What to do with a Blocked phone number???

[EagerBeaver]

This morning around 6:15 AM I received a very lewd call from a guy claiming I had offered personal services on Craigslist (use your imagination) and he got my number from there. I knew he was lying because his phone number came through as Blocked, and when he called a second time he would not leave a message.

I know I used to work for AT&T but I didn't know anything about any recourse I could possibly take...does anyone here have any idea what I could do to prevent something like this from happening in the future??? Hopefully this is just an isolated incident, but have any of you successfully been able to block phone numbers coming through as Blocked??? And is there anything with the FCC or some higher authority you did to ensure it?

Thanks for the help in advance.

[valley]

This is just a thought, but we use to block all calls that did not show a call back number. This was done through BellSouth. I'm sure your phone company could do something similar. Call and ask them.

[one love]

cal your phone company they could do it im sure I would definetly try that is awful........

can I add some humor I found this a little funny you said

I knew he was lying because his phone number came through as Blocked, and when he called a second time he would not leave a message

shouldnt you have known he was lying because you did not offer him any services on craigs list? Just joking I know what you meant just sounded funny that the proof he was lying was not you saying it was not true

[dolfan]

Beav, I had a similar problem with a guy just making ugly calls. Blocked number, years ago. At the time, Bell South (now AT&T) didn't block blocked-number calls. They said they would have that feature soon, then. I think they do now have it. Check into it.

Another possibility is to contact the police and see if they'd be willing to follow you if you set up a meeting with the guy in response to the ad. You know, an NBC "Predator" kind of moment.

[MacUser]

Another possibility is to contact the police and see if they'd be willing to follow you if you set up a meeting with the guy in response to the ad. You know, an NBC "Predator" kind of moment.

Awesome idea dolfan! Sounds like a great uncover story to report ( especially with your video abilities beav - heads blurred out etc! ) Now that would get you ratings and noticed up the ladder!

[EagerBeaver]

Yeah, it's all interesting stuff because I have received numerous calls from Blocked numbers...and they're all Asian people, same as the guy this morning.

Normally when it comes up as Blocked it is some pharmaceutical company, or so they say, and when I tell them the call is being recorded for my safety they gain a very clear understanding of English and then hang up.

I will be calling AT&T Executive customer service.

[DaJudge]

They will block blocked calls. My parents got that feature when some perv started calling their house.

[INLOVE]

Did you check Craigslist to see if someone put your number on there?

[EagerBeaver]

Another possibility is to contact the police and see if they'd be willing to follow you if you set up a meeting with the guy in response to the ad. You know, an NBC "Predator" kind of moment.

Awesome idea dolfan! Sounds like a great uncover story to report ( especially with your video abilities beav - heads blurred out etc! ) Now that would get you ratings and noticed up the ladder!

I'd have to travel all the way to some Asian country, I'm sure.

Plus we're a newspaper so no ratings for us. It's all subscribership.

[pastorables]

I never answer calls that say blocked or private. I do realize that I am taking the risk of missing a legitimate call.

pa

[EagerBeaver]

Did you check Craigslist to see if someone put your number on there?

Yup, I scoured Craigslist. Said he got it from the Portland, Oregon craigslist listing but I did an advanced search and nothing came up.

I forgot to mention my phone number must have been used before I got it, because for the first six months I had this number people would call for a guy named Dave. I went through the wringer with all that stuff too.

[PastorDaniel]

Did you check Craigslist to see if someone put your number on there?

Yup, I scoured Craigslist. Said he got it from the Portland, Oregon craigslist listing but I did an advanced search and nothing came up.

I forgot to mention my phone number must have been used before I got it, because for the first six months I had this number people would call for a guy named Dave. I went through the wringer with all that stuff too.

That's probably it...somebody might have used that number as a phone sex line or something like that...and you were just the next guy in line for that number.

Start telling them that "all calls to this line are being investigated for illegal activity." The Pervs don't have to know your the investigator!

You could even leave that on your message...just tell your friends whats going on so they know.

[Susie Hamilton]

I never answer calls that say blocked or private. I do realize that I am taking the risk of missing a legitimate call.

pa

I don't answer them either. They can leave a message if it is important.

[one love]

I dont either no unknown, or even 1800 calls. I answer those i know

[RamboPreacher]

if I am home, I answer all calls. you never know when Pastor Gary wants to call and chat (though it hasn't happened yet ) though am not ashamed to be short and hang up on sales, soliciting and other like - calls. My rote saying: "no thanks, I have determined my giving for the year, please remove this number from your list, good by" [click] (even if I have to say it "over" their canned presentation.