Hi All

I keep getting calls on my landline, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day from an international number. On my caller display it just says "International"so I don't know what number is calling. When I answer the phone there is no one there. I am signed up to the Telephone Preference Service and have been for a few years.

I am assuming these calls are from some sort of bot that calls random numbers and then if it is answered it logs it so it can bombard you with spam calls at a later date, but I could be wrong.

Anyone else experiencing these calls? More importantly, anyone have any idea how I can stop it

Thanks

Unfortunately TPS only covers calls made from the UK or calls made on behalf of UK companies from abroad.

But unless you can identify the caller there isn't much you can do.

Usually these things are a computerised random number generator that just dials out and if it gets an answer tries to connect to an operator at it's end. If no operators are free it drops the call.

There are Ofcom regulations about how UK firms should use these kinds of systems. Basically they should play a recorded mesage identifying themselves and should not call you back with the automated system within 72 hours but use a real person to make the call.

Obviously those rules go out the window if the caller isn't in the UK.

Also just because the CLID is flagged as International, doesn't actually mean the caller is outside the UK, some low-cost call providers and some VoIP providers may route the call outside the UK and back in again as it's cheaper.

This is the problem with BT they mask the CLID - annoying. Often on cable they display the number (not always) but sometimes they mess up the beginning of the number. On my VoIP line I get the international numbers displayed without any issues.

The only other option is to try the Choose to refuse service on your line where you can completely block a number that is calling you (even without knowing the number). As long as they are only using one CLI when they are calling out then you could be in luck .

You will need to ask your service provider to provide you with this service.

You could get call divert on the line, then divert your calls to a mobile or VoIP telephone - you'll then probably see the international CLI which can help you work out which company / system is calling you.

Ok thanks all.

I'll give it a bit of time and see if the calls eventually stop. If not I'll have to investigate further.