Blocking Annoying Cell Phone Callers?

RobertB-DC asks: "Twice a week, for the past several months, I receive a call on my cell phone, from a 'Restricted' number. It's always the same: 'Please hold for an important non solicitation message.' It then tells me to call 1-800-842-0640 for further instructions. When I call (from a CID-blocked work phone), all I can get from them is the company name: NCO. They won't tell me more about their company unless I tell who I am. Verizon says they can't block the caller. Short of exposing my own identity to someone I don't know, how can I get rid of these annoying calls?" Are there cell phone carriers who are progressive enough to offer call blocking services of some kind?

Comments

Maybe you need to pay something?

[Lshmael]

That could be the case if this is the "NCO" that is calling you.

Okay, I just called them

[Anonymous Coward]

They're a credit agency .

Collections

[Greyjack]

NCO is a collections company. Odds are they're calling to collect on an outstanding bill; have you tried giving 'em your cell# (since they obviously already have it) to try and find out what the hell they're calling for?

Also, keep in mind, they already have your cell number -- it's not like it'd be all that hard for 'em to get your name anyway. After all, you gave your credit card info to your cell provider, right? Yes? Well, your info's already in the system, then, so quit worrying about what *might* happen, 'cause it already *has*.

Symbian call blocker

[yelvington]

Owners of smart phones running Symbian OS can install call-blocking software:

http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/software/nokia_365 0_ software.htm

There may be similar software for other phones.

Or you could install one of those Microsoft phones and be free of all incoming calls.

To deal with collection agencies....

[poofmeisterp]

Very good information to help you deal with collection agencies at:

Freeadvice.com

This is a link to the forums. You can find decent credit and collections-related information off the main site, as well.

Collection Agency Practices

[Kane Skalter]

Perhaps you should use the following to get them to cease communication via your cell phone. I am convinced that accruing minutes on your cell phone (I know some plans are unlimited, but most aren't) would be tantamount to causing you to incur a charge. In English, that means it's your dime, not theirs. You are paying out money to accept their call. If it was a landline and you were not limited on minutes of usage, it would be an entirely different story. Perhaps you should return their call and insist on alternate means of communication. If it is a collection agency for a debt that you do owe, then you should communicate with them. If you do not owe the debt, then you should notify them verbally and in writing of a dispute.

Here's what the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has to say about it.

808. Unfair practices [15 USC 1692f]

(5) Causing charges to be made to any person for communications by concealment of the true propose of the communication. Such charges include, but are not limited to, collect telephone calls and telegram fees.

Thanks for your help! (from submitter)

[RobertB-DC]

Thank you to all for your help! Here's my action plan:

* I know I didn't have any unknown outstanding debts on my record in April, but there are some medical bills that may have been added since then. I'll get a new credit report and see what's been going on lately. I used myFICO once before, but their price seems to have gone up... I'll have to look for an alternative. Fortunately, I've been turned down enough times while looking for new home financing, that I should be able to get a free report. :)

* If nothing shows up there, I'll follow up on the company name that this AC managed to get out of the 800 number. NCO Credit Services has three numbers and several emails listed on their "Contacts" page... someone should be able to tell me if they have a gruff-voiced robot that calls and leaves "non solicitation messages".

* Once I feel like I have a clue who's calling, I'll be more comfortable telling them who I am. Your information has been very valuable, especially the part about collection agencies in the US being barred from costing me money when they collect. That implies that these folks *will* care that they're calling on a cell phone.

Thanks again, everyone, for your help. Good luck, and God bless!