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Original poster

What to do about missed call?

61 replies

Greengrassonhighroad · 14/04/2021 17:54

I received a call a few minutes ago. I didn't recognise the number so I did not pick up. I wasn't expecting a call either.

I think my number was compromised in a data breech a few weeks ago and lately I have been getting calls. I don't answer them.

I got a call but this number is different. It has a local area code.

I googled the number but there isn't an establishment coming up online that has this number.

Not a lot of people have my number. I am thinking maybe it could be the house phone from an aunt but I don't know. I am not at home to check to see if my mother got a call or if she recognises the number.

Do I call the number back or leave it? Or maybe if I get a second call I will pick up.

OP posts:
MouseholeCat · 14/04/2021 18:13

I call back people who leave legitimate voice mails about things I want to correspond on and know are legit. If people don't leave a message and I don't know the number they don't get a return call. I get so many robocalls these days.

RaininSummer · 14/04/2021 18:17

I have loads of weird numbers ring my every day but don't answer as I have a whitelist . No idea why a person would feel the need to call them back unless expecting a call from an unknown number.

MolyHolyGuacamole · 14/04/2021 18:17

Ah, it's been a while since an 'I don't answer the phone' thread on MN.

Expecting an 'I don't answer the door EVER' one to follow soon.

RampantIvy · 14/04/2021 18:18

I didn't know about scammer using local numbers, so I'm glad I read this thread.

@Greengrassonhighroad I would set voicemail up for future phone calls, and see if the caller rings you back. If it was really urgent they would have done so.

Snozzlemaid · 14/04/2021 18:27

You can dial 1470 before the number you are calling and it will show up as a local number to the person you are ringing.
It's used as lots will answer a call from a local number but not from a withheld number.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 14/04/2021 18:28

I would switch your voicemail on, and then you can just ignore callers who don't leave a message.

UserEleventyNine · 14/04/2021 18:32

Are you due to have a Covid jab? Could it have been your GP calling?

FlyingBurrito · 14/04/2021 18:37

@Snozzlemaid

You can dial 1470 before the number you are calling and it will show up as a local number to the person you are ringing. It's used as lots will answer a call from a local number but not from a withheld number.
I've never heard of that so googled and all I can find is a very specific BT function for broadband VOIP. I'm pretty sure that is not a thing for mobiles or anyone on a normal landlne
Imreaaaaady · 14/04/2021 18:41

Because it's an incredibly daft question that the OP has effectively answered in a series of her own posts, so clearly is capable. It's a completely redundant thread which is basically someone's internal monologue.

KindChick · 14/04/2021 18:44

You are absolutely correct to be cautious and totally correct to not call back.
Criminals use local dial codes to trick you.
They work through directories of numbers from wherever they have acquired them so no Need to be concerned re how they got your number just don’t call back, don’t respond.
If everyone was as cautious we wouldn’t have so many people falling victim to scams.

greenlynx · 14/04/2021 18:48

Maybe someone realised that it’s wrong number that why he/she didn’t left voicemail. I wouldn’t phone back.

@MolyHolyGuacamole
I haven’t answered the door today Blush, just signalled through the window to put delivery on the doorstep but DH ruined my plan, opened the door and took the box in.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 14/04/2021 18:48

@thetigerthatcamefortea

Unless I'm missing a massive back story; what you do is call the number back.
On the contrary, OP is being very sensible.

Lots of scammers now spoof local numbers - you ring back in case it's a friend or family member, or local business, but you're actually calling a premium line and being charged a fortune.

ChelseaCat · 14/04/2021 18:52

You should probably log it with 101

FlyingBurrito · 14/04/2021 18:54

Lots of scammers now spoof local numbers - you ring back in case it's a friend or family member, or local business, but you're actually calling a premium line and being charged a fortune

How can a local code number be charged at a premium rate? If you call back all you'll get is a message that it doesn't exist or maybe a genuine local person if the number has been spoofed surely.

Roszie · 14/04/2021 18:57

Just call it.

JSL52 · 14/04/2021 19:01

@Greengrassonhighroad

I'm just after checking. I don't have voicemail set up.

I think I will leave it be. If it was urgent, they will phone me back.

But you won't answer it ? Confused
sunflowersandbuttercups · 14/04/2021 19:04

@FlyingBurrito

Lots of scammers now spoof local numbers - you ring back in case it's a friend or family member, or local business, but you're actually calling a premium line and being charged a fortune

How can a local code number be charged at a premium rate? If you call back all you'll get is a message that it doesn't exist or maybe a genuine local person if the number has been spoofed surely.

It depends on the scam - they can be pretty sophisticated these days.

General advice from TPS and phone companies is not to answer unknown numbers.

notagainmummy · 14/04/2021 19:07

Just pick up the phone next time. If its a scam put it down again.

FlyingBurrito · 14/04/2021 19:18

It depends on the scam - they can be pretty sophisticated these days

General advice from TPS and phone companies is not to answer unknown numbers

Absolutely, but my question is whether there's any way that ringing a number with your local geographic code could ever end up with you being charged a premium rate. I've googled but can't find any way that would happen.

itsgettingwierd · 14/04/2021 19:22

@RunnerDuck2020

I’d leave it - they would have left a voicemail if it was someone you actually want to talk to!
Always my attitude to missed calls!

Someone wants to talk to me - they'll leave a message or usuals friends and family send a quick text.

No message = unimportant.

I did have a lovely voicemail from Joan last year all about her holiday (start of lockdown!) and it was lovely and detailed and asked me to contact her.

I did - not because I'm the holiday company she meant to ring (🤣) - but because it was obvious she was anxious to know the answer and wanted her to know she wouldn't get on on that number!

As well as having a chat with a fantastically well travelled lady I managed to locate the correct number for her! (This lady could travel the world but she was still internet mute 🙈🤣)

rainbowthoughts · 14/04/2021 19:25

Why did you not answer it though?

I can understand not recognising a number so not answering and then forgetting about it, but to not answer then get yourself tied up in knots to the point of asking other people what to do is ridiculous.

quarentini · 14/04/2021 19:29

I will never understand not answering the phone or door thing, that lots of people on here go on about.
I honestly don't know how they get through a day

NCNCNNC · 14/04/2021 19:29

Hmm this is ridiculous.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 14/04/2021 19:30

Absolutely, but my question is whether there's any way that ringing a number with your local geographic code could ever end up with you being charged a premium rate. I've googled but can't find any way that would happen.

Because it's not actually a local number.

It looks like one, but when you ring it back, you're connected to someone abroad or in a call centre. It's the same way people can call you from "UK mobile numbers" that actually aren't in the UK.

Generally they rely on people answering rather than calling them back, though.

PussyCatEatingEasterEggs · 14/04/2021 19:38
  1. you phone them back.
or
  1. they phone you back.

I'm in camp 2. They wanted you, so let them phone you back.

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