How Do I Prevent Unwanted Calls? (Not Telemarketers)

[Deactivated] on 20/07/2016 - 23:40

Long story short I recently took out a new plan with Optus and with it received a new number. It seems as if whoever owned the number before me owes a company (I believe Energy Australia, it was mentioned in a few calls) some money. Now I'm having debt collectors and what-not constantly calling the number asking if (censoring name) is available. I explain I've only had the number for a few weeks and no one by that name is here and they then usually apologize and claim they'll remove the number from their register. A day or two will go by and I'll receive yet another call (some on the same number, some different numbers) asking for the same person yet again, only to have the same conversation once again.

Beyond blocking the numbers (which I've started doing), what are my options for forcing them to actually take my number off their system? I don't know the person they're looking for and have no involvement in the monies they owe - it's nothing to do with me. Every call they advise me the number will be removed, though still I'll receive yet another call from a new number a few days later. Will I possibly have to request Optus to provide a new number or is there other options?

Mobile

Comments

  • shanakatak on 20/07/2016 - 23:59

    Lodge a firmal complaint then take it up with the financial ombudsman service.
    They can only call so many times a week and may be liable for harrasment.
    https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/how-to-com…

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 04:40

      It's only usually 2-3 times a week (nothing TOO bad), though it's a little annoying as I myself never gave them permission to call at all. Any clue on the exact figures/criteria for it to count as harassment?

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 09:13

          It's all within these limits (under 10 a month, etc), the only problem is I'm not even the person they're after. Due to them being given this number (I assume it was on file when the debt was passed on to a collector) I believe at this stage the calls are legal as far as debt collector laws go.

        • shanakatak on 21/07/2016 - 13:42

          @dyl:
          Its probably worth just getting a new number

  • Nomic on 21/07/2016 - 00:04
    +2

    I had a similar experience but it was on a pre-paid sim (yay Ozbargain!) which expired after thirty days. The debt is probably being packaged and re-sold and the number is travelling with it.

    I'd contact Optus for a new number.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 04:42
      +1

      Yeah I assumed it was resold debt due to how hard they were trying.

      Might try making a complaint and seeing how that goes then go with a new number if it fails.

  • Ryanek on 21/07/2016 - 09:08
    +1

    You've only had it for a few weeks? Get a new number!

  • Speckled Jim on 21/07/2016 - 10:02
    +1

    (Assuming this is to your mobile, and you use android).

    I installed a call blocker to the Mrs phone. In addition to adding numbers to block, you can also block all and only allow numbers from a white list. What I like about it is you have no clue a call was attempted from the blocked number unless you open the app and check the log.

    Afraid I forget the name of the app, but there are many like it out there.

  • MasterScythe on 21/07/2016 - 12:40

    Did they stop the 3 year "sanitation" period on mobile numbers recently?

    that is, if its used, it gets blacklisted for 3 years and then can be resold?

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 17:04

      Seems like it, though hard to be sure.

      Usually debt is sold along with the customers contact details, this could happen months after it's owed. I was thinking more around the six-month blacklist mark, though even 3 years COULD be plausible.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 14:17

    Take the call and pretend to be the ex-owner, AND ask the debt collector to visit you at your house for prompt full payment.
    When he arrives video him and tell him you are the new owner, tell him to EFF off as he is now trespassing and to never contact you again.

    He will have wasted time and be embarrassed, and you have him on video as having told him never to contact you.

    Option: Invite him into your house and sexually torture him.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2016 - 17:05
      +1

      Bit risky this, I don't want to be claiming ownership of the debt (even as a joke), though I did have thoughts of stuffing with them a bit.

  • EnergyAustralia on 22/07/2016 - 13:16
    +2

    Hi Dyl, hope you are well. Firstly, please accept my apologies for the harrassing phone calls you have been receiving. I would be frustrated if this was happening to me too. I would like to take the opportunity to investigate our database to have your mobile number removed. Are you able to send me an email at [email protected] with your details including your phone number so I can assist you further? I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and I look forward to your email.

    Kind Regards,
    Christina

    • [Deactivated] on 22/07/2016 - 21:26

      I'm not entirely sure if it is anything to do with Energy Australia (it was simply mentioned in a single voice mail message and in one call - could have been something different, though doubtful as I've never been involved with Energy Australia), though I'll be sure to email in the morning to have it looked on to. Thanks for the help!

      • PVA on 22/07/2016 - 21:32

        it may be debt collectors trying to recover a debt for energyaustralia.
        energyaust may still be able to help you by tracking your number to an account of theirs thats at the debt collections and inform/change the number as not a valid contact.

  • PVA on 22/07/2016 - 21:28

    its only a new phone service so go back to Optus and say you have to have a new number.

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