Unwanted Nuisance Calls
Call it what you like, crank calls, prank calls, scam calls, nuisance calls, nobody enjoys these. So we have compiled some useful information to help you stay safe and when dealing with a similar situation and what to do next if it continues.
Common examples:
You might be dealing with
- Prank or hoax calls and texts
- Kids pressing buttons on a phone by accident
- Bullying or harassment
- Repeated silent calls early morning or late at night
- Genuine wrong numbers that don’t stop
- Random messages from strangers asking odd questions
The content can range from silence to offensive language and sometimes it’s not obvious how the person even got your number. The key is knowing when it’s time to act and what to do next.
How to respond.
If a caller or texter makes you uncomfortable don’t engage. Don’t argue don’t and don’t share personal information like your address age workplace or bank details.
For texts the same applies. You don’t have to reply. Responding often encourages the person to keep going.
Keep a record
If it continues start noting down details such as
- Date and time of each call or text
- How long the call lasted
- What was said or if it was silent
- Any background noise accent or other details you noticed
- Screenshots of texts or voicemails if relevant
This can be helpful if you need to report it.
Block the number and speak to your network provider.
If the calls are repetitive block the number on your phone. If you’re getting a high volume of calls or anything abusive or threatening it’s also worth contacting your mobile network provider for advice as procedures can differ between providers.
If the caller is using a withheld number your provider may still be able to advise on next steps but in some cases they’ll need a report logged with the police before they can take action.
You can also ask your provider to
- Change your mobile number
- Keep your number ex directory not publicly listed
When shold I contact the Police?
If the contact is persistent threatening abusive or you feel unsafe report it to the Isle of Man Constabulary via your local station or non emergency route. If there’s an immediate risk treat it as urgent.
Sales and marketing calls.
If the calls are sales or marketing for example, someone pushing advertising services or trying to get you to list items elsewhere you can raise it with the Isle of Man Information Commissioner for data protection guidance on unsolicited marketing contact. www.inforights.im
Quick tip search the number online
It can be worth searching the number in a few formats because different sites store numbers differently
07624XXXXXX
07624 XXXXXX
+44 7624 XXXXXX
(07624) XXXXXX
Sometimes repeat nuisance numbers show up on community forums where others have reported the same issue.
Remember if in doubt don't engage.
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