Phone call from O2 at 7:30pm

darrenw5094

I received a call from someone claiming to be from O2 today. The call came at around 19:30. Their number was blocked on my phone screen which i thought was a bit strange. A guy with Northern Ireland accent was asking me if i was aware of O2 treats etc. Then asked me for an email address to enter some ticket competition. I gave him an old email address that i don't really use much anymore. He seemed to know the O2 details like O2 priority tickets etc. He also said that O2 would call for this, once a year. Strange time to call and strange that his number was withheld on my screen.

Did anyone else get these calls from O2 recently.

Run_to_da_hills

Often had calls from 02 and Three at odd hours and weekends. If im not in the mood for listening to a dragged out conversation on their latest promotion I just tell them that and simply hang up.

Cabaal

They can call up until 9pm 6 days a week (not Sundays) afaik, I just demand that they add me to the do not call list wait for them to say yes and then end the call. If they refuse they can expect alot of abuse and a complaint to comreg

doleman2010

O2 , vodafone and meteor all seem to be using third party companies to do thier marketing for them , I got a call last week from a cork 021 number with a lady telling me she was from Vodafone , i knew for a fact that vodafone do not have a call centre and asked the girl politely several times where she was calling from , eventually supervisor came on and admitted it was a company called Intercall management , turns out I got an upgrade in a shop some years ago and these crowd had my details and were canvassing for business for another third party , spoke to vodafone and they dont give a s**t,
Serious breach of data protection in my opinion plus misrepresentation of the company that I do have an agreement with .

Owen

What drives me cracked is this blocked number malarky. How hard is it for o2 to have their calls come from 1909, or vodafone to do the same? I asked the question of the head of customer care on their forum, and she said that from independent research, more people are likely to answer a blocked number. My arse they are. The only people who ever ring from a blocked number are either a) Rude b) The bank or c) The phone company.

Anytime o2 ring me from a blocked number, I generallly give a load of non-shouty abuse over it down the phone over it.

axer

You think thats bad. I got calls from the bank of Ireland (a call centre) regarding over due credit card payments. This has happened twice.

They ring up with the number not showing to ask me some security questions first before they can talk about the bank account.

The first thing I said to them was - how do I know you are who you say you are? I think both operators were a little stunned that I refused to give my details to some random person from an unknown number.

I think they were genuine as it is fairly easy to tell but at the same time this is not enough for me to know they are genuine when it comes to my financial accounts.

There are people out there with serious common sense issues.

darrenw5094

Ridiculous. How could anyone trust a call from a blocked number? Asking private details etc. And at an evening time of 7:30.

O2_Sheena

Hi, we do have a call centre in Northern Ireland that call our customers in relation to offers available but if you're ever unsure you can ask them to send you a text from our servers to prove that it is O2. The reason we call from private numbers is that most people wouldn't answer our call if we rang from 1909 or a number known as O2 but I can understand how it can be frustrating.

If you would prefer to not receive calls from us regarding promotions you can let the O2 staff member know and they will immediately remove you from our lists, or you can send me a PM with your mobile number and I'll do this for you now.

Lawrence1895

I guess, the best thing is, whenever you sign up for a contract, checking that the box 'I wish to be informed about promotions' is unticked...but that does not affect O2 only

RangeR

O2_Sheena wrote: »

The reason we call from private numbers is that most people wouldn't answer our call if we rang from 1909 or a number known as O2

Sheena, seriously, does that not tell you something? Why do you push out your calls when you know people don't want to talk to you?

Magenta

darrenw5094 wrote: »

I received a call from someone claiming to be from O2 today. The call came at around 19:30.

He called me as well.

I get calls from an 028 number every single day too, it's annoying.

dh0661

O2_Sheena wrote: »

The reason we call from private numbers is that most people wouldn't answer our call if we rang from ----

I would ever answer calls that come in on a blocked number.

antoinolachtnai

Sheena, I have had calls from a withheld number, which turned out to be O2 (Limerick) where the operator asked for my name and details immediately on me answering.

Now you tell me that the reason why O2 does this is because people would not answer a call from O2?

Ringing people up from a blocked number and then asking for personal details is a really thoughtless business practice. Do you think about the security implications of these things at all?

This never happened with Danuta as boss.

RangeR

Yup, it was definitely a better company with Ms Gray at the helm.

Stokolan

I usually know when they call. When I answer and say hello and I get a pause of about 1 - 2 seconds I know its a call center of some kind and just hang up.

Or when they start saying im so and so from what ever comapny i just hang up

mike65

vodafone are hassling customers from their NI call centre a lot right now.

+442890931070

darrenw5094

O2_Sheena wrote: »

The reason we call from private numbers is that most people wouldn't answer our call if we rang from 1909 or a number known as O2.

People are more likely not to answer to a number that is with held or blocked. People will NOT give private info to a voice on their phone that has their number blocked. WTF?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

darrenw5094 wrote: »

People are more likely not to answer to a number that is with held or blocked. People will NOT give private info to a voice on their phone that has their number blocked. WTF?

I can't agree that most people would not answer a blocked number. Most of my family and friends have their home phones and mobiles blocked these days. My own phones are blocked and people almost always answer my calls.
However, I agree that O2 should have the balls to display the incoming number if they consider the calls legitimate
As for the calls themselves. Just tell them not to call again. They are obliged to honour your instructions. As for private information - don't give them any. No harm in them calling really is there?.

Personally I don't think it's a big deal to get a call at 7.30 and simply say I'm not interestwed and please do not call this number again. Where's the hassle in that?

axer

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

As for the calls themselves. Just tell them not to call again. They are obliged to honour your instructions. As for private information - don't give them any. No harm in them calling really is there?.

Personally I don't think it's a big deal to get a call at 7.30 and simply say I'm not interestwed and please do not call this number again. Where's the hassle in that?

From my point of view I think it is a disgrace that company's have no common sense in this regard. Why are they suggesting it is ok for people to give out sensitve account information (or even security for accounts) to unknown people calling on unknown numbers. It leaves it open for people to start phishing attacks and identity thefts.

For example, if I want to get information from people for identity theft. First I find an O2 bill with a name which I can put a number to (not sure if the number is on the bill). Then I ring that number from an unknown number, I can say I am from O2 (the person on the other end may not be suspicious as this is what O2 do anyway) and ask for account security information to confirm that the person on the other end is the customer but really be using it as an excuse to gather the sesitive account information. I can then use that information to contact O2 themselves and confirm that I am the actual customer (even though I am not). Then I may be able to make purchases etc using that account i.e. O2 will give me the power as if I was the customer.

This is a massive security risk that is encouraged by O2.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Axer, I am not disagreeing with you in the slightest. I said tell them nothing and tell them not to call again. I also said O2 should display their number.

Least, you think I said anything else!

slimjimmc

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

I can't agree that most people would not answer a blocked number. Most of my family and friends have their home phones and mobiles blocked these days. My own phones are blocked and people almost always answer my calls.
However, I agree that O2 should have the balls to display the incoming number if they consider the calls legitimate
As for the calls themselves. Just tell them not to call again. They are obliged to honour your instructions. As for private information - don't give them any. No harm in them calling really is there?.

Personally I don't think it's a big deal to get a call at 7.30 and simply say I'm not interestwed and please do not call this number again. Where's the hassle in that?

I keep my phone number blocked all the time but I put 142 in front of any number when I want it showing to the recipient, e.g friends.

e.g 142-01-123456789 displays your caller id to that phone number.

darrenw5094

slimjimmc wrote: »

I keep my phone number blocked all the time but I put 142 in front of any number when I want it showing to the recipient, e.g friends.

e.g 142-01-123456789 displays your caller id to that phone number.

Why would you block your number? As a call comes in, i would find it strange that somebody would with hold their number. I understand that some people are X directory, but i was even thinking of blocking calls from with held numbers.

yuloni

This post has been deleted.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Why would you block your number? As a call comes in, i would find it strange that somebody would with hold their number. I understand that some people are X directory, but i was even thinking of blocking calls from with held numbers.

Boy you'd miss some amount of calls. It's estimated that in the region of 40% of domestic landlines now have withheld numbers. It's a privacy factor and prevents businesses, in particular, getting your number. Blocking withheld numbers seems a childish. Answer the blasted call and if you don't want to talk to whoever it is just end the call or tell them not to call again. How difficult is that?

ShooterSF

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

Boy you'd miss some amount of calls. It's estimated that in the region of 40% of domestic landlines now have withheld numbers. It's a privacy factor and prevents businesses, in particular, getting your number. Blocking withheld numbers seems a childish. Answer the blasted call and if you don't want to talk to whoever it is just end the call or tell them not to call again. How difficult is that?

I don't answer withheld numbers. I find it rude that someone would conceal their identity. Why don't home phone users keep their number public and if they receive a call answer it and if it's a business they're not interested in talking to tell them not to call again and hang up.How difficult is that?
Same thing eh?

As far as the OP is concerned I agree it's laughable what companies do in this country. One day prior to be decision not to answer withheld calls AIB rang me looking to "update my details" and just needed me to confirm who I was with my D.O.B :eek:

darrenw5094

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

Blocking withheld numbers seems a childish.

Blocking your number seems childish. There is no positive reason that a caller would block their number for the recipiant. I can only think of negative reasons why people with hold their number.

If people don't want to show themselves, why would i want to talk to them?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Blocking your number seems childish. There is no positive reason that a caller would block their number for the recipiant. I can only think of negative reasons why people with hold their number.

If people don't want to show themselves, why would i want to talk to them?

Ever wonder why so many are ex-directory? You or members of your family have obviously never been prey to obscene or harassing calls. I have, and I'll not go into any details here, but there are many good reasons to prevent malicious calls by not making your phone number public. Certainly better reasons then to block all incoming withheld numbers. Also, you don't seem to be taking any cognisance of the fact that not everybody has caller display.

Anyway, irrespective of all that, back to Topic; I think getting niffed at a call from any company at 7.30 is a bit rich when there are so many real problems to be dealt with out there.

Thoie

axer wrote: »

From my point of view I think it is a disgrace that company's have no common sense in this regard. Why are they suggesting it is ok for people to give out sensitve account information (or even security for accounts) to unknown people calling on unknown numbers. It leaves it open for people to start phishing attacks and identity thefts.

I invariably end up in a Mexican standoff. Companies ring up and immediately ask me to confirm private details. I ask why. They say it's company policy. I tell them it's my policy not to give out my details to strangers who ring me out of the blue, and would they mind answering some security questions. Then I ask them to confirm my name and address, the balance on my account and my usual payment method.

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Blocking your number seems childish. There is no positive reason that a caller would block their number for the recipiant. I can only think of negative reasons why people with hold their number.

If people don't want to show themselves, why would i want to talk to them?

We all managed for years to answer the phone before everything had caller ID. One of the many advantages was that you could call a company without them immediately saving your number and calling you back at inconvenient times. People only got your number if you deliberately gave it to them, instead of them saving it the second you call.

darrenw5094

Thoie wrote: »

I invariably end up in a Mexican standoff. Companies ring up and immediately ask me to confirm private details. I ask why. They say it's company policy. I tell them it's my policy not to give out my details to strangers who ring me out of the blue, and would they mind answering some security questions. Then I ask them to confirm my name and address, the balance on my account and my usual payment method.

Good point, the caller with blocked number should be firstly answering our secuirity questions, before we answer secuirity questions.:)

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Thoie wrote: »

We all managed for years to answer the phone before everything had caller ID. One of the many advantages was that you could call a company without them immediately saving your number and calling you back at inconvenient times. People only got your number if you deliberately gave it to them, instead of them saving it the second you call.

Well said. That's the whole point in a nutshell. What is the paranoia about receiving a call and not knowing the number it originates from? There's something almost childish about it. Plus, many phones still don't have caller display.

But back to topic. What is so wrong about your phone provider calling at 7.30 when all you have to do is either hang up or say "no thank you" and then hang up?

oldon

Getting 3 calls a day from So called O2 staff. reported the matter th=o comreg. so when i do get calls from O2 I just play load music in2 the phone but the phone down for 5 minutes or so. Not even a customer of theirs, They been told to remove me from any and all lists. This is harrasment.

<SNIP> Not suitable </MODEDIT>

Our man in Havana

ShooterSF wrote: »

I don't answer withheld numbers. I find it rude that someone would conceal their identity. Why don't home phone users keep their number public and if they receive a call answer it and if it's a business they're not interested in talking to tell them not to call again and hang up.How difficult is that?
Same thing eh?

As far as the OP is concerned I agree it's laughable what companies do in this country. One day prior to be decision not to answer withheld calls AIB rang me looking to "update my details" and just needed me to confirm who I was with my D.O.B :eek:

I've had UPC phoning me quite a bit from a NI number, +44 28 90530025, usually trying to entice me into getting their TV service as I have broadband only.

darrenw5094

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

But back to topic. What is so wrong about your phone provider calling at 7.30 when all you have to do is either hang up or say "no thank you" and then hang up?

What was wrong was, firstly a blocked number, secondly an O2 call after normal office hours and third, a caller asking for private information.

I thought it was a bit fishy. First thing that came to my mind was, a scammer. I was just interested to see if anyone else here had a similar call.

hdowney

I get calls like that from a lot of businesses. if they ask for personal details i refuse. I have NO idea who you are so not going to happen.

One I remember rang and said they wanted to talk about my account - no idea y there was nothing owing or nowt. Right I says. They say we need to confirm security questions first can you give me your name and date of birth. No I say. Why they say. I don't give them out to strangers I say. I am not a stranger she says I am from (whoever it was, think it was the bank). First I say, you are a stranger. I don't know you. I can't even prove that you are who you say you are. Second I am outside in public. What has that got to do with anything she says. If I give you my name and d.o.b. over the phone then all the people around me are going to hear it too. So she says!!! I just told you I don't give my information to strangers. I hung up on her at this point with the most flabberghasted look on my face!!!!

Our man in Havana

What you can do is turn the questions around. Ask them for their DOB and name and address. Say it is for security reasons. It really puts them on the back foot.

UglyBolloxFace

O2_Sheena wrote: »

The reason we call from private numbers is that most people wouldn't answer our call if we rang from 1909 or a number known as O2

Would that be an indication that you are aware that people do not want to hear from you about the 'latest offers' etc?
If so, why do you continue to ring people even though you are aware that they will not want to speak with you?

(don't mean to sound cheeky by the way - genuine question)

O2_Sheena

I can understand that, the majority of customers are happy to receive a call from us, especially when it is for a new offer or promotion, which most of our calls are for. Sometimes though we need to call someone regarding an overdue bill, or an issue in their area or on their account, or for feedback, and in those cases we would rather not have our number show up.

Of course, if any customer is to say "I would rather if you don't contact me about offers in the future" they are immediately removed from our promotions list and we won't call again.

The shoe is often on the other foot when we get calls from customers wondering why we didn't tell them about an offer that came out a few months back so we're trying to get the balance right!

axer

O2_Sheena wrote: »

I can understand that, the majority of customers are happy to receive a call from us, especially when it is for a new offer or promotion, which most of our calls are for. Sometimes though we need to call someone regarding an overdue bill, or an issue in their area or on their account, or for feedback, and in those cases we would rather not have our number show up.

Why? Why not show a central 02 number so that people know who is calling them and that if they miss the call they know who it was - they might even remember that they had forgotten to pay their bill and remember to do it when they see the missed call from O2. If they choose not to answer it knowing it is o2 then at least ye can see - "we tried to get you on the phone".

Can you see the issue with someone randomly ringing up from a private number asking personal security information?

Not everyone is smart enough to ask for further proof that the person on the phone is who they say they are so if O2 make a habit of doing this then such people are easily fooled by scammers. I would think they would have a case against O2 since they can argue it is normal for O2 to ring from an unknown number looking for security info thus why would they question the scammer claiming to be O2

parsi

O2_Sheena wrote: »

Sometimes though we need to call someone regarding an overdue bill, or an issue in their area or on their account, or for feedback, and in those cases we would rather not have our number show up.

You'd hide your number when ringing for feedback ? Strange...

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Sheena, you really need to sort that policy out with the powers that be in O2. It makes no sense whatsoever. I'm not with O2 and on reading your excuses, more so than the complaints, I'm glad I'm not with O2.

caspa307

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

Sheena, you really need to sort that policy out with the powers that be in O2. It makes no sense whatsoever. I'm not with O2 and on reading your excuses, more so than the complaints, I'm glad I'm not with O2.

who are you with just curious cos what she says makes sense, i mean how many times have you rang your provider giving out(not you personally in general) i did it all the time then realised the nicer i spoke with them (them being meteor) the better i was treated. plus on the whole private number thing when i owed monies to o2 and they called me from a number i regonised i know i didnt answer it

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

caspa307 wrote: »

who are you with just curious cos what she says makes sense, i mean how many times have you rang your provider giving out(not you personally in general) i did it all the time then realised the nicer i spoke with them (them being meteor) the better i was treated. plus on the whole private number thing when i owed monies to o2 and they called me from a number i regonised i know i didnt answer it

I can't quite catch what you are saying here.

I'm with Vodafone and never get calls from them.

As for not answering when they called about owed money; then you are clearly part of the problem.

drunkmonkey

Our man in Havana wrote: »

What you can do is turn the questions around

Or tell them like it is..

NSFW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj2oXMdZ4sk

caspa307

Pedro Substantial Column wrote: »

I can't quite catch what you are saying here.

I'm with Vodafone and never get calls from them.

As for not answering when they called about owed money; then you are clearly part of the problem.

read it again you should understand

also i belive the problem is o2? i dont work for o2

darrenw5094

axer wrote: »

Can you see the issue with someone randomly ringing up from a private number asking personal security information?

Exactly what i was thinking. A stranger calling, withheld number, asking for private details. How can we possibly believe what the caller is telling us. Could be a pack of lies.

Sheena, your excuse for a blocked number, is about chasing people for money owed. But that was not the reason for my phone call.

How hard can it be for the phone company to have a universal number like a logo?? Just a simple 'O2' on our lcd screen to show who you are.