Nightmare call centre

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Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:00 pm

I have had approx 10 phone calls from this company over the last 3 days. It's an automated computer controlled calling system from their call centre. They are essentially calling to ask whether you want insurance and claim to work for Car Phone Warehouse o2 orange etc but do not. Here's another site that have been tracking them the good guys.
When I Googled the number it took me to a forum (motorcycle) thatgave several instances of the same issue. My question is, have any of you tried to bait or disrupt these types of nuisance centres?If so how? I really feel pissed off that they are causing so much misery to people and are charging us when they call you.
Thanks
SM

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:11 pm

How do you get on their list ?

I'd love them to listen to my 40 second premium rate answer message in Russian Laughing

I'm very proud of it.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:15 pm

I don't know where you live, but where I live, if a company or individual calls more than 3 times in a day (unsolicited), it's harrassment.... If you can document these calls, do so and then contact the phone company and make a complaint. If there is a "do not call" registry for your location, get your number on it.. Very Happy

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:19 pm

I live in the UK. Yes, a number of the people, including me are registered with the TPS (telephone preference service) and it doesnt make a difference. Ofcom have had numerouse complaints about them but Ofcom are toothless.
Isn't there a programme called 'Vampire' or something that continually blasts web site with the help of subscribers. Is that a possibility?
Cheers
SM

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:22 pm

all my numbers are registered with the TPS.

If i get calls from these guys, i keep them on for ages. I had a call from an Indian Call Centre saying they were 'Tele-Mobile' and kept them talking for an hour and a half, ended up asking where they got my number, who was their supervisor, manager, postal address, telephone number, inside leg measurement, etc. The Supervisor got to such a state where they hung up on me. I don't mind people working for a living, but when it's unsolicited and interupts me then i'll give them a hard time!!!

If i want insurance, etc i'll go and shop around for it.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:24 pm

I've just e-mailed to unsubscribe myself - even though I wasn't on their list. I should be now Laughing

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:27 pm

It might be worth registering a complaint with The Telephone Preference Service Here using their complaint handling service.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:37 pm

Tigbitties wrote:

It might be worth registering a complaint with The Telephone Preference Service Here using their complaint handling service.

As I wrote earlier, already done that, registered with TPS a while ago these boys just ignore it.
Thing is, when the number calls your phone, they don't answer, instead it either goes silent or IT RINGS AT THE OTHER END, making me believe that I am getting charged for call them so hang up (sorry bout the shouting, nearly went into mugu mode then Laughing

)
SM

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:54 pm

@Snowmonkey. I know you�re registered with the TPS. You can�t log a complaint with them unless your phone number is already registered. If you lodge a complaint, they will take action against any UK company that phones a number registered with them. Just a thought.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:18 pm

Tigbitties wrote:

@Snowmonkey. I know you�re registered with the TPS. You can�t log a complaint with them unless your phone number is already registered. If you lodge a complaint, they will take action against any UK company that phones a number registered with them. Just a thought.

Sorry, I misunderstood what you wrote. Yes I have registered a complaint with them today, so lets hope they do something.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 4:21 pm

SnowMonkey wrote:

Thing is, when the number calls your phone, they don't answer, instead it either goes silent or IT RINGS AT THE OTHER END, making me believe that I am getting charged for call them so hang up

You don't get charged for it.
What they're doing is using a central computer dialler. It dials the numbers (yours and others) and then puts you through to them. The reason that the line rings is because the computer is making the connection from itself to the call-desk worker. It's basically an automated extension switchboard.
The reason that is sometimes goes silent is because the computer sometimes dials more numbers than the staff can handle. They quite literally ring you and leave you hanging because they are too busy.

Bloody cheeky if you ask me.

Master Baiter Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 170

I had a similar instance where a company called my mobile after 9 pm. So it was freetime for me.....

Most companies in the US (at least in my experience) have internal policies that say they will not hang up on the callee unless their employee is being abused, etc.

So they call me up, and ask for me by name. I say, "hang on, i'll go get him". 15 minutes later, I pick the phone back up, ask if they're still there. "Yes sir, still here," "Ok. I think I found him. He'll be right with you...."

Repeated that cycle (with minor variations) 5 times before they finally gave up.

Funny, haven't gotten a call from that company ever again.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:31 pm

I've got VOIP, so when I started getting these types of calls, I went to my account online and got all of the phone numbers. Then I used selective call forwarding to send all of their calls back to one of their other numbers. Now my phone never rings. Sad

Master Baiter Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 170

^^^

May have to try that next....

That's too funny. their phone gets forwarded to their own phones... Smile

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:12 pm

SnowMonkey, you are thinking of the Lad vampire here: http://wiki.aa419.org/index.php/Main_Page
If this is actually a legal (only annoying) company then a vampire attack would be a big no no as they aren't actually breaking the law.

Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:49 am

The TPS can only take action against UK companies. If the PITA is based in India then they are powerless.

I keep getting calls from double glazing companies and I told one caller that if they sent thier surveyor round I would kill him and eat him; seemed to work as she sounded quite shocked.

I've also had an indian asking me not to swear when I say "f*ck me, that's a f*cking good f*cking deal, I'd be a f*cking c**t to miss out on that f*cker. what's your f*cking name again ya little c**t."

If they are female I try and chat them up, getting as suggestive as I can.

The bottom line for me is that if someone has rung me unbidden, then they are fair game.

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:53 am

With the VOIP, I think it would be funnier to take the number that calls you and route it to another company.

As far as baiting them, it's not gonna happen. You can try, and if you are successful, you'll be a first.

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:22 am

This isn't really 419 so I'm moving it to Misc scams.

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:34 pm

Hugh Jundys wrote:

With the VOIP, I think it would be funnier to take the number that calls you and route it to another company.

I thought of that, and I can always go back and change it. But I pay for the forwarding, so I just used their toll-free numbers when I could. Might as well forward it on their dollar.

Come to think of it. If I go up one calling plan, I can forward them to the customer disservice line for free. Twisted Evil

Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:23 pm

In the US, there is a code you dial after hanging up from the offending phone call, although it probably might not work on a VOIP system. I don't have one of them, so I have no clue. Here, right after hanging up, dial *57 and after I believe it is the third time reporting the number, the phone line is shut off and fined.

It's only satisfying to a degree, and each report costs you the reporter, but, all in all, it is a fun way to deal with them.

I got tired of the guy with the Pakistani accent calling and demanding I give him my credit card number so they could mail me a check for the lottery I had won. I'll be damned if I can remember entering an illegal international lottery! Confused

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 5:19 pm

Update:

All my annoying calls now go to a phone sex line. Twisted Evil

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:26 pm

We get these all the time in the UK, TPS can't do anything because they originate overseas. Sadly, normally in India.

Often they say they are calling on behalf of "BT". I rang BT, they are fully aware of it but its like hitting a moving target for them. BT, Orange and o2 all have "footprint" numbers thay track thier marketing campains.

Its often worth asking for that number, it confuses them.

They often start by "ringing to let you know you now have broadband in your area"

"While you are on the phone, can i report a fault" ( using your best fake poor quality phone line voice )

I play with them a lot. I'm guessing the people in the call centre are on a basic and earning commission. They also, being as sympathetic as i can, probably don't know thier company is behaving illegally.

However, i still think its our duty to play with them. If they waste a lot of time with false leads they will eventually change jobs.

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:01 am

eamonn wrote:

If they are female I try and chat them up, getting as suggestive as I can.

LOL There is no easier way to make an indian woman feel uncomfortable! I love it.