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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to not answer my phone to withheld/Unknown/unrecognised numbers

168 replies

LonerDave · 10/02/2016 18:38

It drives me nuts.

But am I BU to not answer these calls

I always assume they are nuisance calls.

OP posts:
Flamingoblue1 · 10/02/2016 18:40

I never answer them either, likely to be nuisances !

VimFuego101 · 10/02/2016 18:40

YANBU. If it's anything important they'll leave a voicemail.

slebmum1 · 10/02/2016 18:41

Nope I don't answer them either and I won't call them back. If it's someone I need to talk to they'll leave a message.

handslikecowstits · 10/02/2016 18:41

YANBU. If I don't recognise the number I don't answer and if they don't leave a message then I assume that it is a nuisance/sales call.

SevenOfNineTrue · 10/02/2016 18:42

Just because a phone rings, never means you have to answer it unless you want to. I ignore calls all the time.

Sparklingbrook · 10/02/2016 18:43

I always do within school time because the schools sometimes come up as withheld and so do Doctors/hospitals.

Other than that I leave them, especially if everyone's home.

ShamefulPlaceMarker · 10/02/2016 18:51

I have to answer the ones that say unknown as my dh calls from an oil rig and it's always from an unknown number. I feel tricked when it's vodafone, but I hang up straight away

dementedpixie · 10/02/2016 18:54

I don't either and most of the ones left on the machine are for new boilers/windows or ppi claims

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 10/02/2016 18:54

I rarely answer my phone at all, because it's always in my bag on silent, but if I do see an unknown number I don't answer it.

dementedpixie · 10/02/2016 18:55

I figure if they know me they will have my mobile number

RaspberryOverload · 10/02/2016 18:55

I can't ignore these calls.

Our local hospitals, and some other important places all call from private/witheld numbers. As my parents are both suffering health problems, I can't risk missing the call. Sad

Sparklingbrook · 10/02/2016 18:55

The nuisance calls we get never come up as 'withheld', they have numbers.

Muskateersmummy · 10/02/2016 18:56

I never do on my personal phone either. Not sure many people do tbh!

Katenka · 10/02/2016 18:57

I only answer ones that say 'private' when the kids are at school.

For some stupid reason that's how ds' primary comes up when they call. So I answer in case there is a problem with him. If they aren't at school I ignore them.

iwillbemrsminty · 10/02/2016 18:59

Another one here who never answers unknown numbers!! If any numbers ring me that I don't know, if they persist they get blocked!

limitedperiodonly · 10/02/2016 19:00

I sometimes live dangerously and give it a whirl. The last time I did it was the hospital changing my appointment time so I'm quite glad I picked that one up.

exLtEveDallas · 10/02/2016 19:02

Schools, doctors, hospitals, public/civil service establishments and military establishments all come up as 'private' or 'withheld' numbers as they follow a 'Pattern' and are already marked for that exchange - so I do answer them. If it's a marketing/nuisance call I just put the phone straight back down.

Diamogs · 10/02/2016 19:02

YANBU - if it's important they will leave a message, if it's not it's probably someone selling PPI reclaims etc etc

Sparklingbrook · 10/02/2016 19:03

I am a bit baffled why people wouldn't want to speak to hospitals or schools. Confused

bibbitybobbityyhat · 10/02/2016 19:07

I answer them. Find it odd that people don't, but then I didn't own a mobile phone until I was in my 30s. Ye olde landline phone never gave me advance warning of who was calling.

Had one today - it was from the Opticians telling me my glasses were ready.

Cel982 · 10/02/2016 19:09

I answer them all, hate having missed calls from unknown numbers. I've got to quite enjoy telling the "We hear you've been in an accident that wasn't your fault" people that they need to find a real job.

londonrach · 10/02/2016 19:14

I work for the nhs. Our number is with held. I cant leave messages due to patient confidentially so please answer the calls. Just hang up if its a call you dont want.

hufflebottom · 10/02/2016 19:15

Unless I'm expecting a call I don't answer. School is programmed in so comes up.

I had one come up the other week and it had a dialing code for an area where I have relatives. I panicked a bit and answered it, discovered it was a cold call.....I think j my have been a bit arsey to them

wheresthetea · 10/02/2016 19:25

YABU, another one working for the NHS here and I have actually had times when I've been unable to contact a patient to offer an appointment etc. and when they call to chase me later they say 'Well, I never answer withheld numbers'...

PurpleCrazyHorse · 10/02/2016 19:43

We had loads of trouble calling patients for appointments because they don't answer withheld numbers or block them. If you're on a waiting list with the hospital or other NHS service, please do answer.

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