Ghost calls from scammers to 0800 number

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › Ghost calls from scammers to 0800 number

gareth41

742 posts

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#204856 20-Oct-2016 15:25

Our company has several 0800 numbers with Vodafone terminated to mobiles, one of them has been receiving ghost calls from scammers every 2-3 days at a cost of $1.49+GST per call due to it being of international origin. The calls only last 5 seconds with silence before they are hung up by the other end. The number is on caller ID and shows as an Australian number with +61, will post if required.

I was under the impression 0800 numbers could only be called within NZ?

I called 777 and spoke with customer services, was told they can not block incoming calls, basically there was nothing they could do. Changing the 0800 number is not an option due to years worth of customers and advertising etc... Also asked to block all international calls because we don't deal with anyone internationally, also cant be done.

What are our options here? If this continues or becomes more frequent its $1.49+GST every time, even without answering and letting the calls hit voicemail (no messages are left). Worst case is these crooks bombard us with countless calls costing us hundreds everyday which would very much bring our business to a standstill. What can be done in this scenario?

davidcole

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#1655188 20-Oct-2016 16:24

Can't the mobiles themselves block the numbers? iOS has a block feature - but I'd be tedious to add a bunch on numbers to it. And actually with iOS 10 there are now some call spam app, for blocking via black lists. I'd assume android also has that feature.

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kiwigeek1

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#1655212 20-Oct-2016 16:47

are they scammers do they talk? I know i sometimes mistype a 0800 hit a key next to one want and

not sure if did or not until it rings

I would think you can get spark to block all non local numbers to it perhaps someone from there

will answer you (I know vodafone mobile dont give options)..whos you 0800 with?

I checked and spark allow international baring

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/landline/plans-services/call-barring/

but yeh you can block calls and text on android with apps. so it dont ring and thus not pick up

and get a charge

im sure my work 0800 blocks mobiles to it and only allows local callers

CYaBro

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#1655240 20-Oct-2016 17:03

You've answered your own question haven't you?

If you don't deal with international customers, and can see that the call is from +61 then don't answer it.

I get heaps of international calls to my mobile and just ignore them.

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tripp

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#1655287 20-Oct-2016 17:52

The only issue is if you reject the call and it goes to voice mail then he still gets charged the per minute rate.

Not much help ignoring it as the scammer etc could just keep it ringing all day/night.

kiwigeek1

637 posts

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#1655288 20-Oct-2016 17:57

not sure if right there

the block apps.. hang up without picking up..reject and never had a voice message on my mobile? or charge.

gareth41

742 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1655292 20-Oct-2016 18:29

Already blocked the number using iOS, the problem I have though is being 0800 calls we get billed for them, it's not just as straight forward as blocking/not answering/rejecting as we will get billed once they hit voice mail, and this is usually what happens. This is all through Vodafone, hence why I'm posting in the Vodafone forum.

mattwnz

20178 posts

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#1655302 20-Oct-2016 19:09

That sounds terrible for any business.

Ask your provider for a solution to this. It sounds like an easy way for them to make a lot of money. Otherwise it is a major flaw with the 0800 system.

You should be able to only accept calls from NZ based numbers. Otherwise have you considered dropping the 0800 number, as many people have free regional calling anyway? Otherwise why not disable voicemail, so it doesn't get answered or billed. If you are not answering the phone anyway, many people don't bother with leaving a voicemail message anyway, so not having voicemail may not be a major issue, espeically if you are wading through scam calls.

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kiwiharry

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#1655463 21-Oct-2016 06:56

kiwigeek1:

im sure my work 0800 blocks mobiles to it and only allows local callers

I cant recall which company I used to call, but I distinctly remember that when I tried to call them on their 0800 number from my mobile, I would get an automated message saying that this company doesn't accept calls on the 0800 number from mobiles and it gave a landline number to call instead.

If Vodafone doesn't offer this service maybe another telco can?

I'm not sure so maybe another GZ member knows whether it is possible to take your 0800 number to another telco?

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sbiddle

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#1655481 21-Oct-2016 08:26

kiwiharry:

I'm not sure so maybe another GZ member knows whether it is possible to take your 0800 number to another telco?

0800 numbers have been portable for years.

MikeHales

615 posts

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#1655548 21-Oct-2016 10:36

gareth41:

Our company has several 0800 numbers with Vodafone terminated to mobiles, one of them has been receiving ghost calls from scammers every 2-3 days at a cost of $1.49+GST per call due to it being of international origin. The calls only last 5 seconds with silence before they are hung up by the other end. The number is on caller ID and shows as an Australian number with +61, will post if required.

I was under the impression 0800 numbers could only be called within NZ?

I called 777 and spoke with customer services, was told they can not block incoming calls, basically there was nothing they could do. Changing the 0800 number is not an option due to years worth of customers and advertising etc... Also asked to block all international calls because we don't deal with anyone internationally, also cant be done.

What are our options here? If this continues or becomes more frequent its $1.49+GST every time, even without answering and letting the calls hit voicemail (no messages are left). Worst case is these crooks bombard us with countless calls costing us hundreds everyday which would very much bring our business to a standstill. What can be done in this scenario?

Sorry to hear about this, our customer care team is looking into this and we will come back to you asap.

Nil Einne

469 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1655947 21-Oct-2016 19:24

kiwiharry:

I cant recall which company I used to call, but I distinctly remember that when I tried to call them on their 0800 number from my mobile, I would get an automated message saying that this company doesn't accept calls on the 0800 number from mobiles and it gave a landline number to call instead.

IRD used to do this on their main contact number, although I believe they've changed now.