Consumer Complaints for Classic Dry Cleaners America, Inc. - South East Florida BBB
Harassing Phone Calls: What To Do
Obscene or harassing phone calls can be one of the most stressful and
frightening invasions of privacy a person experiences. Fortunately,
there are steps you can take to help put an end to these unwelcome
intrusions.
What makes a phone call harassing?
When someone calls and uses obscene or threatening language, or even heavy breathing or silence to intimidate you, you are receiving a harassing call. It is against the law in California and other states to make obscene or threatening calls. (California Penal Code section 653m, Penal Code section 422-422.1)
How often do I have to get these calls to make it harassment?
Just one unwelcome call can be harassing; but usually your local phone company will not take action unless the calls are frequent. However, if a call specifically threatens you or your family with bodily harm, the phone company will generally take immediate action.
Who should I contact when I get harassing calls?
Local phone companies have varying policies on whether to call the phone company or the police first. Some recommend that you first call the phone company's business office and explain the problem. A representative will connect you with the "annoyance desk." Other phone companies may require you to file a formal complaint with local law enforcement before they will deal with the matter. To find out what your phone company's policy is, contact the business office and ask for assistance.
For serious threats, if life or property are threatened, or if calls are obscene, you should call the police and file a report. Provide as much information to law enforcement as you can. Indicate the gender of the caller and describe the caller's voice. Note the time and date of the call(s). What did the caller say? How old did he/she sound? Did the caller seem intoxicated? Did he/she have an accent or speech impediment? Was there any background noise? Was a phone number/name displayed on the Caller ID device?
What can my local phone company do if I am receiving harassing calls?
If the calls are frequent or particularly threatening, the phone company can set up a "Trap" on your phone line. The Trap allows the phone company to determine the telephone number from which the harassing calls originate. You must keep a log noting the time and date the harassing calls are received. Traps are usually set up for no more than two weeks. The phone company does not charge a fee for Traps.
A phone company service called Call Trace may also be able to help track down harassing calls. Immediately after receiving a harassing call, you enter the code *57 on your phone and the call is automatically traced (1157 on rotary phones). Call Trace is easier than using a Trap since the customer does not have to keep a phone log. But Call Trace technology works only within the local service area. (Look in the "Customer Guide" section of the phone book or the phone company's web site for a description of your local service area.)
Call Trace must be set up in advance by the individual receiving harassing calls, and it requires a fee for use. However, in situations where the phone company would ordinarily use a Trap, you might not be charged if the phone company suggests that Call Trace be used as an alternative. Be sure to ask.
The information collected from Call Trace or from a Trap is turned over to law enforcement personnel, not the customer. Law enforcement officers try to stop the harassing calls by either warning or arresting the harasser. With both Call Trace and a Trap, your phone conversations are not listened to or recorded by the phone company.
Is the phone company always able to solve harassing phone call problems?
No. If the caller uses a phone booth or multiple phone lines, the phone company and law enforcement officials may never get enough identification to take further action. In cases like these, changing your phone number might help. Also, you might want to get an unlisted or unpublished number. In addition, the tips listed below for discouraging other types of unwanted calls may be of help.
What can I do to stop harassing calls without going to the phone company or police?
First, simply hang up on the caller. Do not engage in conversation. Typical crank callers are seeking attention. You have "made their day" if you say something to them or express shock or anger.
If the silent treatment does not work, you might try putting a message like this on your voice mail system:
What is the "pressure valve" strategy?
Some threatening calls are part of a larger pattern of abuse, such as stalking. Some experts recommend in these situations to get a new phone number, but keep the phone number being called by the harasser and attach a voice mail machine or message service to that line. Turn the phone's ringer off and don't use that phone line for anything other than capturing the calls of the harasser.
This is the pressure valve strategy. The harasser will continue to call the unused number and will think that he/she is getting through. Instead, you are simply using the number to gather evidence. You will want to save tape recordings of the calls.Get another phone number for your use, and be sure it's unlisted and unpublished. Give the number to trusted friends and relatives only. Do not give it to your bank, credit card company or credit bureau. Put passwords on all of your phone accounts (local, long distance, and mobile). Tell the phone companies in writing that they must not disclose any account information to anyone but yourself, and only when the correct password is given.
What precautions can I take to prevent harassment?
Do not disclose personal information when called by someone you do not know. They might be checking out the residence for possible robbery or other crime. If the caller asks what number they have called, do not give it. Instead, ask them to tell you what number they dialed.
To prevent being targeted for obscene calls and heavy breathing, women should only list their first initial and last name in the phone directory. Having an unlisted number is another option.
Children should be instructed to never reveal information to unknown callers. Instead, they should be taught to record the caller's name and phone number along with date and time.
Do not include your telephone number on the outgoing message of your voice mail service if you wish to keep your number private. By omitting your phone number from your message, you prevent random dialers from capturing this information.
What makes a phone call harassing?
When someone calls and uses obscene or threatening language, or even heavy breathing or silence to intimidate you, you are receiving a harassing call. It is against the law in California and other states to make obscene or threatening calls. (California Penal Code section 653m, Penal Code section 422-422.1)
How often do I have to get these calls to make it harassment?
Just one unwelcome call can be harassing; but usually your local phone company will not take action unless the calls are frequent. However, if a call specifically threatens you or your family with bodily harm, the phone company will generally take immediate action.
Who should I contact when I get harassing calls?
Local phone companies have varying policies on whether to call the phone company or the police first. Some recommend that you first call the phone company's business office and explain the problem. A representative will connect you with the "annoyance desk." Other phone companies may require you to file a formal complaint with local law enforcement before they will deal with the matter. To find out what your phone company's policy is, contact the business office and ask for assistance.
For serious threats, if life or property are threatened, or if calls are obscene, you should call the police and file a report. Provide as much information to law enforcement as you can. Indicate the gender of the caller and describe the caller's voice. Note the time and date of the call(s). What did the caller say? How old did he/she sound? Did the caller seem intoxicated? Did he/she have an accent or speech impediment? Was there any background noise? Was a phone number/name displayed on the Caller ID device?
What can my local phone company do if I am receiving harassing calls?
If the calls are frequent or particularly threatening, the phone company can set up a "Trap" on your phone line. The Trap allows the phone company to determine the telephone number from which the harassing calls originate. You must keep a log noting the time and date the harassing calls are received. Traps are usually set up for no more than two weeks. The phone company does not charge a fee for Traps.
A phone company service called Call Trace may also be able to help track down harassing calls. Immediately after receiving a harassing call, you enter the code *57 on your phone and the call is automatically traced (1157 on rotary phones). Call Trace is easier than using a Trap since the customer does not have to keep a phone log. But Call Trace technology works only within the local service area. (Look in the "Customer Guide" section of the phone book or the phone company's web site for a description of your local service area.)
Call Trace must be set up in advance by the individual receiving harassing calls, and it requires a fee for use. However, in situations where the phone company would ordinarily use a Trap, you might not be charged if the phone company suggests that Call Trace be used as an alternative. Be sure to ask.
The information collected from Call Trace or from a Trap is turned over to law enforcement personnel, not the customer. Law enforcement officers try to stop the harassing calls by either warning or arresting the harasser. With both Call Trace and a Trap, your phone conversations are not listened to or recorded by the phone company.
Is the phone company always able to solve harassing phone call problems?
No. If the caller uses a phone booth or multiple phone lines, the phone company and law enforcement officials may never get enough identification to take further action. In cases like these, changing your phone number might help. Also, you might want to get an unlisted or unpublished number. In addition, the tips listed below for discouraging other types of unwanted calls may be of help.
What can I do to stop harassing calls without going to the phone company or police?
First, simply hang up on the caller. Do not engage in conversation. Typical crank callers are seeking attention. You have "made their day" if you say something to them or express shock or anger.
If the silent treatment does not work, you might try putting a message like this on your voice mail system:
I'm sorry I/we can't come to the phone right now but you must leave a message. I/we are receiving annoyance calls and the phone company has a trap on this line. If you do not leave a message I/we will assume that you are the annoyance caller and this call will be traced.If you answer the phone and the harassing caller is on the line, another suggestion is to say: "Operator, this is the call." Then hang up. Or say the word "trap," what time it is and the date; then hang up.
What is the "pressure valve" strategy?
Some threatening calls are part of a larger pattern of abuse, such as stalking. Some experts recommend in these situations to get a new phone number, but keep the phone number being called by the harasser and attach a voice mail machine or message service to that line. Turn the phone's ringer off and don't use that phone line for anything other than capturing the calls of the harasser.
This is the pressure valve strategy. The harasser will continue to call the unused number and will think that he/she is getting through. Instead, you are simply using the number to gather evidence. You will want to save tape recordings of the calls.Get another phone number for your use, and be sure it's unlisted and unpublished. Give the number to trusted friends and relatives only. Do not give it to your bank, credit card company or credit bureau. Put passwords on all of your phone accounts (local, long distance, and mobile). Tell the phone companies in writing that they must not disclose any account information to anyone but yourself, and only when the correct password is given.
What precautions can I take to prevent harassment?
Do not disclose personal information when called by someone you do not know. They might be checking out the residence for possible robbery or other crime. If the caller asks what number they have called, do not give it. Instead, ask them to tell you what number they dialed.
To prevent being targeted for obscene calls and heavy breathing, women should only list their first initial and last name in the phone directory. Having an unlisted number is another option.
Children should be instructed to never reveal information to unknown callers. Instead, they should be taught to record the caller's name and phone number along with date and time.
Do not include your telephone number on the outgoing message of your voice mail service if you wish to keep your number private. By omitting your phone number from your message, you prevent random dialers from capturing this information.
Comments
Linda
28 May 2007
harrassing calls from 866-428-4687 all hours all holidays no one on the line telemarketer from sun sentinel
- I keep getting calls from several #s from the same people on my home phone They get through the filter I put on my phone I think they are calling cards Sound like they are from India
- I still get weekly/daily calls from S.Fla. and S.California, Mexico, Costa Rica etc. from on-line purchases which were not entirely...FDA approved...(i know- very stupid but seemed like a good idea at the time when the products were effective). These "vendors" will call forever until you're dead (hopefully not from their product). Have plugged them into phone as "junk" calls, ignore & erase.
- They are! No one in their right mind would put their number on here willingly.You have to read between the lines. Ivan is questionable.
- I phones from the same ppl, I think are from India and trying to get money from ppl. I would not give them any information.
- I think I've been receiving the same calls. It's the same Delaware number and I have them blocked, but they, too, get through the filters. They call me at least 6 times a day and don't understand no.
- i get calls from several different numbers who say attorney. i am at loss as to what to do. they are now calling my work place. they will not say what they want. any body have any ideas?
- I am receiving calls at work atleast three times a day from this Indian speaking person named "Robert Clark" who claims to be calling from a law office his return number is 508-313-2713, they will not verify who they are in writing. They want to do business by phone. Supposingly I owe them.
- Yes, I have received phone calls @ work,home and cellphone from this person from India, the accent
is very strong, I did everything possible to get rid of this calls, now another woman call me to let me
know that this is a collection agency and my wages are going to be garnished, she gave me all my personal info, SS#, drivers lic,work # .saying that I took a loan about 2 or 3 years for $ 900, so now i Have to pay$ 2200 so they will make a deal for $ 800.Now Aim afraid, can they garnished my paycheck because they have all my info
this is the phone they left on my answering machine: 877-601-5871- Hi mec1, I just received a phone call today for the same thing. Saying I had a pay day loan that if I did not pay 300. I will have a court order and be arrested for not paying. I don't have a pay day loan, so I told him to send me info to my email address. Also told him I am not paying anything and if they tried to take me to court without proof, I would sue them. They did not give me their name or the supposed company I owed money to. Once I started questioning them, he hung up. It is a scam. They cannot garnish your wages. Don't worry. Report this to the Federal Trade Commission. I left them a message telling them that I reported them.
- I got a call at work once. Told them I was turning the issue over to corporate security and the police. Never heard back again.
- What they are doing now is using VOIP service. That way, the number(s) they call from will not be recognized as a regular phone number on your phone line. I have talked to my phone carrier & the police & this situation is pretty big now from what I understand. I have call blocking on my phone & they're still getting through; this is how.
The main number calling is 818-337-3040. When you hang up or get sassy w/ them, they will start calling my house, both lines at a time, non-stop for HOURS using strange, nonsense numbers (9-123-657-9876) and numbers like that for fun.
They will threaten you with the police when calling & tell you that you have committed fraud of some kind. Be VERY careful whom you give your personal info to online & pretty much everywhere...
Take care! - hi me 2 i get these odd calls everyday from spoof number's they even call with my number im tired of this what can i do ?
- If it's a bill collector calling (US), they must follow the federal trade commisions - The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act check the website for their restrictions.
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
They can not call you at work if you tell them they can not call there. If you notify them in writing, they can not call you at all! Very helpful information if it's a bill collector harassing you. - Okay Everyone,
I have tracked down the Company today providing the Caller Id for these numbers and they are working with the FCC to stop them. They need our help as well to let them know the time and date and number that called you.
These are the numbers of interest to them:
1. 760-526-8590
2. 526-289-8179
3. 626-207-9102
4. 626-259-5558
HTM Caller ID
While TM Caller ID, LLC does not make any solicitation calls, we hold our clients to the highest standards and will quickly resolve your complaint.
"COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK AND CALL THEM AND ASK FOR DAVID"
http://www.tmcallerid.com/
TM Caller ID, LLC
Managed Caller ID Services
Contact
TM Caller ID, LLC
2331 SW 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97201-6303
Call us toll free:
866-225-1956
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm PST
Complaints
If you believe you have recieved an unwanted solicitation from telephone number belonging to us, please click the link below to contact our do-not-call specialist.
While TM Caller ID, LLC does not make any solicitation calls, we hold our clients to the highest standards and will quickly resolve your complaint.
[Click here to email our DNC Specialist]
Call Centers
If you manage a call center and would like more information on how TM Caller ID, LLC can help you manage your outbound caller ID and remote call-forwarding, assist with do-not-call compliance and increase your monthly revenue stream, please contact us via email at sales@tmcallerid.com or use the contact information to the left.
[Click here to email our sales department]
NEWS
Dec, 2008
As a result of a new complaint-resolution initiative and active enforcement, TM Caller ID, LLC posts a 70% reduction in consumer complaints for its clients.
Manage Your Call Center's Caller ID
Our easy-to-use web interface makes it simple to manage your call center's caller ID requirements. Easily and quickly update the caller ID to reflect your client's needs.
Comprehensive reporting tools keep you up-to-date with number of caller ID queries, caller ID history and more.
We also help keep you in compliance with FCC do-not-call rules by providing IVR services as well as compliance tracking and list scrubbing through our strategic partnerships.
Copyright © 2008 TM Caller ID, LLC Template design by Gen Designs- please add this number to your list: 626-521-5648. thanks!
- Got the same problem with the caller 941-830-8777, abuse, consistant calling etc. They still call my office where I used to work, and apparently one of my old work colleagues told me that the company are now preparing a law suit to the telephone provider New Circular Wireless Pcs Llc. I should do the same....
- Anyone know why a 'W' would be appearing on my cell phone when my ex-girlfriend calls me? Is she tracing/listening to me?
- If the calls are from a debt collector, knowing these might help.
A few things debt collectors wont tell you:
1.They'll say anything to get you pay. Getting you to budge on the money is their primary goal.
2. They try to intimidate you in a way that you feel you can't stop thir calls. In reality you very much can.
3. You might not really owe the debt.But they'll never let you know that.
4. They can trick you into paying of very old or time barred debts.
5. Nobody can touch your money unless YOU want them to. But of course they know that, only they are hoping you don't.
6. They have less power that you'd actually think. The FDCPA protects you much better than you'd know. Read it.Completely.
7. Your presence in court gives you a better chance of winning. Don't let them win default judgements.
8. There's always a catch in settlements.
9. Report to bureaus immediately if you find faults with your credit reports. The longer you wait, the harder it is to deal with.
A few things debt collectors are not allowed to do:
1. They cannot call you repeatedly over and over again and keep your pone ringing until you pick up.
2. They cannot call you at odd hours(before 8am or after 9pm monday to saturday, they can call between 1 and 5pm on sundays though)
3. They cannot threaten you NO
4. No abusive language
5.They cannot talk to other people about your debt.
6. They cannot lie about who they are or lie about your debt.
7. They cannot keep contacting you if you request in writing that they not call you anymore.
8. They can sue.
Debt collectors know the laws very well(at least those from legitimate agencies), they are asked to follow the FDCPA, which is obviously not happening in many cases. But they are also taught that all debtors are compulsive liars and call with that intention. Know your rights, know what you are being entitled to and proceed in that way. If you genuinely owe debts and have to pay, please do(and take written proofs). If its harassment all the way, do not stay quiet, report them to any means possible. Knowledge is power.No debt collector has the right to border on harassment. Saying you deserve this because you owe debts is not justified. Take help, take action, it WILL be taken care of.- I need some help, because this compmany "ACS" at 1-877-805-4304, just called my Ex-in-laws, family firend and family told them they have a warrent out for my arrest for writing bad checks. They went further and told my 70 year old ex-in-laws that they were the Marshalls and they were looking for me, and if I don't comply then I will have to show up in federal court. All of this happened yesterday. My phone was blowing up from these people trying to help me. My daughter has access to the law enforcement database no warrent appeared under my name or with that phoney case # they gave. I don't write checks.
I just don't know where to turn to get these people to stop call ing my friends & family telling lies on me
I suspect it is the same company, that has called my work and left threating messages on my voicemail, stuff like"If you don't call back "I feel sorry for you"- ACS is a scam. It is extremely scary. The first time they called I was in a total panic trying to think of what i had failed to pay. I am now on free credit report.com and get reports/alerts for any credit activity. So I KNOW when I have anything outstanding.
I have informed FCC and FBI. They are international. Have called me at home, cell, and work. I got a letter from fraud division for work to show that I do not in fact owe any money. I work for a school and have been fingerprinted by the FBI. If there was a warrant, they would know it. So far after a year and a half of calls, I have never received anything in writing from them and I do not OWE them any money. They got my info from a grant application I filled out two years ago when I was going back to school. I changed my cell number and my school now tells them I no longer work for the district. So far the calls have stopped.
- i got msg from the no+491706722132 and said your mobile number won 415000pounds.is this fake or not please check and replay me in email addrees asimwadhan@yahoo.com thanks with regards
- Hello,
It is True that there are Series of Lottery and Giving Out
of Cash Reward from UK.
Unfortunately Mobile Numbers and Email Addresses of Winners
has been Hacked, and Winners are Now been Contacted Illegally.
Do not respond to the senders of these Messages, as they
are not in Position to Pay you your Winning PRIZE.
I got my payment through winning payment centre and today i am a happy man
Send the Winning Message you received to the United Kingdom Payment Center on:
Email: winpaycentre@gmail.com
so as to enable them ascertain if you really won the Lottery and give you true information
on how your winnings can be Collected.
You Will also be Informed if the Winning Message you Received is a Fraud Notification- Total bu***hit that just proves that the bad guys troll their own waste products. NO legitimate lottery uses a gmail address. This guy is just a scammer trying to scam you in place of the original scammer.
- Harrasing calls from 831-221-0139. Please report them! It is the Tierney family.
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