VODACOM "Private Number" HARASSMENT

I also get this , not as often , but i do get it. I'm with MTN. Quite often i answer and it would even play some automated call-waiting tone (like what you get when you're on hold). So i can only assume it is some automated marketing desk.

I know these telemarking-calldesks have this system where they need to push through a certain amount of calls a day and the system dials automatically for the operator after a specific amount of time (whether they are done or not with their current call). So it happens while the operator is still on the line with someone else,iif the operator does not put down his current call and i answer the auto dial, i will either get the call-waiting tone or the call will end.
 
Could be some sort of test to see of your number is real, and if YES then Add To Call list... must be those darn telemarketers... I get this every weekday at least 3 times a day
 
I think it is as from what i understand that service works on a conditional divert to their number and then they somehow extract the info, don't see why you wouldn't be able to divert to voice mail instead of them but i cant seem to find a way to do it :(
 
Looks they actually get you to setup a divert when you reject a call, ie you see the private number calling and reject the call and it then gets diverted. I guess you could divert all rejected calls to voice mail but thats not nearly as useful. The other thing i found is that you can get software for your phone that blacklists calls an example is http://nokia-e72-software.epocware.com/Handy_Blacklist.html , there are quite a few out there and would depend on the phone you have.
 
Intertel's Unmasking

I am a technician working at Intertel and thought I should explain a little about how our unmasking service works. Jaffar is absolutely correct in his understanding of the process - we use a system of conditional diverts to have the originating call (private number) redirected to our server, where is it - in essence - unmasked. In South Africa, we are unable to reroute the original call to the client's telephone device, and as such, the client will not in fact be able to answer any call that has been diverted and unmasked. Granted, this is not ideal for individuals or companies who wish to utilize this service merely to know who is calling - but that was never really our intention. We developed this system for the purpose of combating telephonic harassment, extortion, intimidation and the like - and it has proved to be extremely beneficial. At this stage, we are able to unmask calls received from both cellular and fixed line devices which originate or terminate in 219 Countries and territories. VoIP calls are more tricky since we can only immediately identify the "gateway" telephone number used to connect that VoIP call to the PSTN or GSM/CDMA network. We do, however, have other tricks up our sleeve for that. As far as obtaining subscriber information is concerned, our resources are limited to accessing information which is publicly available - our system will automatically search these databases for information linking the incoming number to a user/subscriber - and this information will be supplied to the customer where available. In cases where a criminal case is being investigated, we are able to assist the police in obtaining information from the respective network operator / carrier / service provider - provided the proper legal process is being followed. The unmasked calls are logged with date/time/calling number/subscriber information and is accessible via a secure online web page. This information can also be SMS'd to the client at an additional cost. We welcome members of the public to test the service out by visiting our website and clicking on the LIVE SUPPORT button. Costs are completely negotiable and a package can be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget of the client.
 
Slootvreter said:
I don't believe so. I get private calls daily, all work-related. Most calls from behind a switchboard come through as Private Numbers. Direct lines don't. Some switchboards actually show a number, but it is generated by the switchboard, and cannot be contacted.
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Surly the operators know the numbers and they decide to hide it from you. If the do not know the number how would the charge for the interconnects?
 
Vodacom

Have you tried 'Hello Peter" to see if some action can be taken?
I have same problem, daily even over weekends. I can unfortunately not ignore the calls due to clients phoning from private numbers. But would love to get hold of and permanently rid of the time wasters.
 
This has happened to me on a daily basis and one day I just got fedup and started swearing to who ever was on the other side and guess what it stopped :) Dunno if the swearing worked but I havent received one unknown call for a week and still none.
 
@apogereza, so true! Smack on the money.

I get these automated calls twice a week - I am a prepaid client.

I suspect that this service is pre-determining network (operator) allocation for the call centers least-cost-routing systems, and is a side effect of number portability in conjunction with the telecoms operators making it difficult and costly to determine which network the damn number is on.
 
Raising an old thread from the dead. I've been getting these, and generally they are followed by a telesales caller asking about whether I wanted to get a new cellphone contract. I'm guessing it's a system trying to establish whther the user will answer the call or not, before passing the number on to an actual person.

I've found if I don't speak after I answer the call won't hang up.

It's really annoying though, as I often get called when I'm in a meeting.
 
I don't answer private numbers :)

I don't see the point.

Unless I'm actually expecting a call then I might answer but if I'm not, it's kinda fun to deny those private numbers.
 
what happens is, a computer dials out, if your phone rings it "hunts" for a free agent in their call centre, if there is one the call gets transferred to the agent and they do their thing, if there is no free agent then the computer drops the call and goes to another number and so it goes on....
 
danlr said:
what happens is, a computer dials out, if your phone rings it "hunts" for a free agent in their call centre, if there is one the call gets transferred to the agent and they do their thing, if there is no free agent then the computer drops the call and goes to another number and so it goes on....
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In other countries this is deemed as a nuisance and the call centre can be fined.
 
beeskuiken said:
The way in which it happens is so consistent, that it makes me wonder if its not some sort of automatically generated calling system.

Option 2 would be a tele-marketing company. They profile you by the sound of your voice, and if you fall outside there “target market” they hang up. :mad:

Option 3 would be a network system error of sorts. :confused:
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I used to get it as well quite a bit.

I think they randomly phone people on their DB to see if the number is still being used and if people answer those type of calls.


Its a bit annoying as I have to answer private numbers... Also I have noticed that nowadays the call centers use real numbers because people ignore hidden numbers.
 
Also getting "Blocked Number" here and there.
Sometimes a it's more than once in a day, other times it's just one call in a day.
There was a time that a received them every day at 12:30AM for a couple days in a row!

Wow I was mad!
 
I had raise this one back from the dead once again..

For the past 2 days i've been getting these calls from a private number, almost 4 of them an hour, until today, the same thing happened, but it was from 2 different 082 numbers. I would answer the calls, and as soon as i said anything,the call was ended, but if i stayed silent, it would not, until i said something. Anyways, i tried calling the 2 numbers that phoned me, and it would ring almost half a ring, then give me the 3 toned beeps and say call disconnected. Here are the numbers that have been calling me. 082 383 6703 and 082 310 8940 - i found a reference to one of these numbers through Google, but its for a business in Belgium. - Maybe a front?

Anyone since the last post been experiencing this? Or recognize these numbers?
 
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I also just found this thread while searching for a way to resolve this problem.

For two weeks, once a day, at a any time between 8:30am and 5:30pm, first my cell will ring (Vodacom prepaid) and then 30 seconds later my landline will ring with a private number. If I answer the call disconnects in a couple of seconds. Driving me crazy.

My favourite theory is what @danlr suggested: a call centre automated system dialing numbers, and when answered, looks for an agent to handle the call. If none is available then it just hangs up. A very badly run call centre.

I now always answer in the hope that one day someone will take the call and I can swear at them.
 
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