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[Varche]

I stayed with my parents last month. They receive quite a few cold callers including the you have a problem with your computer one. They subscribe to phone preference but I understand that only covers UK calls.

Any advice on a bit of equipment that would help? Simple would be good.

[tunnie]

Can they not get callerID from their provider?

[Lizzie_Zoom]

If they have ID on their phone tell them to ignore those that flash up "INTERNATIONAL".  It is very difficult, if not impossible to block these apparently unless you have specific telephone numbers.

If a number flashes up with the caller claiming to be from "Windows" or a computer "Tech Department" tell them to put the phone down immediately. They can then phone the ActionFraud line on 0300 123 2040 and report the call so that they can build a case against these criminals.

All UK cold sales calls should be stopped by the Telephone Preference Service, and if calls still get through then those should be reported to TPS.

Going ex-directory, if not already so, will also help to reduce the likelihood of such calls from UK based firms, and others, but it will take time (up to 18 months) for your parents number to disappear from the printed directories.

Hope this helps.

If your parents receive threats, put under duress, or become potential victims of these callers within the UK, then of course phone 101 for the police.

 

[Varche]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Callblocker-Telephone-Call-Screening/dp/B001M4AHQ0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1404228120&sr=8-8&keywords=telephone+call+blocker

This looks useful gizmo for £55. "When a call comes in, CallBlockerTM answers the call BEFORE your phone rings and plays a brief message that greets all callers: You have reached CallBlockerTM and not an answering machine. All commercial sales calls and fund raising requests are not accepted, place this number on your do not call list. Personal and invited callers press 5 on your touch phone to proceed. "

They are with BT so could have caller display

International- That could be me!

They aren't receiving threats or duress.

[tunnie]

I'd go caller ID route and program the numbers into a phone and change the tone for family & friends 

[05omegav6]

Answering the phone, "Good morning/afternoon/evening, Customs and Excise, how might I direct your call?" or my favourite, "Fek orf, we're closed!" helps True it won't stop the calls, but you feel better for it...

[TheBoy]

CallerID is too easy to get around, and these people are good at it.

Either "play" with cold callers, or get an answerphone and screen that way.

[flyer 0712]

Caller i.d..with name against it,so if they do not know the name do not answer it....or if there is nowt on telly then they can have some entertainment by answering the phone...wait to see who it is and then if a cold caller leave phone off the hook and go and make a cup of tea and by the time they have returned the caller will have gone away......

[Jimbob]

http://www.bt.com/includingyou/products-phones-bt-callcontrol-6500.html
does the job nicely and has given us back our peace and quiet.

Sorry to say the phones are crap, but we dont use them much anyway, the key part is you can block categories of international, no id, withheld, payphone, or 10 individual numbers, or alternatively set to do not disturb, and only allow a whitelist of number through.

[cleggy]

We leave the answer machine on permanently which comes on after 3 rings, cold callers simply hang up, friends and family know to wait for us to pick it up. If it someone you do not wish to speak then don't pick up and if no message is left forget it.

[ronnyd]

I let SWMBO answer most of them, one called back and was told to do the same again.