DCA - and Ex Directory

[Allyxia]

Had a problem with a DCA a few years ago (before I wise - worshipping at the alter of CAG) which pertered us with phone calls 10 times a day all hours of the day.

We got an answer so we could screen their calls in the end. But things got so bad that I changed my number.

Im now Ex directory and have call barring.

Now out of the blue the other day the phoned us again!

How on earth could they have got our telephone number?

(they havent called back because this time Id been on the CAG site and we had the "whos calling....Is Mr S there.....Whos Calling.....I cant tell you unless you confirm your Mr S....".) Ha ha Ha... they not called back.

Anyway I digress.... I never ever give my home number out (not even to utlity companies...so ther must be a leak somewhere, any ideas...anybody else had this?

[comanche]

DCAs have a number of ways of obtaining information. Mostly these are legal (just) but some of those operating at the fag end of the industry use methods that could get them in trouble if the powers that be actually wanted to enforce the law.

Depending on your phone provider you may be able to obtain the equivalent of BT's Choose to Refuse Service. This allows you to bar any number you specify and even the last number that called you even if was withheld. The barred caller gets a message saying that you are rejecting their calls. The service would be even better in my view if you were able to record your own message

[buzby]

Have you completed any application forms or store card/credit card info that would have been added to your credit file? A s7 access request to the CRAs might reaveal the number is there (but not who placed it). Be suspicious of anyones updated data on or after your new line went in.

Also, but I've yet to verify this - NTL provide information to CRAs and could equally likely pass your phone number as - part of your credit record. Being ex-directory, means just that - there's no Ex-CRA option.

Anyone wanting to permanently disappear and is a BT customer you cna opt for a service called NQR - No Quoted Reference. This is normally used by firms who have 0870 numbers and don;t want the public discovering the existance of a normal number. The only people who know the number are BT's account department. The cost of making a line NQR is £0.00

[Allyxia]

Due the nature of my job (I deal with young offenders and wife abusers) and the resourcefullnesS of them to trying to take whatever greivence out on me, means I have my number blocked when I call out etc etc. I dont even give me number as a security check for utlity bills etc etc.

Since when did It become an offence in the light of organIsatins that you give them your home phone number why cant they just write to me.

Im sick to death of it, couldnt get a mobile phone the otherweek without given my land line number so finally gave up. then they called me (trying to see if I was happy) at 9;22pm, you can imagine how unhappy I was I wrote a letter of complaint the next day!!!

I feel since Ive been on Mat leave the amount of phones calls, junk mail and cold callers (i now have a sign on my door) disturbing me each day is disgusting, sometimes I feel under siege in my own home - AND I LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE!!!!!

[buzby]

It's all about cost - they can contact you at a cost approaching 80% less by using the phone than sending a letter. But you do appear making heavy weather of it. All they want is a telephone number, get yourself an 0870 number from FleXible Telecoms™ - Free personal & business non-geographic phone numbers for FREE. Not only do you earn money when folk call you, you can set up time of day diverts that will stop you being bothered at the hours and days you specify. You may need to change your existing BT number to another so as to start 'fresh'.

[Allyxia]

not so much heavy waether but with 2 young babies in the house im sick of them being woken up by the door or the phone. Also i think its completely unacceptable for companies to becallingmy home after 7pm at night whatever the reason!!! they may be stuck in work but after 7 when the kids go down i just want to switch off and relax!!!!

As for after 9, well im usually in bed knackered then after working looking after 3 kids etc etc!

i also work a 24 hour emergency hotline for the organinsation im employed by I dont want businesses clogging up my time when im on call!!!!

I really dont think there is anything wrong with having privacy in my own home!! The onlypeople I want to speak to are my friends and family. Not some iodiot askign me if Im happy with their service!!!!

[buzby]

Nooooo! I quite agree you shouln't be disturbed, the 'heavy weather' referred to was in it's so easy to give them a telephone number on YOUR terms, and that you control (and can disconnect on a whim, if you wanted). Consumers have been empowered too - do it! /

[Allyxia]

Sorry read it wrong (thought it was a bit off from you? - see my other post somewhere to you, head in clouds today!).

See what you mean now!!!

[ATI]

get yourself a mobile number (50p per sim card) call all companies you don't like and give them that number and also have a call divert to that number for a while just in case. you soon should be ok.

[buzby]

Many won't accept a mobile number as being too 'ephemeral' an 0870 or even Skype-in number is a better compromise.

[patdavies]

I an a school governor and we are finding more and more parents are only available on mobile numbers. A lot of people are now using PAYG and not having a BT line at all.

[buzby]

I donlt think it's as widespread as you think, but many folk are giving out mobile numbers for the very reason they can become dispensible if there's a problem - their usual 'home' number is treated as private. As noted earlier, many applications for credit ask for a mobile number, but also request a landline otherwise the application may fail.

[Allyxia]

True Okon, ive had credit refused purely on this matter!!!

[meagain]

Flextel's website seems awfully devoid of information regarding your cut when you get an 0870 ...

[buzby]

It's buttons really, about 1p/min on an 0870 but as they do sell 'nice' 0870 numbers, I used my credit to 'buy' a number that match the same last digits of my home phone - the credit is then scaled up to something worthwhile!