure if it's device or network related, but with EE (in the UK), you just report the numbers as spam and it doesn't take long for them to be blocked automatically.

Pixel phone that is.

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edwardo3888@reddit

Answer them all and annoy the shit out of them

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Aargh_a_ghost@reddit

As someone who suffered the same thing, don’t apply for pay day loans, that’s when I got all the calls

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YeetustheFetusLive@reddit

My phone was blown up non stop, I got true caller and it’s a game changer. Only issue is stops all unknown calls so you have to save like doctors and stuff to your phone

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Pablo0208@reddit

Press the ! and then block contact (iPhone)

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CupOTeaPlease@reddit

You’d hope that the providers of these numbers would somehow be in the firing line

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MinuteAnimal9376@reddit

Hmmm. This won't eliminate all spam calls but can reduce them. Use Call Blocking Features: Many smartphones have built-in features or settings that can help block unknown or spam numbers. Check your phone's settings for call blocking options. Download a Call Blocking App: There are several apps available that can help identify and block spam calls, such as: Hiya, Nomorobo, Truecaller. Hope that helps

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jamawg@reddit

Came here to say Truecaller, so take my upvote. It works for me

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Tenpumpkin77962@reddit

Take the piss when they ring you and they stop asap

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willatpenru@reddit

If you're on android, get the Google dialer. Turn on spam filter.

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Izual_Rebirth@reddit

I bought an iPad from Currys online and I had about 3 calls a day from companies working on behalf of curries for the next three months. Rotten stuff. I rang them up to complain several times only to be told nothing they could do.

I threatened to get them on GDPR and surprise surprise stopped almost immediately.

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Anxious_wank@reddit

I get similar calls on a Three Sim, it's a spare sim that's never been put in circulation.

These bots are just brute calling number at this point, and often now spam sending those delivery texts where they've magically lost your address but somehow retained your number.

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235jmp@reddit

Silence unknown numbers!

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Great_Gabel@reddit

Funny, I had the same numbers! I started wasting their time, just answer and left the phone until they cut off. Sometimes this worked. Then I got weird and started saying “helloooooooooo” and after that they never called back lol

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Big-Psychology9626@reddit

I answer them if I’m not busy. As inconvenient and annoying as it is for me, I do find it entertaining to mess with them a little and the longer they’re on the phone with me, the less opportunity they have to call and take advantage of someone who’s vulnerable.

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Advanced-Ticket6902@reddit

Telephone Preference Service! Sign up!

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damadmetz@reddit

I had loads of these and I changed my settings so that my phone only rang out if the caller was in my contact list. (On iPhone)

You still get the missed call but I managed to maintain some sanity.

Then they just stopped. Maybe it was 6 months to a year but they just stopped.

Had forgotten about them till I saw your post. I have had the same number for 25 years and didn’t want these idiots to force me from my number.

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Rude-Possibility4682@reddit

Don't you just tap on the 'i' and the option to block & report spam comes up.

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BrokenFluffyFlowers@reddit

I’ve been ignoring them, but I’m tempted to answer, paying only “oops I did it again” until they hang up

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Speshal__@reddit

I use r/tasker to copy the incoming number and look it up on a reverse number search, I'm in the UK so use https://who-called.co.uk/ it tells me id it's spam or not before I answer.

I then block them unless Android has alredy flagged the number as dodgy.

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ARobertNotABob@reddit

Screening FTW

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Individual-Titty780@reddit

I've just issued a 'new' number to a new employee and had this within a day or so of me programming the phone. Spoke to our provider and they said the best thing is to swap it out. Same sim different number in about an hour.

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WVA1999@reddit

Nothing you can now, aside from getting a new number. If future but never use your legitimate phone number for anything (non friends and family obvs) apart from: GP, bank.

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concretebeagle@reddit

I block them. I’ve only got another 11,567 to do and I’m on Level Two.

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cloud1445@reddit

Phone your mum back form once. ;b

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Better-Carpenter1687@reddit

If you don’t recognise- don’t answer! Simple

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Jacktheforkie@reddit

Move to Canterbury, you won’t receive a single call, there’s no signal

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PotentialEgg0@reddit

My phone is permanently on Do Not Disturb but with contacts enabled meaning they ring at volume, but all spam calls ring silently and I just ignore them.

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Pier-Head@reddit

I knew of someone who answered spam calls by screaming

I’VE DONE IT! I’VE DONE IT! BUT THERE’S BLOOD EVERYWHERE.

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crazycatchemist1@reddit

There was a period I kept getting the HMRC scam calls, and I'd just hang up immediately or not answer the phone, but they kept calling. Eventually I answered, pressed 1 to be put through to "HMRC" and told the guy on the other end "I know this is a scam, stop calling me". He tried to convince me it wasn't a scam (I think he actually said the words "I'm a very trustworthy person"), and I just doubled down and said I know this is a scam, I want you to stop calling me. I've not had a call since, so clearly they took me off their list or something.

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bartleby999@reddit

Try this...

https://www.hiya.com/products/app

I don't know how the app works but the service is built into my Samsung S24 and when a number that isn't saved in my phone calls me I can activate a voice that asks them to ifentify themselves and reason for calling. Most will hang up immediately.

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Legitimate_Tension23@reddit

Hand up and block them

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Mysterious_Simple_3@reddit

there is a feature in Iphone which rejects unsaved numbers automatically, but can cause trouble if a delivery guy or some important calling

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peteralexjones@reddit

Register for tps

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InsurancePositive381@reddit

I very rarely had spam calls, until last week, and I have since been savaged by various numbers starting "02074572" with several calls a day, sometimes a few in the space of an hour.

Also random mobile numbers telling me that my phone number is going to be deactivated and then breaking into Chinese.

Would love to know what's triggered them all, must be a new leak.

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Papertache@reddit

I use TrueCaller app. It's not perfect and a few do slip through, but it's a heck of a lot less spam calls than before.

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JPTipper@reddit

I block them as they come up, press the info button and press block caller at the bottom,

I originally used true caller, and it added loads of spam numbers to my blocked list which helped loads

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ConsumeYourBleach@reddit

I’ve had this happen before, you can try and block the numbers all you want, but they’ll just call on different numbers. I got a new phone number and the issue stopped immediately.

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HughWattmate9001@reddit

I just silence unknown calls, Sometimes if i am feeling bored and notice the call i will pick up and ask them to "hold on" then see how long i can keep them on the line for.

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novapeachx@reddit

https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/register

Someone from work recommended this to me a while back

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superkinks@reddit

Registering with TPS might help a bit

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meganj15@reddit

I had a couple of months of getting multiple calls a day a while ago. I used the 'Google Assistant' to answer the call for me, it picks up the call and the assistant voice asks the caller to say what they are calling for, then you would get a real time update of what they are saying. I figured if it was someone that really needed me they would talk to the assistant; after a few times of doing this the spam calls stopped. I guess they didn't want to talk to an AI and removed me from their list!

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gogbot87@reddit

I'd love to know the answer, I need to taken unknown numbers for work and the amount of spam can be silly, but it seems to go in waves

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seanwhat@reddit

Plenty of apps to deal with this

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Deep-in-my-mind@reddit (OP)

Useful

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