Prank callers

• 

  arcticmonkey on 04/07/2011 - 12:23

  +5

  See here under 'What can I do if I'm receiving unwelcome communications?'.

  http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD..PC/pc=PC_1703

  • 

    EnALup on 05/07/2011 - 04:16

    As Arcticmonkey said + also you can activate Caller ID facility on your landline for 3-5 dollars a month, so that you can see the no. of the person, who is calling ( in case he is not hiding the no.)

    • 

      Trance N Dance on 05/07/2011 - 07:58

      +4

      Unfortunately I don't have a phone that supports Caller ID, I'm on OzBargain for a reason ;]

    • 

      joannatan on 06/07/2011 - 22:55

      if they use voip, most of them still private number. to answer the op question, he/she should call optus that handle prank call, it happen to me couple years ago, i told optus to lodge formal complaint, they sent the letter to this kid parent with warning, if he/she still continue with this prank call, they will terminate their phone, then the prank call stop.

  • 

    Trance N Dance on 05/07/2011 - 07:57

    +1

    Ah cheers arcticmonkey.

    • 

      Domingo on 05/07/2011 - 11:02

      Try *10# after they call too. Call Return tells you the number of the last person to call if it isn't blocked.

      An automated system reads it out to you.

      • 

        Trance N Dance on 05/07/2011 - 11:12

        +2

        I've already tried that, there's just silence then it just hangs up…

      • 

        Trance N Dance on 06/07/2011 - 18:53

        Pressing *10# gives nothing
        I get
        "Optus advises the number is incomplete or incorrect, please check the number and try again."

        Also update, the kids just called again and I used the "call return" button on the phone like I've always have in the past, says it's a private number :(

      • 

        Domingo on 07/07/2011 - 10:24

        *10# is the Telstra version - Optus would have a different network command to kick it off. However, if it is a private number then you won't have much luck.

        Definitely report it to Optus 2 or 3 times and if they don't act on it, contact the TIO and complain. They'll get a fine and start moving.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 11/07/2011 - 00:08

        Hey Domingo,

        *10# only works if you are on the telstra network.
        *69 should work if you are on the optus network. if it's a private number then, you wont have any luck.

        Calling the TIO should be a last resort and you should always try and resolve things with your provider before escalating to the TIO. using the TIO to speed up a process that is running at its normal pace is just abusing the service.

        @OP
        The best thing is to alert Optus who will then place something on the service (I believe its called a malicious call trace)but it pretty much begins tracking calls after you have requested it, even if there have been 100 prank calls already, it wont be much help with all of your records until they have place the MCT on your service.

        They will also give you instructions along the lines of leave your handset off the phone for 30 seconds afterwards, and some others too, make sure you follow them, it helps.

        Hope it all works out for you.

      • 

        Trance N Dance on 11/07/2011 - 08:55

        Thanks Modokun,

        But I think the kids got bored after I left the phone off the hook on them the last time they called. Haven't had a prank call in days now.

• 

  Slide To Unlock on 06/07/2011 - 21:55

  Trance and Dance get a super loud high pitch noise when he calls to make him deaf

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 07/07/2011 - 10:33

    Then he does the same next call - not a good idea. Remember he has the number Trance doesn't

    Have the same problem at work - calls to our reception every evening then just hangs up (sometimes says something unintelligible - so not a fax.

    Reception has been told to log calls - so far no one has been able to do anything.

• 

  johnn on 07/07/2011 - 16:26

  +1

  Remember that a lot of these prank callers get their kicks off getting people frustrated.

  A simple rule I use when someone is trying to get under your skin is to simply ignore them, or act completely non-plussed. Sure the REALLY keen ones will keep escalating until you crack, but after a while if they find that they're getting no reaction from you it won't be fun for them anymore and hopefully they'll stop :)

  (rule also applies to internet trolls)

  • 

    Trance N Dance on 07/07/2011 - 17:43

    I wonder if hanging up on them after 10 seconds works.

    • 

      Slide To Unlock on 07/07/2011 - 17:47

      can u like screw them over and do like a really deep voice and act like a cop

      • 

        Trance N Dance on 07/07/2011 - 18:01

        +1

        Hahah I'll keep that in mind.

      • 

        johnn on 07/07/2011 - 18:11

        Let's hope it works out better than the cyber-police ey? hahah

        Is there a tele-police?

      • 

        Trance N Dance on 08/07/2011 - 21:22

        It just hit me that, isn't impersonating an officer illegal?
        Well it hit me, when I was flagging down two officers to help us get rid of this old man who was harassing us.

      • 

        cwongtech on 12/07/2011 - 01:45

        @Trance N Dance
        Say this: Campbelltown Police, Constable Tran speaking, what can I do for you?

    • 

      johnn on 07/07/2011 - 17:51

      I remember at one point when I was getting prank called what I did when I realised it was the prank caller was leave the phone off the hook and continue doing what I was doing. After a few minutes (I assumed) they'd realise and hang up.

      After a few times doing that they stopped trying- after all, it's probably not that fun pranking someone if you're sitting on the line waiting for nothing

      • 

        leonheart1 on 07/07/2011 - 18:06

        +2

        Exactly what I was going to say.
        After all, they gotta pay for the call.

      • 

        altomic on 11/07/2011 - 10:36

        unless they are on an "all you can eat" phone plan.

        if you knew they were paying per call you could sob into the phone "oh, stop ringing me, boo hoo".

        just to encourage them to call again and again. whilst you put the phone down as soon as you realise it is them. and it costs them.

        If you divert the phone to your mobile does this cost the caller more $$?

        that could be a plan. though it may burn legitimate callers.

• 

  Slide To Unlock on 07/07/2011 - 18:55

  Trance and Dance do this when he calls
  Sir I am with The Australian Federal Police and (state ur name) have been making several complaints about a prank caller.Sir you will be sent a fine in ur letterbox and a court date will be scheduled.Any further prank calls will be used as evidence during court.

  • 

    illusionarybreeze on 08/07/2011 - 11:46

    +3

    …Is impersonating the AFP legal?

• 

  dkslim on 07/07/2011 - 22:39

  I find it surprising that it's so easy to get away with pranking people.

• 

  altomic on 07/07/2011 - 22:57

  +6

  sorry trancendance, I didn't realise it was you.