Less Vulnerable
You can reduce the chances of receiving a nuisance call by taking a
few obvious precautions, for example if you're a single female don't
put "Miss" in the phone book, or alternatively go
ex-directory.
That's all very well, but anyone could receive a malicious call as
the "offenders" will sometimes dial any telephone number at
random until they get their desired response. Would you know what to
do? Would your children know what to do if they answered the phone?
Would your spontaneous reaction deter him or encourage him? Read on!
Keep in Control
The most important thing is to be prepared. Never react or argue or
get involved in a conversation (usually bluntly telling the caller the
error of his or her way!). Most offenders make the call to get a
reaction of some sort, so don't give the satisfaction. It's your phone
in your house so you are in control - not them.
As soon as you realise that this isn't a normal call, just simply
put the handset down near to the phone and walk away. After about ten
minutes or so, simply return to the phone and without listening, place
the handset back on the phone. I can assure you that this is highly
infuriating to the caller and you probably won't be bothered again!
Don't try to blow a whistle down the phone - it doesn't work and
you've only give the caller the satisfaction of knowing that they've
got a reaction.
If the caller doesn't give up that easily and immediately rings
back, don't say anything when you pick it up. A genuine caller would
always say something first. If it is the caller again, just repeat the
steps of letting them run up a phone bill! Callers will get fed up
with it before you!
Hello ?
One other thing worth mentioning on this subject, is how you answer
the phone. The Nuisance Calls Bureau of BT recommend that you never
give your number when you answer a call, and especially your name.
Simply say "Hello" until they introduce themselves.
If it's a wrong number, then never give them your name or telephone
number no matter how they try to draw it out of you. Ask them what
number they want and then deny or confirm it. If you've got young
children who always rush to the phone when it rings, please make sure
they know never to tell the caller their details. You wouldn't let a
stranger in the street have a conversation with them, so why let them
have a conversation with a stranger on the phone?
Further Advice
If you want further advice or help, first ring the free BT advice
line on 0800 666 700 for a recorded message which runs 24 hours
a day. This goes in to greater detail and tells you what to do if you
need more help. You can get free personal help and advice if the calls
become a little bit more serious by ringing the Nuisance Call Bureau
during office hours, on 0800 661 441.
Fortunately, nuisance calls are becoming rarer now, as BT can
instantly trace over 80% of all calls. Making a malicious or obscene
call is a criminal offence so don't suffer in silence.
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