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New Gadget Blocks 'Spam' Phone Calls

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the this-doesn't-sound-right dept.

Smivs writes "The BBC report on a new gizmo that can block/filter spam phone calls. The system basically intercepts all calls. If it recognizes them as a friend or a member of the user's family — numbers on the so-called star list created by the user — it lets them through as normal. If the caller's number is on a zap list — numbers of telemarketers or other nuisance callers — the device answers it, and all future calls from that number, with an automated message which means the phone does not ring at all. If the system doesn't recognize the caller's number, or the caller withholds their number, it asks them who they are, puts them on hold and then rings the user's phone. The user has the option of taking the call, having the system take a message, or they can reject the call and add the number to the 'zap' list. Users can add callers to their 'star' list by pressing the star button on their phone at any point during a call." So wait, they can't spam me twice? If I press a button? And if they actually show their phone number on my caller ID? What about the auto insurance scammers that hit me 10x/week?

4 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. What if a Robo-call.... by sam0737 · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...call into this auto-answer system?

    Will two robot start chatting together? We should definitely put some recording to watch them or else the first two machines that pass turning test might gone unnoticed.

  2. round here we call that fangled gadget a secretary by Capn_Snazzy · · Score: 4, Funny

    but I would love to set up a touch tone menu for just the telemarketers. --press 1 if you are an annoying caller --press 2 if you are probably just trying to waste my time --press 3 if your intention is to sell me something --press 4 if you just want me to answer your questions for free --but not actually buy anything --press 5 for another menu --press 6 to hear these options again --press 7 seven three three... two three three... five five..one to connect to a live operator (really it would just be another menu but this time with 130 different options spoken in a heavy Scottish slang)

  3. Re:Hey, we could use that in the U.S. too by xerxesVII · · Score: 5, Funny

    I write robo-call software...

    I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your tireless efforts to make the world a better place.

    --
    "We shall grapple with the ineffable, and see if we may not eff it after all." - Douglas Adams
  4. Re:Hey, we could use that in the U.S. too by supernova_hq · · Score: 4, Funny

    I write robo-call software

    Of all the times not to hit the "Post Anonymous" check box.