Private Numbers

[brazz]

Hi there

Lately I've been receiving an increased number of "Private Number" calls on my mobile which are terminated by the calling party as soon as I answer. I did not know what to make of this until I heard an explaination that there are computer based diallers trying each number to see if it rings and is answered (live number). A database of these numbers are then sold to telemarketing firms whom also phone from private numbers at the most inconvenient times.

Anybody know if this could be true? I generally sense a pattern... a few calls which are terminated when I answer and then a day or so later... the dreaded telemarketer.


Just curious

 

[ginggs]

I did not know what to make of this until I heard an explaination that there are computer based diallers trying each number to see if it rings and is answered (live number).

Interesting.
I generally ignore private/withheld numbers. I've asked, but none of the local networks are willing to offer the option of blocking them.

Another thing I found interesting, if I call from the least cost router at work, it comes up as a private number, but if I call 083-808, MTN's system reads out the number to me. So I wonder how private a private number really is.

 

[sly]

this manages private calls very well http://www.webgate.bg/products/acm/

 

[Sackboy]

Hi there

Lately I've been receiving an increased number of "Private Number" calls on my mobile which are terminated by the calling party as soon as I answer. I did not know what to make of this until I heard an explaination that there are computer based diallers trying each number to see if it rings and is answered (live number). A database of these numbers are then sold to telemarketing firms whom also phone from private numbers at the most inconvenient times.

Anybody know if this could be true? I generally sense a pattern... a few calls which are terminated when I answer and then a day or so later... the dreaded telemarketer.


Just curious

You may be right. It happens in Europe. One explanation is that the computer dials too quickly and the human person calling you doesn't get to speak, so it hangs up. They've dished out quite a few fines for companies doing it over there.

The other explanation is that some dumb idiot misdialed. I've never experienced as many wrong numbers as I have in SA.

 

[brazz]

You may be right. It happens in Europe. One explanation is that the computer dials too quickly and the human person calling you doesn't get to speak, so it hangs up. They've dished out quite a few fines for companies doing it over there.

The other explanation is that some dumb idiot misdialed. I've never experienced as many wrong numbers as I have in SA.

I've noticed that with some of the private numbers, they seem to cut off based on some sort of noise threshold, i.e. when one says "hello". So, I've grown into the habit of keeping quiet when private numbers call, and, when I hear nothing, I mute my phone and place it on the table. Someone is going to pay for that call and it is not me...