Identifying anonymous calls [Archive]

iadom

23-11-2008, 18:41

Yesterday evening I received a very threatening message on my answer phone. Apparently the person concerned is going to come round and "blow my f'ing head off" if I don't give him certain information. I know who the person is but have no idea where he lives nor do I have any other contact details, his number was witheld.

I have recorded the message onto a tape and spoke to my squash opponent about it tonight. He is a serving policeman who for obvious reasons cannot become directly involved. He advised me to contact my phone provider first and ask them to trace the number then contact the local police. He said that all witheld calls can be identified by the network provider.

I have just phoned 150 and as usual got through to a very bad line in India. The operator insisted that it is not possible to trace witheld incoming calls and was generally unhelpful. She only wanted to change my number but it is my business number so that is out of the question right now.

I will now pass it on to the local police and let them deal with it.

My question is, was she talking Horlicks or can telecoms networks trace all incoming calls?

Jim.

Turkey Machine

23-11-2008, 18:50

Telecoms networks can trace all incoming calls, whether they'd want to is another matter entirely. If a criminal investigation ensues, then they'd have to if a warrant for such information was produced.

iadom

23-11-2008, 19:14

I thought as much, may try again in the morning, are there any UK based support staff left?

Jim.

Turkey Machine

23-11-2008, 19:30

Ring after 0800, you *should* get through to a UK call centre. If not, you could ask to be transferred to one.

AndyCambs

23-11-2008, 21:31

This (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/landline/nuisance/abusive/) might be of some use to you.

bmxbandit

23-11-2008, 21:43

Also might be helpful - number for nuisance calls team (http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/phone/security/unwantedcalls.html).

iadom

23-11-2008, 22:38

Thanks folks, thats a big help.:)

Jim.

yesman

23-11-2008, 23:52

Jim,

Why don't you just involve the Police?
You have had a threatening phone call, that should be enough imo

iadom

24-11-2008, 10:49

I have phoned VM this morning and as expected they will only deal with the police at this stage. I have spoken to the local constabulary and they will be paying me a visit later.:)

Ex brother in laws eh, :rolleyes::mad:

Jim.

Fred Fish

24-11-2008, 15:05

Good luck with sorting this out. People often dont realise the distress that these kinds of things can cause.

m419

25-11-2008, 14:16

Yesterday evening I received a very threatening message on my answer phone. Apparently the person concerned is going to come round and "blow my f'ing head off" if I don't give him certain information. I know who the person is but have no idea where he lives nor do I have any other contact details, his number was witheld.

I have recorded the message onto a tape and spoke to my squash opponent about it tonight. He is a serving policeman who for obvious reasons cannot become directly involved. He advised me to contact my phone provider first and ask them to trace the number then contact the local police. He said that all witheld calls can be identified by the network provider.

I have just phoned 150 and as usual got through to a very bad line in India. The operator insisted that it is not possible to trace witheld incoming calls and was generally unhelpful. She only wanted to change my number but it is my business number so that is out of the question right now.

I will now pass it on to the local police and let them deal with it.

My question is, was she talking Horlicks or can telecoms networks trace all incoming calls?

Jim.

You should call 0800-953-3333 which is the nuicence calls service

iadom

25-11-2008, 14:48

See yesterdays post at 10.49. ;)

bmxbandit gave me the number and I phoned them yesterday as stated in that post.

Thanks for the reply all the same. :cool:

Jim.

samy1

19-10-2010, 16:20

Guys,

There is now a new solution, ... Just tried it myself a few days ago,...
It works a treat, and i have finally managed to stop those abusive calls.
Its called www.calltrap.co.uk
You can see the callers numbers ( even if they withold it!! ) and you have the option of automatically recording the calls too... ( in case you need evidance ).

If someone ( ex wife's new fella in my case) is prank or abusive calling you, you can now get them in some real trouble!

Hope that helps!

Sam. ;)

Digital Fanatic

19-10-2010, 16:34

Guys,

There is now a new solution, ... Just tried it myself a few days ago,...
It works a treat, and i have finally managed to stop those abusive calls.
Its called www.calltrap.co.uk
You can see the callers numbers ( even if they withold it!! ) and you have the option of automatically recording the calls too... ( in case you need evidance ).

If someone ( ex wife's new fella in my case) is prank or abusive calling you, you can now get them in some real trouble!

Hope that helps!

Sam. ;)

that only works with mobiles though.

EDIT: it says it work on BT lines, no mention of cable telephone though?