I received a call today on my handy from a number I didn't recognise and before I could answer they hung up. The number started +49137xxxxxxx I was curious to see what area code 0137 is so did a quick google and got this link.
http://www.vzs.de/UNIQ112497578729902/link15515A.html
My German is not the best but it sounds like a scam. Has anyone come across this before?
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Calls from Strange Numbers - Telephone Scams
Yes, it's a scam.
Don't ring them back - it will cost you a small fortune, that's their little 'trick'.
Just delete the number and ignore anything else from similar numbers, that'll cost you nothing!
Just delete the number and ignore anything else from similar numbers, that'll cost you nothing!
That's what I was thinking!
Not sure if this is just coincidence or not, but I was just after (about 20 mins) purchasing some credit online from the cash and go website. I don't use my mobile much so very few people have my number, wonder if there is a connection!
Not sure if this is just coincidence or not, but I was just after (about 20 mins) purchasing some credit online from the cash and go website. I don't use my mobile much so very few people have my number, wonder if there is a connection!
And be VERY careful about the SMS Scams (also here in Germany). You get such messages like you won the lotto or someone sends you an indecent proposal...
There could be a connection, but usually its a simple case of your number
being selected on a random basis by a computer program that lets your
phone ring once and then hang up.
The SMS text scam operate on the same basis, usually they try and fool
you by changing the appearence of the 0190 3XXXXX number to 01903 XXXXX.
being selected on a random basis by a computer program that lets your
phone ring once and then hang up.
The SMS text scam operate on the same basis, usually they try and fool
you by changing the appearence of the 0190 3XXXXX number to 01903 XXXXX.
Nasty... thanks for the advice!!
Why some people have to abuse technology like handys (voice and SMS), the internet with cheap viagra emails etc. and even normal phones with automatic 'cold-calls' is beyond me. With all the tracking of messages, etc. it must be one of the easiest ways to get caught these days, even with all the anonymous tools! Someone should be able to trace dubious calls - if they are really bothered...
My wife REALLY hates those automatic phone calls in the evening that blah on about "Congratulations, you have already won 1,000,000€ in the competition you entered and...", we don't hear anything else because we slam the phone down.
No, we don't enter many competitions and just forget we could win 1,000,000€!!!
Are there any rules about that cr*p in Germany, similar to Britain? Where can I compain to? Can I opt out of crud over the phone? I don't suppose Telekom really care, it brings money in for them. But I really think the rules are a bit wishy-washy in these areas.
My wife REALLY hates those automatic phone calls in the evening that blah on about "Congratulations, you have already won 1,000,000€ in the competition you entered and...", we don't hear anything else because we slam the phone down.
No, we don't enter many competitions and just forget we could win 1,000,000€!!!
Are there any rules about that cr*p in Germany, similar to Britain? Where can I compain to? Can I opt out of crud over the phone? I don't suppose Telekom really care, it brings money in for them. But I really think the rules are a bit wishy-washy in these areas.
That is very odd that you get cold calls because they are strictly forbidden in Germany. A company may only call you if you have had dealings with them in the past, or if you have signed up for something and agreed to let them call you (sometimes you have to check a box NOT to be called).
I haven't gotten a single one in 3.5 years in Germany.
In the US I used to get about 10 per night. A computer would call at around 6:30, and then hang up when you answer, recording the fac that you're home. You would then be in for a night of the phone ringing off the hook. When I visit my father he simply won't touch the phone between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
I haven't gotten a single one in 3.5 years in Germany.
In the US I used to get about 10 per night. A computer would call at around 6:30, and then hang up when you answer, recording the fac that you're home. You would then be in for a night of the phone ringing off the hook. When I visit my father he simply won't touch the phone between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
Seriously we have been getting a few calls a month under the guise of "We are just doing a survey..." or these automated computer calls that say you've won something.
The former would usually get told (in English) to put me down as a "Don't know" for all answers, oh and please "s*d off". But witchypoo mostly just tells them we don't have time, so they tend to keep us on the list ...the last time they got more than that because they called our other ISDN number a few seconds later - witchypoo was not impressed!
The automated calls just get on our nerves as usually no number is shown, so you don't know if you can safely ignore it or not!
There are also the crappy scams where they send SMS messages and want you to make a return call. But strangely enough, they are stupid enough to keep within the law and tell you the premium rate for the phone call in the SMS message! Errmmm...
The former would usually get told (in English) to put me down as a "Don't know" for all answers, oh and please "s*d off". But witchypoo mostly just tells them we don't have time, so they tend to keep us on the list ...the last time they got more than that because they called our other ISDN number a few seconds later - witchypoo was not impressed!
The automated calls just get on our nerves as usually no number is shown, so you don't know if you can safely ignore it or not!
There are also the crappy scams where they send SMS messages and want you to make a return call. But strangely enough, they are stupid enough to keep within the law and tell you the premium rate for the phone call in the SMS message! Errmmm...
I've gotten a couple of the SMS ones, but they mostly come directly from Vodafone asking if I want to sign up for some new service.
Once someone from Vodafone called me to ask if i wanted to have a second phone number. She couldn't really give me a good answer for why I would want two phone numbers, but still only have one phone.
I'm sure there are ways to bend the law, and that's how you're getting calls, but I especially don't see how the automated ones are legal. I bet non-profit orgs have some sort of provision, but these don't sound like non-profits.
Once someone from Vodafone called me to ask if i wanted to have a second phone number. She couldn't really give me a good answer for why I would want two phone numbers, but still only have one phone.
I'm sure there are ways to bend the law, and that's how you're getting calls, but I especially don't see how the automated ones are legal. I bet non-profit orgs have some sort of provision, but these don't sound like non-profits.
QUOTE
Once someone from Vodafone called me to ask if i wanted to have a second phone number. She couldn't really give me a good answer for why I would want two phone numbers, but still only have one phone.
I think the idea is to allow you to have business and personal calls to the same phone, but with different numbers. So you can choose who knows which number...I suppose that means you've got two different mailboxes too, so it's just organised nicely with just one physical phone. But isn't it a problem if you call back? How do you call back from a different number without swapping a SIM card in your phone? Or is it all jiggery-pokery at the Vodafone end?
I guess, to find out, you will have to wait for them to phone back and offer it again!
We get two or three of those automated phone calls a day. Sometimes they phone at 10 o'clock at night. Only problem is there is no number listed to phone and complain to. I was told never to start pressing the numbers to either talk to the customer service or to enquire further as it costs you even more then.
I often have Newspaper companies and catalogs phone me and ask if I want a subscription too.
Recently we have been targeted by the Jehovas except they come to the door. I pretended I knew no German so they started sending English speaking ones round. Watchtower magazine anyone??
I often have Newspaper companies and catalogs phone me and ask if I want a subscription too.
Recently we have been targeted by the Jehovas except they come to the door. I pretended I knew no German so they started sending English speaking ones round. Watchtower magazine anyone??
Watchtower magazine anyone??
QUOTE
I pretended I knew no German so they started sending English speaking ones round.
WOW, that's sneaky! But you could always tell 'em what you think anyway in English, although it might be easier, and less risky, to tell the German ones what you think in English instead!
There are probably a few key words that might make things clear (in any language)!!!
Is it just me, or does the word "Watchtower" conjure up different images after seeing the Lord Of The Rings trilogy?
Talking of similar things, see other thread...
OT
With ISDN you can have up to ten different numbers and I've taken them all. We have the normal one which would be in the book if we let them. I have a private number that I use to call my wife, so she knows it's me (and knows not to answer if she's got special visitors? ). One is for my wife's business, one each go to various groups of relatives, friends, etc., including one for my family in England. The remaining numbers I use for odds and ends, for example when I advertise something for sale, or if I apply for a job etc., so that on the one hand I know what the call is about and secondly, so that afterwards unwanted people don't know the "proper" number. The telephone supports five different ringing tones, so 90% of the time I know from the ringing tone who's calling (and whether or not I can be bothered answering! ).
Back on topic!
We've been getting calls for about three months now where the phone rings once and that's it. In the display is a number 0049431xxx. Offhand, I can't remember whether 0431 is Kiel or Heide, but it's somewhere up there. I believe I read somewhere a while ago that there are circumstances under which you can dial a harmless looking number and then get redirected without your knowledge to an expensive 0190 number (how this is (allowed to be) technically possible, I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances), so I've told my wife never to call back. I always take the attitude, if it's important, they'll call back, so I never worry about missed calls, but my wife... well, she is a woman!
Anyway, she's pissed off enough about it now so she's off to the Telekom shop tomorrow to see if there's anything they can do, or tell her about it.
QUOTE
Once someone from Vodafone called me to ask if i wanted to have a second phone number. She couldn't really give me a good answer for why I would want two phone numbers, but still only have one phone.
With ISDN you can have up to ten different numbers and I've taken them all. We have the normal one which would be in the book if we let them. I have a private number that I use to call my wife, so she knows it's me (and knows not to answer if she's got special visitors? ). One is for my wife's business, one each go to various groups of relatives, friends, etc., including one for my family in England. The remaining numbers I use for odds and ends, for example when I advertise something for sale, or if I apply for a job etc., so that on the one hand I know what the call is about and secondly, so that afterwards unwanted people don't know the "proper" number. The telephone supports five different ringing tones, so 90% of the time I know from the ringing tone who's calling (and whether or not I can be bothered answering! ).
). One is for my wife's business, one each go to various groups of relatives, friends, etc., including one for my family in England. The remaining numbers I use for odds and ends, for example when I advertise something for sale, or if I apply for a job etc., so that on the one hand I know what the call is about and secondly, so that afterwards unwanted people don't know the "proper" number. The telephone supports five different ringing tones, so 90% of the time I know from the ringing tone who's calling (and whether or not I can be bothered answering! 
).Back on topic!
We've been getting calls for about three months now where the phone rings once and that's it. In the display is a number 0049431xxx. Offhand, I can't remember whether 0431 is Kiel or Heide, but it's somewhere up there. I believe I read somewhere a while ago that there are circumstances under which you can dial a harmless looking number and then get redirected without your knowledge to an expensive 0190 number (how this is (allowed to be) technically possible, I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances), so I've told my wife never to call back. I always take the attitude, if it's important, they'll call back, so I never worry about missed calls, but my wife... well, she is a woman!
Anyway, she's pissed off enough about it now so she's off to the Telekom shop tomorrow to see if there's anything they can do, or tell her about it.
0137-numbers are used for televoting etc - can be quite dodgy - some TV-stations
only exist because of them!
Costs depend on what follows the 0137 ...
0137-1/5 12 Ct. pro Gespräch
0137-2/3/4 12 Ct., 30/30, +6 Ct.
0137-6 24 Ct. pro Anruf
0137-7 98 Ct. pro Anruf
0137-8/9 49 Ct. pro Anruf
So that only leaves one answer: DON'T CALL BACK!!
Same applies of course to 0190 and 0900-numbers.
Dialing say 0431-123456 won't put you through to a 0190/0900-number.
The number called will record your number, and so your name and adddress can be traced by means of the telephone directory ("inverse search" just by number) -
used by dialers on the Internet, and you'll receive horrific bills for so-called "services"
and subscriptions.
"Cold calling" is forbidden in Germany - but tracing the people behind the numbers can be quite difficult.
Beware also of "R-Calls" - just by pressing one button you may also be on a 0190/0900-number.
only exist because of them!
Costs depend on what follows the 0137 ...
0137-1/5 12 Ct. pro Gespräch
0137-2/3/4 12 Ct., 30/30, +6 Ct.
0137-6 24 Ct. pro Anruf
0137-7 98 Ct. pro Anruf
0137-8/9 49 Ct. pro Anruf
So that only leaves one answer: DON'T CALL BACK!!
Same applies of course to 0190 and 0900-numbers.
Dialing say 0431-123456 won't put you through to a 0190/0900-number.
The number called will record your number, and so your name and adddress can be traced by means of the telephone directory ("inverse search" just by number) -
used by dialers on the Internet, and you'll receive horrific bills for so-called "services"
and subscriptions.
"Cold calling" is forbidden in Germany - but tracing the people behind the numbers can be quite difficult.
Beware also of "R-Calls" - just by pressing one button you may also be on a 0190/0900-number.
I had one calling me at 23.00 every evening. I switched the phone off , it continued, no message left. I replied by SMS - "Who the hell are you?" then it stopped.
Just one further warning.
0190/0900/0137 ... can be "hidden" by prefixes for call-by-call.
E.g.
010330190xxxxxx =
01033 = Deutsche Telekom
> you then are on the 0190xxxxx number.
Beware!!
0190/0900/0137 ... can be "hidden" by prefixes for call-by-call.
E.g.
010330190xxxxxx =
01033 = Deutsche Telekom
> you then are on the 0190xxxxx number.
Beware!!
I've just received a call from the UK on my handy and the number has come up as +86396********. It was actually my wife calling from her dads house, but where has the dodgy number come from?
calling card?
I get a strange number on mine when people in the US call me with a calling card.
I get a strange number on mine when people in the US call me with a calling card.
Hmm, and for those that dont have a number transmitted at all, I get anon y mouse shown in the display...
oops, wrong spelling there anony - oh sh*t I cant be bothered to look it up on leo.org...
Stephen
oops, wrong spelling there anony - oh sh*t I cant be bothered to look it up on leo.org...
Stephen
I have been having these calls and they hang up after a couple of rings. Because I've got a UK SIM, does that mean I am paying for all these rogue calls myself?
If you don't pick up the phone, you will not be paying.
If someone is trying to call you, he will notice a different rinning tone, and that is maybe why the caller is hanging up after ringing a few times. ( its called roaming )
Stephen
If someone is trying to call you, he will notice a different rinning tone, and that is maybe why the caller is hanging up after ringing a few times. ( its called roaming )
Stephen
Just be careful that you're mailbox is not switched on!
Had a very expensive experience with that. I was over here on business for a few weeks and wasn't able to answer my mobile. People would call and they would just get to the first few seconds of my mailbox and then hangup. I would get no message but because they connected to my mailbox I was getting charged. It was about 90p at the time, had a bill for over £40 just for missed calls
And that reminds me of another story! Back a few years ago there was no SMS agreement between the international operators, only call agreements. So when I was in Germany I could send SMS for the same price as at home. While I was here for a few months on business the SMS agreement came in but it was not made public!! I was looking at my monthly bill on line and noticed that I was getting charged almost double the price for SMS. So I sent a mail to my operator asking what the hell was happening! They then ring me on my mobile and explain the whole thing and tell me they will refund me the difference for all SMS up until then, which was fair enough! But the price of their call to me was more than the refund Never got it refunded!
Had a very expensive experience with that. I was over here on business for a few weeks and wasn't able to answer my mobile. People would call and they would just get to the first few seconds of my mailbox and then hangup. I would get no message but because they connected to my mailbox I was getting charged. It was about 90p at the time, had a bill for over £40 just for missed calls
And that reminds me of another story! Back a few years ago there was no SMS agreement between the international operators, only call agreements. So when I was in Germany I could send SMS for the same price as at home. While I was here for a few months on business the SMS agreement came in but it was not made public!! I was looking at my monthly bill on line and noticed that I was getting charged almost double the price for SMS. So I sent a mail to my operator asking what the hell was happening! They then ring me on my mobile and explain the whole thing and tell me they will refund me the difference for all SMS up until then, which was fair enough! But the price of their call to me was more than the refund Never got it refunded!
The thing is, that cold calling is against the law in Germany for German companies, but if they are owned by companies in other countries (daughter company etc), then these can ring you, and what's more it's hard to trace. This is why you get all this c##p.
Just felt I needed to explain that little gem of modern capitalism. I hate all those b#####ds!
Just felt I needed to explain that little gem of modern capitalism. I hate all those b#####ds!
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