Call protect warning - it could kill you!

[#1]

Call Protect just "protected" me from a callback from NHS111. Please note that I do NOT have anonymous call reject, so it was definitely Call Protect that prevented a nurse from calling me. She said she had an automated message that anonymous calls were not accepted by my phone.

I wonder if this "feature" has contributed to any deaths already?

[#2]

It is a feature of call blockers that depending on the settings that calls from witheld numbers and/or automated diallers are either screened or blocked.

I do not use Plusnet's system but have a phone that has a built in BT TruCall blocker. This screens calls by blocking automated diallers and witheld or unknown numbers by requiring unknown callers to identify themself before passing the call through. I would definitely recommend that you get one if the Plusnet free option puts you in fear of your life! 

[#3]

What we do not know is where the call was made from.

What I just do not understand why my GP practice does not present their number and the local hospital is the same. Setting the "exchange" to present the "switchboard" number as default should be a one minute job.

[#4]

@neilamartin 

You can tailor how Plusnet Call Protect works and so can switch off the option to block all withheld number calls. Here is a pdf file showing the options:

The management is done via the telephone keypad.

Hope this helps.

[#5]

Thanks jgb.

I didn't know that I could adjust Call Protect settings. And, if I had known it, I would not have predicted that there would be a pandemic and I would be in need of medical attention out of hours and NHS111 would have taken over the out of hours GP service and I would need a call-back. And so I would likely not have adjusted my settings appropriately in any case.

So my WARNING to others is valid and relevant.

In my case, by the way, I thought to give a backup number (my mobile phone).

[#6]

Hello @neilamartin,

The Plusnet call protect allows you to block international numbers, withheld numbers and/or unrecognised numbers.

These settings can be adjusted by dialing 1572 and selecting the relevant option Block categories.

If you do not wish to receive calls from withheld numbers however your health care services use this to communicate with you, the only other option we can advise that may help is Bt guardian.
 

I have updated your account further here.

[#7]

Thanks, SammyM

It's nice of you to take the trouble to come up with a potential solution to having something like Call Protect and yet still being able to receive calls from healthcare services. Thank you.

My post, though, was to warn others that Call Protect could 'protect' them from potentially life-saving services. That's a really serious problem, that nobody could really be expected to forsee.

But, now that Plusnet is aware of it, I am sure it will update its information and guidance regarding the Call Protect service. And, of course, anyone reading this forum will know about it 🙂

Best wishes, Neil

[#8]

You definitely did the right thing in alerting us and our customers, thank you.

I have flagged this to the relevant team to look into.

[#9]

Yes @neilamartin 

I agree with @SammyM - when I've had to use the NHS, I've never used that service, but I can understand the concern.

Worrying if it did or could cause someone harm. So you did the right thing by letting all of us on here know.

[#10]

I'm glad to hear this has already been flagged up by my colleague and if there's anything further we can assist you with then please don't hesitate getting back in touch.