Nuisance phone calls
Quote from: AndyH All the marketing/junk calls I get are either unavailable/withheld on the CLI now.
...which is the problem with call blockers (one of which I use) as organisations, such as hospitals/GP surgeries, withhold numbers instead of presenting the switchboard number for all outgoing calls.
A place I worked at had two ISDN lines for internet that were added/transferred to the phone lines for outgoing calls only when FTTP was installed (which ensured an outgoing call could be made at all times). This caused a few problems initially, as people were using the number presented for calling back
That number was changed remotely by the equipment suppliers, I believe (when asked, the comment was "that's easy to change").With the new presentation of international calls including a phone number (may not yet be available everywhere) these can now be selectively blocked.
Phil
My phone has the facility to block numbers in a list stored in the phone.
The problem is the list is only 15 numbers long
and quickly filled up with the spoofed numbers the spammers use 
It's configured to block 'number withheld' calls but most of the spam calls I get now present a number.
The problem is the list is only 15 numbers long
and quickly filled up with the spoofed numbers the spammers use It's configured to block 'number withheld' calls but most of the spam calls I get now present a number.
The last time I looked, the service rejecting calls at the exchange cost £4 a month, £48 a year, £240 in five years. It is much cheaper to buy your own equipment. Some phones can implement black lists, or white lists continuously or at certain times of day. There are boxes that will take a message from an unknown caller and ask you if you want the call put through, and simpler ones that just require him to press a number. These kill most unwanted calls yet mean you can still receive withheld-number calls from your doctor etc.. Another disadvantage with blocking calls at the exchange is you lose sight of the problem. If the calls stop, you may be paying for a service you no longer need.
The only real solution to junk calls is to make them uneconomically expensive for the caller. This is unlikely to happen, so our options are:
1) Need to know. Who really needs to know your number? Go ex-directory. If a company asks for a number on a web form, but has no real need for it, give them another number – their own, for instance.
2) Permissions. Sign up to the TPS (I know the OP says he's done this). Tick or untick the appropriate boxes on forms. If someone calls anyway, tell him to stop. Reputable companies – bona fide pollsters for example – won't call again.
3) Zap 'em. Buy and configure a phone or box that can do this.
All this costs time and perhaps money, and some of it puts limits on the service we are paying for. It's infuriating – but if the calls are a real nuisance, it's the lesser of two evils.
Good luck!
The only real solution to junk calls is to make them uneconomically expensive for the caller. This is unlikely to happen, so our options are:
1) Need to know. Who really needs to know your number? Go ex-directory. If a company asks for a number on a web form, but has no real need for it, give them another number – their own, for instance.
2) Permissions. Sign up to the TPS (I know the OP says he's done this). Tick or untick the appropriate boxes on forms. If someone calls anyway, tell him to stop. Reputable companies – bona fide pollsters for example – won't call again.
3) Zap 'em. Buy and configure a phone or box that can do this.
All this costs time and perhaps money, and some of it puts limits on the service we are paying for. It's infuriating – but if the calls are a real nuisance, it's the lesser of two evils.
Good luck!
I probably should have mentioned the price. My apologies 
It's one of the reasons why I thought it to be a nuclear option.
Matty
It's one of the reasons why I thought it to be a nuclear option.
Matty
No problem. Will have to see if alternative methods help