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  • Category: Miscellaneous
    Points:5 (₹ 5)

    How to effectively handle promotional telephone calls?

    I don't know as to how to ensure hundred percent that no promotional calls are received on the phone. I am generally aware about the 'do not disturb' feature and often hear people talking about the same, but have never been able to apply the same effectively.
    Of course such numbers are not saved in the system and appear on the screen as unknown numbers, but we cannot simply reject all such calls due to the obvious apprehension that the same may be some important call from some known person whose number is not saved in the system.
    It irritates on taking such calls and I personally feel pity about such callers. I don't know how shabbily such callers are being treated by the individuals to whom they call and thus intrude upon their private life unsolicited.
    What are your experiences about such promotional calls and how to deal with such calls effectively?
  • #564514

    Points:2
    Just use the Truecaller to block the calls. The Truecaller will identify the caller, and if it says that it is a spam call then just use the block option. The next time when you receive the call from the same number, your phone will automatically disconnect the call. Of course, you will get to know about the number in your call logs.

    DND is another option one can go for but it is not all that effective. Using DND & the Truecaller simultaneously is the best option.

    Hope it helps!
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564544

    Points:2
    I have registered for the facility of DND. So I do not get much promotional calls. In some phones there is a facility add an incoming number in the blocked list. Some have features to mark them as 'unsolicited' or 'advertisement' etc, and that will serve as an alert to us.

  • #564557

    Points:5
    First of all I blame the social media which takes our birth date and telephone numbers in the name of security check, do display our numbers to others and thus those gullible on line tele callers disturb us even at odd hours. Once I was riding the scooter and I was amid the traffic and waiting for the traffic signal to turn green. At that time I received a call from 10 digit mobile number. Normally I ignore the service calls from the operators but this one being from cell with 10 numbers I thought some known people are doing call to me. To my surprise the lady caller asked me for two minutes time and started to explain about credit cards. I slammed her to respect that I am in the traffic jam and how can I talk to her, for that she says take the vehicle to side and talk. I said this my last warning and I shall make complaint to police for harassing and for that the girl said sorry and call disconnected.
    K Mohan
    'Idhuvum Kadandhu Pogum "
    Even this challenging situation would ease

  • #564568

    Points:4
    Well, I use Truecaller on my phone and it effectively lets me know of the details of the unsaved numbers. Yes - there is an issue wherein it makes your phone a little slower to respond. Even if the app lets go of any call, you can later add the number to the blocked list so that the call from the same number will not get through. The caller will get a busy tone and you will just get a notification.

    DND is not a good idea. The first thing being it is not effectively managed. Many promotional calls get through the system. Moreover, DND will not screen the numbers based on whether they are genuine. It will block even the important numbers which are not promotional in nature.
    Live....and Let Live...!

  • #564579

    Points:1
    #564514 - I have installed true caller app and sometime use also to check few numbers. Are all calls to be routed through true caller for restricting the undesirable calls? Will that not breach the privacy of the user? After all true caller creates its database from the particulars of the users only.
    Let us encourage each other in sharing knowledge.

  • #564639

    Points:5
    Browse the internet for some hilarious ideas to play a prank on telemarketers. There are some wonderful ideas.
    1. When some pesky telemarketer starts the conversation with 'how are you madam?" I rant of my woes – about the maid not having arrived or the leak in the kitchen tap or something silly.
    2. When they ask to speak to me for a few minutes I tell them sure, give me a minute, I'll just be back. Put the phone down and carry on with my work. If they are still on the line a minute later, I ask them to hang on, I'll just be back.
    3. If a telemarketer speaks to me in Tamil and starts off with 'vanakkam' (hello in Tamil – sounds like 'wanna come' in English!). I say, yes all of us will be joining you. Please add my brother-in-law to the list. I confirm if the trip is fully paid for. I continue talking, not giving them a chance to respond. Most get baffled by my response and disconnect.

  • #564641

    Points:5 (₹ 3)
    Kailash,
    Yes, all calls need to pass through the Truecaller. For that, the app should always be connected to the net. When one gets a call from a number saved in the mobile, then the mobile will display the name saved in the mobile & simultaneously the truecaller will display a random name (random in the sense that different people might have saved the same number differently according to their needs). When someone gets a call from an unknown number, the Truecaller will give you a name which most of the times helps in identifying the caller.

    For keeping the Truecaller always on, one needs to keep the mobile data always on. Whenever one is within its preferred WI-fi zone, the mobile will automatically connect to WI-fi and when is out of the WI-fi range, the Truecaller will automatically start using mobile data.

    Importantly:- The name is Gypsy and you must address me by that name. Otherwise do not use anything at all. It feels like that I am a robot in a sci-fiction movie when someone addresses me by a number.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564645

    Points:1
    Juana,

    I don't think Mohan will find that idea amusing, assuming that he is riding his scootie in 40+ temp in Hyderabad.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564653

    Points:2
    Two-wheeler riders answering unsolicited calls should do what I suggested in point #2. Say hello, ask the caller to hold on, place the phone back in the pocket and continue riding the vehicle.

  • #564654

      

    Points:2
    Can anyone help to check out this problem for land line users? This problem persists not only at my home but my office land line number also getting disturbed.
    Regards,
    Jagdish

  • #564655

    Points:1
    I am not sure if using the phrase 'honey trapping' will be appropriate to describe the tactics of marketing agencies by employing sweet talking individuals for such calls. I generally listen for few seconds their introductory crap and then speak unambiguously that I am not interested in the product.
    Let us encourage each other in sharing knowledge.

  • #564657

    Points:3
    Jagdish,
    Here is an idea which may or may not work - transfer all the incoming calls of the landline to your mobile. Turn on the Truecaller on your mobile. Let the Truecaller do the identification job for you.

    The probable hitches:-
    a) There are chances that your mobile may show the number of your landline for the calls transferred from your landline. It depends on your service provider and
    b) You may be charged for outgoing calls on your landline for all the calls which get transferred to your mobile. Again, it depends on your service provider

    It should work most probably.

    @ Juana:- Isn't using the Truecaller a better idea than stopping the scootie in the middle of the road at 1 PM? Just wondering!
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564666

      

    Points:4
    My sister does not have a smart phone, but an ordinary mobile phone (Samsung) so she cannot download any apps for blocking promotional calls. The block number feature is there, though, and she has used it, but surprisingly, she said she still gets calls from a number which is...er...a sleazy recording. Since she is aware of this number, of course, naturally she stopped answering the call at all after that first time. Why is the block feature on her phone not stopping this call from coming in though? Can anybody guide on this what can be done?
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #564672

    Points:5 (₹ 3)
    Vandana,
    You mean to say that despite of adding the number to the blocked list, she is getting the calls? If so, then the chances are
    a) she might not have fed the number properly (some digit may be missing) or
    b) she might have added the number to the blocked list but may not have turned the blocking feature on. Those are two different things or
    c) she might have just added the number and might not have added the codes preceding the number (0 for mobile & 0xx for the landline)
    d) If it still does not work, switch off & switch on the phone & try again with a sample number
    e) If it still does not work, then copy the phone book (& of course all the data) to the sim, and restore the factory settings. Try again
    f) If it still does not work, then it needs software update from Samsung's authorized service center which should cost around 500-1000 depending on the model . In that case it is better to buy a new phone.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564673

    Points:4
    Gypsy – I am not contesting which is a better option. I am giving my method of dealing with irritating callers.

    Vandana has stated a point I wanted to make, regarding people with normal cell phones. Smartphones are not allowed in some sensitive work environments and employees carry ordinary mobile phones with them. My daughter has two mobiles – one a high-end device and the other an ordinary Samsung phone for use within the office.

    I wonder what happens if someone known to us uses an unknown number or acquires a new SIM to call us. How does Truecaller identify the caller?

  • #564674

    Points:1
    DND (Do Not Disturb) is now known as National Customer Preference Registry (NCPR). However the communications transmitted by the state or central Government or its agencies don't fall under the Unsolicited Commercial communication (UCC) category. The following url gives useful relevant information on the subject matter -
    http://www.telecomdiary.com/in/faq/dnd-faqs-india/
    Let us encourage each other in sharing knowledge.

  • #564675

    Points:5
    I regularly receive promotional telephone calls. In fact, I have analysed and am astonished to find that number of such calls received by me outnumbers essential calls which I receive in my cellphone.

    How do I deal such calls? It depends upon my mood. During Saturdays (when I happen to be at home) and Sundays, I enjoy my afternoon nap. If I receive promotional calls at that time, the concerned telemarketing executive gets a piece of my mind. However, when I am free and receive such calls, I respectfully deal with them and say that I cannot afford the product being promoted by the executive. If she/he persists, I respectfully tell him/her that my 'Guru' (religious teacher-although I have none) has strictly forbidden me to indulge in material pleasures. I have found that this works wonder.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #564676

    Points:0
    Juana,
    To each his own!
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564679

    Points:3
    I am replying to this thread because I have just got a promotional call from a service provider and "True caller" found it out. I just cut the call or let it ring till end then I block that number. True caller app is the best options as suggested by Gypsy. Even if any one cal from new SIM, the name (most of the time) appear whoever having the sim in their name. Even if not name, you can easily trace the location from where you got the call.

  • #564700

    Points:8 (₹ 8)
    To prevent unnecessary calls from newly started mobile numbers I answer the caller briefly and nicely and tell them to not call again. Then I add that no. to my contact list, named as "Don't Answer" or Don't Answer1". DND works good for known numbers. I still get some calls once in a while from my mobile's company about new products.

    For all people who use TrueCaller, you might change your mind about using TrueCaller if you are particular about your privacy. There is way too much info taken from you, and there are loopholes in the Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy for TrueCaller to work around your objections. Your Google/Facebook/… info is also taken in for purposes that suit TrueCaller. You have no way of finding out that TrueCaller is selling your info gathered about you from other sources. You have no guarantee that you will not receive unregistered telesales people contacting you. You can see these in their Privacy statement/Terms and Conditions – be prepared, these are long, long files with much legal and self-justification text, and very boring. That's why almost nobody reads them.

    You don't really get something for free – there are strings attached whether one wants to know about this or not.

    You can't blame social networks for taking information. They are not taking but you are WILLINGLY giving away a lot of information. Even if you get into a social network with fake name and number, by just connecting with another social networker you are giving info away by the fact the other person is not bothered about privacy. One can build a profile of you using second hand info and get your full information from social networks.

    You can do all the things you do with friends/relatives without using ANY social networks, and prevent some unnecessary callers coming to you. All it takes is to buck the tide of falling in line with what everyone does.

  • #564702

    Points:1
    Jeets,
    Refer to "Even if any one cal from new SIM, the name (most of the time) appear whoever having the sim in their name."

    No, it does not work like that. Truecaller is a community of mobile phone users. The service providers do not provide the name of the sim-owner to the Truecaller. It is the members of the community who add a particular mobile number to their phone & the Truecaller updates the same to its database by automatically syncing the phone.

    So, there are chances that when someone buys a new sim and uses it for the first time (or till the time someone adds that number to the Truecaller database), the Truecaller may not provide any name for the number. I am not aware of any such system or app which can help in identifying the caller in such a case.

    You have also stated - "you can easily trace the location from where you got the call". Are you sure about that info? I think that only the city can be traced & not the exact location of the sim. Of course, the service providers & the law enforcement agencies have the means to trace the sim till the last few meters, but the commoners can't do that. Please clarify.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564768

    Points:5 (₹ 5)
    Truecaller works wonders. If you are worried about too much of your private info being made public via truecaller then simply don't sign in to truecaller using a social media account.
    Coming to how does truecaller work. If you have saved your own details in truecaller then when you call someone who doesn't have your number saved but has truecaller then they will see the details you have updated. For example, I have put in a pet name instead of my real name in truecaller and people who call me see that name flashing.
    In case you don't have truecaller yourself. If any one who has your number saved in their contact list has truecaller then the name by which your name has been saved will show up when you call someone who doesn't have your number saved. So sometimes you will see truecaller identifcation as "Pinky Mausi" or "Bunty Doodhwala" or "Pakau Airtel".
    So basically truecaller collects number information from people who have installed truecaller themselves and their contact lists. Similarly it will also show you spam callers on the basis of number of users who have reported the spam.
    Truecaller does affect the privacy of your number even if you don't have it, as users of premier paid version of truecaller can actually get phone numbers of people simply by searching for their name and location.

    If I do receive a promotional call, I am usually polite and tell them I have already purchased what they are selling. I also follow tactics similar to Juana's for crank calls/wrong numbers when I end up receiving them.
    Regards,
    Farheen

  • #564801

    Points:4
    Gypsy, you are absolutely right and thank you for your detailed explanations. It really doesn't work the way I have mentioned in my reply. Later Farheen response made it very clear as how it actually work. Thank you both of you.

    However, when I said you can find the location, I did't mean tha "exact location" (of course not). One can find the state locations and if one use GPS to search more details through true caller. The city can be easily trace and the nearer land mark of the caller. Though one can't find the exact locations as you have already mentioned.

  • #564804

      

    Points:2
    Gypsy,

    As per the response you gave (#564672), we could not locate any blocking feature as such on the phone (the model is Duos), which you said is different from a blocking list. Since the number has been blocked at least 3 times now and no call has come in from there for last 2 weeks at least, let's just hope the problem has been resolved. Thanks for your guidance.
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #564811

    Points:1
    Jeets,
    Well after reading your response, I switched the GPS on & tried to locate my own mobile phone on the online trackers using Google maps. It showed my phone at five different locations, and all the locations were 15-20 Kms or even more away from my real location. So, I don't think that works with GPS either.

    I haven't ever felt the need to use the premium service (the paid one), so can't comment on that. If Farheen has used the premium service (the paid one), maybe she can enlighten us on the issue. No pun intended, Farheen!

    @ Vandana, It may vary from model to model. Glad that the calls have stopped.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564822

      

    Points:2
    Very informative thread. I read all the responses carefully.
    I do receive advertisement calls but most of the time, the number starts from unusual digits- 1408, and this gives me hint that is call is an advertisement call.

    Apart from calls, I am tired of receiving lots of promotional SMSs from various brands like Freecharge, SnapDeal, Flipkart and many more. If someone can guide me for this.
    Padmini

    Living & Learning- simultaneous processes!

  • #564824

    Points:1
    Padmini,

    You can block the numbers from which you receive the SMS too using the block option for SMS if you are using an android phone.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564830

    Points:5
    Well, Truecaller is the best when it comes to blocking unwanted calls. I have been using it since long.
    The service compiles its database from what we call "Crowdsourcing". When you begin using Truecaller, it collects data from your phonebook and syncs it with its database. Whenever you receive a call from the particular number, the name it has been referred to as majority is displayed on your screen. So the service will not work if anyone buys a new SIM and calls you. It will just display the number and approximate location. You will never be able to get the exact location at all. As for instance, my location will be displayed at Panaji or Maharahtra, while I live in Ponda which is around 30 km away from Panaji.
    But yes, once you receive a call and save it to your blocked list, the service will block all calls from that particular number.
    Live....and Let Live...!

  • #564831

      

    Points:2
    Dear Gypsy, these promotional messages usually come from some free SMS service providers and do not have any number which can be blocked.
    It comes with a name like- VM-611123, VM-SNAPDL and many more. So, these messages are not associated with any number.
    Padmini

    Living & Learning- simultaneous processes!

  • #564832

    Points:1
    Padmini,

    Still they can be blocked the same way, I guess. You may give it a try.

    Edit:- Those are not from any free SMS service providers. Those companies send them in bulk (like 50,000 or 1 lakh), that is why they get such type (VM-611123, VM-SNAPDL) of numbers.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #564833

    Points:2
    Many of such calls may be genuine but my view is shouting or scolding of such callers are not correct way as the callers are just paid persons and their earning is based on their such calls. We have to handle their calls smoothly and if possible by noting their numbers we can avoid taking or we can block such calls.

  • #564834

    Points:3
    Gypsy, after your response I have checked few of my own working staffs's locations and it all saying the same (not exactly correct, but somehow close to the locations). However, as per my own experience the accuracy of location is sometimes in doubt. Once, I checked my locations through a chatting app and I was shown in different continent forget about anywhere in India! So, we can not say that what it shown there (location) is exactly correct.

  • #565173

    Points:1
    Bala,

    Refer to your response #564700. Frankly speaking, I could not make out what you are trying to say.

    Are you trying to say that those who are particular about their privacy should not use Truecaller? If so, then I beg to differ.

    I will explain it with an example:- Suppose I have a friend named Krishna Sharma. He uses a mobile but is averse to Truecaller. So, he does not use Truecaller. Fine. Now, as he is a friend of mine, I save his number on my mobile. Similarly, he must be knowing 100s of people and some of them might be using Truecaller like me. So, some of them might save his number on their mobile. Would his number be not available in the Truecaller database despite of his unwillingness? I think it would be there in the Truecaller database and I further think that he cannot do anything about it.

    Can you suggest a way out for him to protect his privacy except that he should not use a mobile?
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #565195

    Points:5
    Gypsy,

    It is almost impossible to keep your privacy safe nowadays. But one can make it a bit difficult by using separate phone number and email ID for different purposes and not to mix the same. You can minimize the exposure to public what needs to be private.

    Using 2 different phones is better – 1st a 'smart' phone for internet plus Truecaller/gmail/whatsapp/facebook etc. all fully public which you can't avoid even if you never visit those sites or use the apps. Your profile will be built 2nd hand by others in your contact list, so you may want to choose if you should use your actual birthday/full legal name/PAN number etc for verification purpose by Google or Microsoft etc. Here it is very important NOT to do any financial use with any app given freely by social networks and banks and payment sites.

    If you invite someone for an occasion, call their number directly instead of writing on their facebook page (or even chat private). It is possible to live off the social network sites and be happy. Tell your friends and relatives to not tag you anywhere or greet you for your birthday online – ask to do it direct phone (may not work).

    The 2nd phone, even an ordinary basic phone, is for phone calls and sms only, no internet and no apps of any kind. Create a 2nd email id which you access only by going to internet by typing gmail.com on the address bar. This can be used only for your bank account, online bills and tax and legal purposes only. Not to be used to call/email a friend or relative for any purpose, in fact it need not be known to anyone who does not need to know. It just takes one call/email to a social networked person to lose privacy of this number.

    Keep on the contact list only those numbers from the bank, service provider, tax man, etc. Do not answer any other call even if you feel deep pangs of guilt stabbing your internet-conscience.

    It used to be that the email addresses stayed on its own. Now these are made into google or hotmail/outlook accounts by default. Hotmail or outlook.com IDs are automatically linked to Skype. All these are kept in "available" status until you change each item manually to offline.

    It is one thing for our own country to keep track of citizens. It is a completely different and bad thing when other countries are tracking you and profiting from selling your info. So make it difficult for those folks by using God-given sense and choice.

  • #565238

    Points:1
    Bala (#565195),

    Why should one keep two mobile phones & take all those steps? Beats me! Are we doing anything illegal? Would one not be branded as a paranoid for doing what you have suggested (like requesting your friends & relatives not to wish you & not to tag you!)? Instead of doing all that, isn't it better to be extra cautious when it comes to money matters?

    At least for me, it would suffice! (No offense intended!)
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!

  • #565249

    Points:5
    I lost my account twice.
    A close friend lost identity, got slapped with FIR and had to prove innocence in court.
    Another friend got hacked out of his life totally.
    All problems traced to casual attitude while on social networks. That was enough for me to take those steps. We don't do illegal things. Others do prey upon dumb folks like the above three, till some wisdom seeped in!

    As for being branded paranoid and other terms; that is exactly the peer pressure will make people to become gullible and spiel out everything in public places. We all have heard about Bill Gates/Zuckerberg/Sundar Pitchai/etc. and talk like we know them personally. The point is do those people know you?

    Since those folks do not know me, I decided to read through the Privacy policy and the T&C to find out what they are going to know about me. I found it was all stacked in their favor far more legally and personally than I felt comfortable with. Then I made calculated choices on how much I want to agree with them or not. Happy and free!

  • #565262

    Points:3
    I seldom receive promotional calls. If received, I enjoy talking to them, and finally say ," Sorry, I shall contact you if there is a need" Why make the caller unhappy? Let us please others with our sweet tongue. But I will be ever careful not to reveal my identity or important personal details which would cause damage to me. I play with them for joy and happiness and to pass time. While I am busy, I disconnect the call.
    No life without Sun

  • #565271

    Points:1
    Bala,

    Of course there are predators out there, I do agree, and one must be on his toes always, I agree to that too. But, the level of precautions you are suggesting & your analogies are beyond my level of understanding. It is not that I have never lost a phone or a wallet in my life. I lost my wallet twice in my life and lost a phone (have been using since 1997) just once in my life. Filed the e-FIRs, got the cards blocked within half an hour and got my DL again. Never got my accounts hacked. Did not face any sort of trouble due to the lost phone or the wallets. That is it. Maybe I was not as unlucky as the three mentioned in your examples.

    I think that the thread has veered towards privacy from how to effectively handle promotional telephone calls. So, I would like to put the matter to rest.

    To each his own!

    @ Sun:- If you have that much time to talk to those pretty young ladies on the other side of the phone, then please do continue. I would rather use DND & Trurecaller. To each his own!

    I am through with this thread. The thread initiator may request the editors to lock the thread as & when he deems it fit.
    When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new!


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