Virgin Mobile Australia - Warning to all Customers! No Protection From Stalkers or Harrassment.

Lfantafox on 30/04/2016 - 09:33
Last edited 30/04/2016 - 10:04 by 1 other user

My partner has been with Virgin Mobile on a prepaid plan for over 10 years. Last week an unknown person started calling and leaving offensive voice and text messages. The matter escalated quite severely over the next 24 hours and as a result we contacted police who advised us to send a SMS reply of 'do not contact me again', and get out telco to block the number. We sent the message to the unknown person and the matter escalated even further - continuous voicemails of really stick stuff - not going into detail but it was very disgusting. Police advised us to reply with 'stop contacting me or I will contact the police' - after a 2nd request to stop it becomes a stalking issue. Again we did it and it got worse. Police urged us to block the number at the telco end as it stops a good percentage of harassment cases.

We contacted Virgin Australia to get the number blocked at the telco end (a simple process I thought) but was advised by Virgin Mobile Australia that this was a function that VMA didn't offer their customers. I referred to their website and found some info on what is required to get a call blocked through VMA - Evidence must be supplied to VMA and they will issue a letter to the offender requesting that the harassment stops. If it persists, more evidence must be provided to VMA and a second letter will be sent to the offender asking then to stop. If the matter still persists, more evidence must be provided to VMA and a third letter will be sent to the offender. If the matter still persists the number will be blocked by Virgin Mobile Australia. All in all probably 5 months, I'm guessing. This process is ridiculous!

I decided to lodge a complaint both online and in person regarding this procedure that I believe fails to extend sufficient levels of security and protection to their customers - especially having been given a directive by police to do so. As expected, no support or response has been received from my online enquiry. From speaking in store with VMA staff, it was clear that they had very little or no knowledge of their companies product. I asked if the my partner could receive a new number considering the circumstances and they responded that it would cost either $25 for a new Virgin number or I could go to Coles and buy a Vodafone SIM for $2 and bring it back for a number change. Zero understanding or compassion. After 10+ years continuous loyalty to a Virgin Mobile Australia, this is what they offer customers in a time of need.

We went straight to the Optus store, discussed call blocking and customer security and protection features at the telco end and was impressed with their knowledge and also the protection 'Yes we offer call blocking if you receive harassing calls'. So we purchased an Optus SIM.

Yesterday we moved forward with police action against this sick and deranged person. Police were gob smacked that a telco had failed to offer a customer any level of protection and have urged me to refer the matter to TIO, as a lack of duty of protection to the customer. I will be referring the matter to them. We were advised that due to the extreme nature of the content of the communications the matter will be escalated the detective level immediately and with the pursuit of stalking and intent to harm charges to be applied. Police have been great to us over the last week.

For any customer who are with Virgin Mobile Australia and are considering joining them, I would strongly advise that you think twice. They have left us totally unsupported in a real time of need. The product they offer is seriously lacking with regard to customer service, security measures and most of all human compassion. From what I can gather, every other telco offer call blocking. Virgin Australia choose not to.

It's easier to get someone charged with a criminal offence than it is to get a call blocked with Virgin Mobile Australia.

Will post updates on the matter being referred to TIO

Thanks guys

Mobile

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Comments

  • Diji1 on 30/04/2016 - 09:56
    +12

    Wow, sounds like someone needs to be locked up for a bit.

  • GordonR on 30/04/2016 - 09:57
    +1

    Sounds awful. Do you know the caller? Or do you know the name of the caller but not know them in person?

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 10:14

      We dont know the caller but the number is coming through so thats good for the police. Probably stolen phone. See where it takes us.

      • PJC on 30/04/2016 - 10:35
        +14

        Post the number here for us to call. After all, he/she likes that sort of thing …

        • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 10:53
          +6

          That was my first throught when this started happening, but playing this guy at him own game is only validating his action. We are all a cut above this deads#£ t. But the thought had entered my head! Thanks!

        • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 10:57

          More Annoyed at virgin than really. I cant make the assumption that this sick loonatic will offer anything except what he has already shown. I made the stupid assumption that virgin would apply some common sense and compassion to a sick situation. Peas in a pod really…

        • PJC on 30/04/2016 - 11:12
          +1

          @fantafox: Yes, but it would be more meaningful if he gets sms and calls from complete strangers. He lacks the consciousness for comprehending a dignified response.

        • nikey2k27 on 30/04/2016 - 21:47
          +3

          @fantafox: post it here and Reddit he get a new number by lunch time tomorrow. I feel wife I had the same problem I call him male voice nice ask him to stop you have bike come around he stop. he thought I was his ex-wife number.

  • spackbace on 30/04/2016 - 10:01
    +29

    Gotta say, it's good that the cops have helped to such a degree on this one! :)

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 10:20
      +3

      Yes mate, very impressed. They seem to have very little tolerance for this type of behavior. And rightfully so.

  • PJC on 30/04/2016 - 10:04
    +2

    Yes, please keep us informed re progress. We have been with Virginmobile 9 years on prepaid ($19 recharge - we mostly call each other), but if we were treated in a similar way I would terminate. Your case is a strong argument for unlock codes.

  • Chux on 30/04/2016 - 10:09
    +8

    Terrible situation. Keep in mind depending on your phone some will offer functionality to block calls/texts on the phone itself.

  • whooah1979 on 30/04/2016 - 11:02

    We contacted Virgin Australia to get the number blocked at the telco end

    would this stop the other party from calling/txt your mobile?

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 11:11

      Yes and no. The abusive calls and smss were coming from the same known number - so in that respect it would have of worked. If the guy got hold of another phone and started from that number it would be needed to be blocked too. From what police have told us, most of these people are so pathetic that if a number can be blocked it will more times than not fix the problem as the offenders cant be bothered getting a new phone - unfortunately they just get a new victim.

    • grimace3 on 30/04/2016 - 11:23
      +1

      Maybe it'll stop them flying the airline "Virgin Australia" but nothing with "Virgin Mobile Australia" ;)

      • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 11:58
        +2

        Haha. No chance. We love the airline virgin Australia ☺

  • Ughhh on 30/04/2016 - 11:33
    +1

    They (callers) probably thought you were someone else they were after. If you have a smart phone, there are apps that can automatically block calls and sms.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 13:14

      My initial thought were that but it became clear very quickly it was a targeted attack.

    • O15 on 01/05/2016 - 11:39

      Probably couldn't stop them from leaving voice mail, though.

  • Hellfire on 30/04/2016 - 11:38
    -3

    Does the OP realise that Optus owns Virgin Mobile?

    • verio on 30/04/2016 - 11:50
      +14

      I don't think that really matters. Optus does not directly control VMA's customer service, just like any subsidiary it has its own management.

      • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 12:02

        Yeah exactly my thoughts.

      • realfancyman on 02/05/2016 - 09:01
        +1

        @brightaussie Yeah exactly. Just like if Jetstar cancels your flight, you don't stop flying with Qantas.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 12:01

      If Optus owns vigin then that is news to me. But I was aware that virgin use the Optus network though. They obviously manage it in a much different manner than Optus do.

      • Peace Maker on 01/05/2016 - 18:55

        Here's a source

        • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 18:59
          +1

          Thanks! Was never aware!

        • Draxxx on 02/05/2016 - 19:21
          +1

          @fantafox:
          As someone who has worked in Telco for 15+ years, I not surprised by this. Second & Third tier Carriers like VMA, TPG, Aldi etc all have limited functionality compared to First tier carriers. There is very little VMA can / will do, unless they have official Police paperwork which can be forwarded to their supplier. TIO won't be able to do much in this instance: They may push Optus to allow wholesalers access to block such calls, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
          (And OP, loyalty literally means nothing these days.)

          While seeking to have this resolved (and anyone else in similar situations) should;
          1) Disable Voicemail
          2) Setup blocks to auto reject & delete any calls / sms's received from this number (easily done with smart phones, even from private numbers)

  • Randxyz123 on 30/04/2016 - 12:01
    +18

    Post on their Facebook page about this and something will be done. Talking to those people in call centres is useless but as soon as you make a public post , the manager in Australia calls you straight away.

    I'd make a formal complaint through the TIO. Virgin is just being lazy here.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 12:05

      Definitely going to TIO. It's more of an awareness issue now letting other people know. We have had to get a new number. But yes fb is a good option. Thanks for the advice.

      • moar bargains on 30/04/2016 - 13:13
        +4

        Yes, do a big dummy spit on FB and/or Twitter - It's actually very effective these days!

        Unfortunately Virgin have gone downhill. I've been a customer almost 10 years too - they were very competitive back in those days. Now that they've grown, they're not competing so hard with the others, so when my current contract finishes in a year or so, I'm gonna put the hard word on them to give me a better deal or I'm going elsewhere!

        • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 13:30

          We have noticed the same- When I searched their outlet locations online to find a store to visit, I noticed that at least 50% had the comment 'no longer open' next to them. Definitely the signs of a business in decline.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2016 - 18:52

          @fantafox:
          that's because Optus bought them out back 10 years ago and have they have been slowly winding down their operation.

    • IHateFrasierCrane on 02/05/2016 - 10:15
      +1

      Came here to write the same. Take it to the TIO, but Facebook the shit out of it. That's THE way these days to get a company to take action, because anything that makes them look bad on social media is a big no no for them.

      Good luck.

  • RockyRaccoon on 30/04/2016 - 12:23
    +2

    This is not a promotion of Apple,its to alert you to another way. Someone with Android might have insight into something similar

    Here is how it can be done on an iPhone, regardless of Telco.

    https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201229

    Advantage is that if the sicko gets another phone (new number) then you can block the calls of that new number(s) eventually they will give up (you hope)

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 12:30

      Thanks mate. My partner has a newish Sony - not sure what model but we couldn't locate it… She used to use a Samsung and she said it was easy on that phone. Definitely handy to know for iPhone users.

      • Ughhh on 30/04/2016 - 13:05
        +4

        As mentioned in my previous comment, there are apps in the Google play store that allow you to block calls and sms.

        • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 13:19
          +1

          I thinks its a positive thing that google play ect offer apps to allow blocking. But I also think it shouldn't offset a Telco's duty of care to a customer. Especially when the request to block was been made by police. With the level of harassment we have received over the past week, i overlooked google play store as a solution.

        • RockyRaccoon on 30/04/2016 - 17:21
          +5

          @fantafox: agree it doesnt let Virgin off the hook, but it does help you avoid some of the drama. Ideally both should be available to you.

      • fozzie on 01/05/2016 - 00:25

        I have a meizu and I can do that and so my family members via iphone. I wish every phone would have that natively..

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2016 - 20:37

      Is there a way to block hidden numbers or send them straight to a voice mail that reads I do not answer hidden numbers.

  • Donaldhump on 30/04/2016 - 17:21
    +12

    Good work virgin, charge someone to change number due to abuse. Like asking a battered wife to pay to make a dvo.

    Buy a whistle and blast this morons ears when he/she rings next.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 18:01
      +1

      Maybe virgin need to include a free whistle in their startup pack.

  • Unorthodox on 30/04/2016 - 18:29
    +1

    You can block phone calls and messages from known numbers.

    You won't even notice it after a while.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 18:33

      We tried to block it on our new Sony but couldn't figure out how to do it. That was our initial thought. Was easy to block on samsung

      • dlovep on 02/05/2016 - 09:17

        Thought you need to add the number in contact, name it something like "Arxehole" or "Do not answer" then block the contact.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2016 - 18:51

        Did you call Sony?

    • fruit on 30/04/2016 - 19:00

      Can you do it on iOS?

  • fruit on 30/04/2016 - 19:00
    +2

    TIO
    I will be referring the matter to them.

    Thanks! Hopefully something happens.

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 23:03
      +1

      Me too. For future customers in the same situation, I just hope they are offered protection from virgin. This is what a customer with 10+ years of loyal is rewarded!!

  • Thefiddler on 30/04/2016 - 20:18
    +2

    Unfortunatly the leadtimes and process is standard throughout all telco's regardless if its mobile or landline i.e send a letter, send another, then another etc. BUT as you are receiving harrassing calls and have escalted the issue to the police and have proof that you have done so, a change of number should be free of charge under the telco act from memory. Try escalating the issue to a manager or team leader before contacting the tio as the tio will only instruct you to do so if you havent before they begin looking into it. Have you mentioned to virgin at all that you're going to contact the tio? Anyone that works for a telco and has half a brain should be aware that anytime a customer contacts the tio with a compliant even if its unfounded or unwarranted, it cost the telco being complained against somewhere between $30-$50 and it just keeps getting more expensive when there is an issue and the tio has to keep being an intermediate. It can quickly cost thousands for the tio following up after just 3 times.
    So in short, its cheaper for virgin to change your number than having to pay the tio's 1st contact fee

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 22:56

      Thanks for the info. After blocking was denied our next preference was to transfer to another number within the network for free so our credit could also be transfered,but virgin were not keen to make any such allowances on their behalf. I drove to the local store and the shop was staffed by what appeared to be high school students with no interest but to sell phones. They commented several times that they were 'sales' people and to call their customer service dept. I mentioned to them I would escalate the matter to the tio and they urged me to do so. Customer service dept was much the same when i called them multiple times. A total lemon on a company.your post is totally logical. It's a shame common sense takes 2nd place to stupidity with virgin mobile. Thanks again for the advice.

      • ExpressCoffee on 01/05/2016 - 23:04

        That is unfortunate to hear but I feel that you shouldn't put the sales people in the store in that box. Their job role is most likely for sales and light support for small issues. Most of the time more complex issues have to be handled by the appropriate department and would usually be an over the phone department. Their attitudes may have been poor still however..

        Very strange that they expected you to pay to change your number. Coming from a mobile sales background in another carrier we never charged for that for nuisance calls ever.

        • fantafox on 02/05/2016 - 03:16
          +1

          Yes it is strange - ive posted a link to their page on your other post. Basically if a crn is quoted it should be not a problem. by the time we started talking new number it was clear we could kill 2 birds with the one stone-New number and new carrier-No more harrassing calls and no more VMA

  • lousy on 30/04/2016 - 21:01
    +2

    Sounds awful - hope this gets resolved for you soon

    • fantafox on 30/04/2016 - 22:57

      Thank you ☺

  • TheBird on 30/04/2016 - 23:15
    +9

    I'm really saddened that no one recommends bikers anymore.

    • UFO on 01/05/2016 - 05:15

      Old school, I like it.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2016 - 16:11

      You need to know who the person is to be able to tell the bikers who to mess up.

      • smartazz104 on 03/05/2016 - 21:25

        Maybe they can find them using just the number…

    • ItsMeAgro on 04/05/2016 - 10:41

      bikers

      I guess paying for their plane tickets from the US was just too much.

  • UFO on 01/05/2016 - 05:15
    +7

    I'm probably going to rock the boat on this one, but once a person continues to harass someone via a telecommunications device, it's a criminal offence and squarely the responsibility of the police.

    Every modern mobile phone allows you to block a number in about 15 seconds, and whilst a telecommunications provider should have the ability the block a number on request, they shouldn't be forced to when requested. The cost and time constraints to a Telco for every person who has an argument with someone and to block them, which for some people could be a new argument every month, is an unfair proposition for a Telco to manage.

    You either proceed criminally, or block it yourself manually. Or, in this case… change providers if you see fit. But there's a reason your partner has been with Virgin for 9 years… price! I've been with them for years as well, and to be frank I'd rather they don't get involved in personal matters like this and keep their costs as low as possible.

    You have every right to go to a full service Telco and complain that Virgin doesn't do everything Telstra does… but if they offer a different product at a different price, that's your choice as a consumer to choose what you require.

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 07:40

      Once a crime has been committed police are responsible for the criminal investigation. A duty of care is still expected from the Telco. I assumed all phones could easily block numbers too but when it came to doing it we couldn't do it. I do imagine Telco's get alot of requests to block at times and by virgin looking at our history over the last 10 years they would see that it has never been requested before. Our request for them to block was not a personal one - it came as recommendation from police that we were acting on. So we were proceeding both criminally and also asking for protection from any forthcoming calls. As mentioned above, a percentage of deranged people will stop doing this is blocking can be imposed. I'm not disputing the cost of VMA and my first preference would be not having to engage a Telco but the circumstances don't permit. Customer security measures shouldn't be subjective issue or relative to price.

      • wukachuka on 01/05/2016 - 10:05
        +1

        I'm calling bs on that.
        google "how to block a phone number on insert phone brand and model"
        follow instructions, fixed without all the drama…

    • Serapis on 01/05/2016 - 12:48
      +1

      Actually agree with this, i don't see why the stalking is Virgin's problem. If you just wanted to change number get a $2 sim from coles and be done with it.

      I don't think OP should be entitled to have a number blocked (only puts a bandaid on the matter anyway) or to have a number since allowing this to everyone will increase the costs of Virgin which leads back to us, the customers.

  • belongsinforums on 01/05/2016 - 07:18
    +2

    So now you're with optus and paying more just to spite them? Tbh virgin don't give a shit. Personally i had crap customer support from optus and moved to telstra, but at least the cost didn't change

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 07:26

      Yes we are with Optus now but as mentioned above, the main issue for choosing Optus was that that they do offer call blocking if requested by police or customer. I too have had crap service from other areas from other Telco's but call blocking was something that never became important to us till a week ago.

      • belongsinforums on 01/05/2016 - 07:38
        +2

        I read the whole thread.
        A while ago I tried to port my number to optus. They absolutely refused to do it. Of course, i wanted to keep my number.
        Unless you need a lot of data, and if you're using an android device, i'd highly recommend switching to telstra or aldi in the future. Telstra credit can be used on the google play store, and you get the best mobile signal available in australia.

        • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 07:42
          -1

          Good to know for future . Thanks for the advice!

        • tonguestones on 01/05/2016 - 11:04

          Why did they refuse to port your number?

        • belongsinforums on 01/05/2016 - 12:32

          @tonguestones: the number is originally an optus number. ported to telstra. tried to port back, and they said they can't do it because its already on their system, despite me being able to prove usage of the number. cucks

      • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2016 - 18:49

        Optus are Virgin; bought them out years ago, and winding back their operation. http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/optus-buys-virgin-mob…

  • T-man on 01/05/2016 - 09:39

    Can you speak another language? Just relay a voice or text messange in another language "You've got a wrong number and laughing ha ha ha…" repeat as necessary.

  • tonguestones on 01/05/2016 - 10:03
    +1

    As someone with personal experience in this - I can tell you how it works.

    UFO is correct; the Police must take 100% responsibility for a matter such as this. The people you speak to at Virgin Mobile, whether representatives, supervisors or otherwise, do not have the ability nor permission to block a number from contacting you on a network level. Representatives will advise you to block the number from a handset level and to contact the Police because that is simply the best thing they can offer you.

    The Police, once finalising your Police Report, should be contacting the provider to request the offending number to be blocked from contacting your phone number. This request is received and actioned by a special team within the provider that deals exclusively with requests from law enforcement. The reason that this may not have been told you by Virgin Mobile staff is because it is not something they need to know - it's something the Police need to know and carry out. Furthermore, should the same thing occur with Optus, your request would reach the same investigation team, and would be subject to the exact same process.

    Whilst it's a shit situation, if the requests don't flow through the appropriate channels, the amount "Police requests" that telcos would have to deal with from people who didn't actually go to the Police would be insurmountable. If the Police are willing to write-up a reported crime, they should also be the ones to follow up instead of asking the victim to call their provider and just say "yeah, the Police sent me".

    • snapper on 01/05/2016 - 11:33

      This sounds logical.

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 11:39

      I will confirm the process with police, but we have experienced a very different process. The process outlined by you sounds logical. I can only assume that the process may change depending upon the state police involved and state / federal laws. I have been advised making harassing calls is a federal offence. Stalking via phone is still under state. Yes definitely a crap situation. what was the outcome in your situation regarding the harassment and police action?

      • tonguestones on 01/05/2016 - 11:59

        Both State and Federal law enforcement will contact the same law enforcement liaison group within each Telco and, from my understanding, the process doesn't change based on where the report originated from.

        In regards to an outcome, I can say that once these requests reach the right people, they always end well.

        If the Police are having a hard time understanding what you're talking about, ask them if they've engaged the "Law Enforcement Liaison Unit (or Group, Team, Division)" within the Telco.

        • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 14:41

          Will do. Cheers for sharing that. Good to know!

    • UFO on 01/05/2016 - 11:40

      Well said tonguestones (and not just because you agree with me) :).

      There's a 'filter' of sorts, where the Telco doesn't have to initiate every single complaint at a network level, because it's just not a feasible solution.

      There's a nuisance, and then there's a criminal act.
      The OP obviously fell into the later category, and has dealt with it appropriately.

      The customer service side of things is a separate issue and based on personal perceptions on what one would expect from a Telco. That is best handled by moving to a competitor… nothing speaks louder than a drop in subscribers. But doing that out of spite (and potentially costing you more to go elsewhere), doesn't make much sense.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2016 - 10:52

    'Yes we offer call blocking if you receive harassing calls'. So we purchased an Optus SIM.

    I feel you should clarify this. Virgin too offers call blocking if you follow the process you outlined.

    Looking at it from another angle. Shit situation, yes, but it makes me wonder - if this is supposedly a 'targeted attack' as you say, firstly why is it targeted? what have you done?

    Also, wouldn't it be better not blocking the caller so you can collect evidence for the police? Hell, hand your phone in to the police and get them to answer the calls.

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 11:30

      Optus advised that blocking would be implementing at the request of police - to provide a police report to block number - no 3 letter process.

      Targeted - obtained victims name from voicemail and made repeated voicemail's and txts.

      We have enough evidence for the police (gathered over 2 days) - there was quickly a sufficient amount to have the person charged with stalking / harassment.

      • UFO on 01/05/2016 - 11:45

        More to it than that mate.

        There's relevant checks the police have to do (too detailed to go into here), that are both time consuming and costly, to ensure what phone called what number and who owned what numbers at those times.

        Then there's the fact that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Part of that proof would involve interviewing the alleged offender.

        Two days wouldn't cut it I'm afraid.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2016 - 11:48
        +1

        Wouldn't Virgin have done the same though? You're saying it was at the recommendation of the police, not with a police report and direction from the police that you attempted to get Virgin to block them.

        Targeted - obtained victims name from voicemail and made repeated voicemail's and txts.

        So "targeted" in the same way that I could dial any random mobile number, hear the name from voicemail then start calling? I get your point, but to me that's hardly targeted. It's just nuisance calls from someone who can hear a name being said on a recording. Don't get me wrong, it's still illegal and not right, but "targeted", to me, is you've got some shady shit going on and they're coming for you.

        From speaking in store with VMA staff, it was clear that they had very little or no knowledge of their companies product.

        That's because they're young sales people who are just trained to answer the most basic of questions like "how to I turn this on?". The more in-depth questions are realistically better off being asked via email or social media message where they can liaise with other teams to get the correct answer and get back to you in due course.

        • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 11:53

          Agree with you on the sales staff issue - definitely young and I did speak with their customer service dept on a supervisory level twice. Not holding anything against their your staff.

          I guess the word 'targeted' can be somewhat subjective. But I reference that work as it is what police chose to describe the pattern on harassment in the police report.

        • nautic on 02/05/2016 - 01:32

          innocent people can and often do get targeted.

        • Ughhh on 02/05/2016 - 08:05

          @fantafox:

          You're probably more of a random victim than a true targeted victim. If it's targeted, you would most likely have an idea who it is, whether it's an angry ex or someone from gumtree who you sold to. Random one's are just empty threats and a nuisance.

          Have you tried asking the who they are and what they want?

          Have they said anything specific or just insults/stuff that could apply to anyone?

        • fantafox on 02/05/2016 - 08:26

          @Ughhh: they obtained first name off voicemail but that is all the real information they have on us. I know what the guy wants - its gross and disgusting. It is random by what you say but the frequency and persistance was worrying. Just a very sick person that needs help and that police would like to know a little more about

        • Ughhh on 02/05/2016 - 09:22

          @fantafox:

          I know what the guy wants - its gross and disgusting.

          So really the guy doesn't want anything from you. If it all just threats are like "I want to stab you and watch you bleed" or something and there's no reason or motives behind it. It's not like the guy wants money for something he believes you owe or you to stay away from so and so. Just block caller using apps, make sure your phone number isn't searchable via phone number, ignore and I'm sure the crazy bored person will go away.

          If it really is targeted, that guy will continue to find you even if you change your number- that's when it becomes scary and real.

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 11:48

      No - Police wont answer your phone for you - wouldn't that be great! They will only peruse the prosecution of committed offences and to prevent further offences (within the scope available to them) - unfortunately they cant just call on your phone. They have procedure to follow.

    • Musing Outloud on 02/05/2016 - 16:32

      TBH I am pretty disappointed that this service Optus offers is not something required by all Telco's under the law. However all Telco's have procedures for this sort of thing. It would seem the fastest way to get a response is to involve the Police (as you've already done) but also ask them to tell you the best internal Police Department to speak to (i.e. the ones that do this everyday), and always ask about the process, the next steps and options you have available.

      Police aside, here is one website with some legal advice: http://www.lawstuff.org.au/nsw_law/topics/article8

      And Telstra's process is: http://exchange.telstra.com.au/2012/07/10/how-to-stop-unwelc…

      Optus may want to charge you for certain actions: http://www.optus.com.au/shop/support/answer/stop-unwelcome-o…

      And worst of all Virgin (as they are failing to follow their own written procedures documented here): https://community.virginmobile.com.au/t5/General-knowledge-b…

  • ikago on 01/05/2016 - 13:37

    Thanks for sharing this experience, I'll get out of VMA too!
    Hope everything gets sorted soon!

    • fantafox on 01/05/2016 - 14:39

      Thanks for the support

  • Conka on 01/05/2016 - 15:42
    +1

    Suggest that you name and shame your telco on social media.

  • Lets Make Sandwiches on 01/05/2016 - 18:10
    +1

    The whole system is a joke. I once had someone harassing me from an unknown number - none of the telcos provide any assistance in this situation. The people responsible for the harassment have all the protection and the innocent person has none. You've basically got no option but to change number.

    Nobody should be allowed to call you by a private number.

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