What are my options to block someone from calling my number?

[Fadd]

The secondary line on my plan seems to have formerly belonged to someone who stopped paying all their bills. Most of the numbers calling looking for the previous holder of the number are blocked, unavailable, etc. All of these agencies keep telling me they'll "put a note in the file" that the person they are looking for is no longer reachable at my number, but they keep calling. As long as they block their numbers, I can't find out where to send a cease and desist calling letter. This has been going on for months now, and it's getting old. They're using my minutes to basically harass me looking for someone I can't help them find. Outside of flat changing the phone number and risk getting the same problem with a new name, what can I do to stop these blocked numbers from getting through?

[nmchileman]

Unfortunately there's not a whole lot that can be done if the # comes up as restricted or blocked. VZW may still have a policy where you can request them to research the # and if there's a pattern of abuse; 5 or more calls from same # within 48-72 hours, then it can be blocked but only for up to 60days. You'd have to call and ask though. 

Otherwise I think changing the mobile number would be your best option, there's no fee to do it if it's a harrassing situation. 

[elusivecritter]

A possible option is to block incoming calls to numbers in your contact list. Many phones offer this option under the security settings on the phone itself.

Settings & Tools menu > Phone Settings > Security

Your security code is probably the last four (4) numbers of the phone number.

ec

[Fadd]

Thank you, everyone, for the responses. While I did get the answer I was looking for(though definitely not the one I wanted), I feel some things need clarified.

These are not telemarketers. They are bill collectors looking for a certain person. They do NOT have the right to continue calling me at all hours/at work after I have asked them to stop even if they were telemarketers. I wish they were sales calls, because then my rights would be much broader. I could ask them for a company name and expect to get it. Adding this number to the do not call listing will help keep me from getting unwanted sales calls in the future, but it is going to do nothing to stop the people from the collection agencies from calling looking for the previous owner of the phone number. The only thing that will do that would be to force their hand in revealing a phone number by blocking all attempts at getting through on a restricted line. Apparently Verizon is more concerned about the privacy of anyone and everyone but their customers. This is a feature that needs adding to Verizon.

So again, thanks to those that answered. Maybe someday Verizon will get with it and realize that the needs of their customers who are paying them should come before the needs of shady debt collectors who refuse to understand that the woman they are after is no longer at this number.

[DCanuck]

You can block incoming texts and phone calls from up to 5 specific numbers for free.  Goto My Services> Verizon Safeguards> Spam Controls  where you'll see Call & Message Blocking. I believe it even blocks the number even if the caller uses caller ID block to call you.

[x14b52]

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Fadd wrote:

Thank you, everyone, for the responses. While I did get the answer I was looking for(though definitely not the one I wanted), I feel some things need clarified.

These are not telemarketers. They are bill collectors looking for a certain person. They do NOT have the right to continue calling me at all hours/at work after I have asked them to stop even if they were telemarketers. I wish they were sales calls, because then my rights would be much broader. I could ask them for a company name and expect to get it. Adding this number to the do not call listing will help keep me from getting unwanted sales calls in the future, but it is going to do nothing to stop the people from the collection agencies from calling looking for the previous owner of the phone number. The only thing that will do that would be to force their hand in revealing a phone number by blocking all attempts at getting through on a restricted line. Apparently Verizon is more concerned about the privacy of anyone and everyone but their customers. This is a feature that needs adding to Verizon.

So again, thanks to those that answered. Maybe someday Verizon will get with it and realize that the needs of their customers who are paying them should come before the needs of shady debt collectors who refuse to understand that the woman they are after is no longer at this number.

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Hi Fadd, sorry to hear you're being harrassed by creditors for someone else's debt. Verizon changed my number in December because I was being harrassed by a known party, but gave me a number for a person who receives several collections calls.  This persons' friends call or txt from time to time and I've had the number 6 months now!

There is a very definitive method to deal with any agency calling your number to collect a debt, especially since the debt is for someone unknown to you.  The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act  (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf) spells out what actions are allowed and NOT allowed for any agency attempting to collect a debt.  There are also very specific sanctions and remedies against any firm that violates this act and its provisions.

The next time you receive a call from a collection agency or any firm seeking to collect a debt, try the following:

Inform the caller that you are not the party being sought, that you have been assigned the phone number the party has called by Verizon Wireless.  Identify yourself by name and offer to provide their firm correspondence from Verizon confirming that you are the user of the number the agency is calling and NOT the person this caller is seeking.  If they give you the same 'we will remove your information' spiel....politely inform the caller that this promise has been made in the past but not honored by the firm calling.  Let them know that they are currently in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (if the caller is a smart butt, throw the actuall law code at them (U.S. Code Title 15, Chapter 41, Subchapter 5, Section 1692 ) and that you will seek legal remedy for the present call and any additional calls made by that firm.

Remember, the person actually making that call is in a low-wage job and is not a company exec. or major decision maker.  Ask them for their name and specifically ask the company name.  The caller is required by the FDCPA above to provide the firm name at a minimum. 

If the caller refuses to comply or acknowledge what you have told them, or they continue to call, contact Verizon Customer Service and inform them of the harrassing calls and the nature of the call.  They may offer to change your number yet again, but if you do not wish to do so , inform the CSR of this and let them know you wish to have Verizon identify the blocked and harrassing calls....and let the CSR know that the firms making these calls are in violation of Federal Law and you have the right to be protected from these harrasments.

It really stinks to have to take these measures, but this is what the law provides us to protect ourselves.  Remain polite with any person you deal with...as they will be more likely to help you.  Even if they are jerks....keep in mind that if the harrassment continues, you will be able to seek remedy in the form of COMPENSATION!!!!

Hopefully this helps and the calls stop for you.  I haven't gotten any more collections calls from my 'ghost' by using these actions.

Message Edited by x14b52 on 05-27-2009 06:30 AM

[Linnie]

Fadd,

Unfortunately, VZW does not offer an option to block unavailable or restricted numbers from contacting your phone.  As previously mentioned, some phones have the option of restricting calls to your phone to those only in your contact list, that way only the numbers in your contact list can reach you.

Also, VZW has the ability to change your phone number.  There is a $15 fee associated with it, and it will prorate your usage for the month, but if you call Customer Service, any VZW representative will  be more than happy to assist with providing specific details on what that means for you.  If you do decide to change your number, call customer service from a separate line, with your phone available.

[Davz]

If you're a Verizon VIP member, they should waive the fee for you.  They may also do it as a courtesy.

I think you may be better off letting whoever is calling know that what they are doing is illegal.  Ask to speak with their manager, let them know that you'll be filing a complaint with the FCC.  There are other options to stop this outside of what Verizon can do.

[SMRyan]

It is legal for a company to solicit a line only if the caller is not an automated message or recording, and as long as the person receiving the call is NOT on the national do not call list.

It is advised you add your # to the national do not call list (

888-382-1222 )

[Shirozato]

Some corrections - VZW cannot block/see what a restricted/unavailable # is to track it unless law enforcement requests them to do so. Privacy laws.  Next, VZW will waive $15 fee if it is a harrassment situation.  Tell the rep it is harrassment and they should waive it for you, if they don't - ask for their supervisor.

Message Edited by BradC on 03-26-2009 08:57 AM

[hockey41guy]

even if you are able to block a # if they call you restricted it goes right around that block

[JohnInCalif]

With as far as technology is coming, Verizon Wireless should put placing privacy features (blocking anonymous numbers, or specific numbers) at the top of their list of priorities.  On my voice land line phone with AT&T we have privacy manager.  It is a great feature.  I wish VZW would develop something like it or as close to it as possible for their wireless lines.