unsolicited call 014819100 IPSOS MRBI

E39MSport

FYI

I had a missed call from the above number. Google tells me that it's IPSOS MRBI. I called them on 01 4389 000 and they confirmed it's a call centre number that they use for surveys.

I asked where they got my number and they replied that they randomly generate numbers.

I asked them to add me to their Do Not Contact list and they agreed without hesitation.

maxer68

and.......????

Is there an issue here?

A well regarded company that does surveys based on random selection (probably political opinion poll for Irish Times), calls you, you ask not to be called, they agree. Where's the issue?

E39MSport

There doesn't appear to be an Uber Bold option for the text in the Title.



I didn't want the call. I don't like being called by unknowns and my number is well guarded. It's my perogative you know?

My post is informative in case you missed the first part of it.

There's a button on the left of your screen if you have a problem with the post.

maxer68

No problem with the post, I was just wondering what the issue was that you wanted answered as this is what the thread is about.

You got an unsolicited random call, you asked them to delete your number, they agreed to do so on the spot. - Still can't see any issue as there's nothing to say anyone can't call a random number once they don't use autodiallers. If you ask not to be called again, they must acede to your request, which they did immediately.

Shows them to be a decent company if anything.

seagull

If they're randomly generating numbers, odds are they're using an auto-dialler. Do they have anything in their number generator that excludes all the numbers that have opted into the do not call list?

DVD-Lots

I think it depends on a mixture of the dialler and the campaigns that they use. Most places will have a do not call list initiated so once you have stated that you want to be taken off the list that should do it. If you do get called again report them immediately.

Also, the funny thing about diallers is that there is no full legal legislation here regarding their use, we work off Ofcom rules for now as guideline.... :rolleyes:

Boggles

Comreg should make it a law that you do not have to opt out of this practice, but you have to opt in.

Can't see it happening myself.

maxer68

Boggles wrote: »

Ofcom should make it a law that you do not have to opt out of this practice, but you have to opt in.

Can't see it happening myself.

I think we have enough red tape in this country.

Surveys & polls based on a random selection of people are very useful in all walks of life. If you don't want the calls, you simply let them know. If they continue to call you, then you have an issue that needs to be corrected.

E39MSport

Yeah, they're brilliant. Served us well thus far.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I really can't see what the issue is. A resopected company who carry out surveys. Your privacy is intact as they don't know who they called. You asked to be deleted and they rightly agreed. No issue and no need for any warnings as there is nothing untoward.

E39MSport

Again, my post is not so much a complaint rather than a point of information. From memory, the charter doesn't state that this forum is for complaints only.

It took me a while to figure out who the missed call was from. I repeatedly called back to find the line engaged.

From my research a lot of other people have had the same experience. I'm attemtping tp provide some information for others that may have the same experience.

I don't wish to receive unsolicited calls from any organisation or individual - simple as.

edit: - churning out random numbers on a dialler isn't respectable in my book.

DVD-Lots

Also, afaik, if they are following Ofcom rules then they have to leave a voicemail stating who they are, contact details and opening hours. The only reason not to leave a message is if it is classed as a missed call, or u don't have voicemail setup on the phone.

doleman2010

Well in fairness to them at least you could see who they were , in that they had the manners to have their caller id on, too many others out there ringing from hoodie or balaclava numbers , 2 well known dublin hospital (charities) here are using a call centre in the North to call punters using withheld numbers.

Del2005

E39MSport wrote: »

It took me a while to figure out who the missed call was from. I repeatedly called back to find the line engaged.

.

E39MSport wrote: »

I don't like being called by unknowns and my number is well guarded. It's my perogative you know?

You don't like being called by unknown people yet when you get a call from an unknown number you repeatedly call it back

If it was a spam company you've just informed them that they reached a valid number and they will hound you, luckily you reached a legit company who've added you to their don't call list.

If I get a missed call from an unknown number I ignore it. If it's important enough they'll call back.

foggy_lad

These marketing/poll companies should be. Barred from dialling any number which is ex directory!

Venom

foggy_lad wrote: »

These marketing/poll companies should be. Barred from dialling any number which is ex directory!

Having worked for a market research company they really do use a random number generator for residential surveys for the most part and can't really cross reference these numbers against ex directory numbers but once you say you want off there internal dialling list they will do it there and then.

Due to the nature of the business, telesales legislation does not apply to market research companies as its not costing you anything. While it can be a pain in the ass getting a call just say your not interested and they will take the hint there and then unlike telesales agents who have to be pushy or risk a bollocking from a supervisor.

Our man in Havana

foggy_lad wrote: »

These marketing/poll companies should be. Barred from dialling any number which is ex directory!

Agreed.

I also agree that the use of auto diallers should be banned.

maxer68

Our man in Havana wrote: »

Agreed.

I also agree that the use of auto diallers should be banned.

Auto diallers & random number generators are two entirely different things.
Auto diallers do as they say - they dial and if the phone is answered the call is put through to a human being to sell you something.

Random number generators generate numbers which are individually called by someone and are used for most market research polling.

As said elsewhere, the call was made, the OP requested that he not be called again, they agreed immediately. Still no issue here.

foggy_lad

The issue is that the op's number is private/ex-directory so no company should be ringing them regardless of what shady way they procure the number.

I dont see an issue with the number generators as long as the numbers generated are referenced against the NDD opt out database as well as the telephone directory and ONLY if the number is not opted out of nuscience calls and is in the phone book it can be called!

Venom

foggy_lad wrote: »

The issue is that the op's number is private/ex-directory so no company should be ringing them regardless of what shady way they procure the number.

I dont see an issue with the number generators as long as the numbers generated are referenced against the NDD opt out database as well as the telephone directory and ONLY if the number is not opted out of nuscience calls and is in the phone book it can be called!

The NDD opt out database does not cover market research calls such as the OP received.

Our man in Havana

Venom wrote: »

The NDD opt out database does not cover market research calls such as the OP received.

This is something that the government should address.

scanorak

Comreg might have a look at it in about 10 years time.

Our man in Havana

scanorak wrote: »

Comreg might have a look at it in about 10 years time.

That would be rather fast for them.

nlgbbbblth

E39MSport wrote: »

I didn't want the call. I don't like being called by unknowns and my number is well guarded. It's my perogative you know?

What do you do if someone dials your number in error i.e. a "wrong number" call?

Call the guards? Start threads on the internet?

E39MSport

nlgbbbblth wrote: »

What do you do if someone dials your number in error i.e. a "wrong number" call?

Call the guards? Start threads on the internet?

Call them back. You ?

nlgbbbblth

E39MSport wrote: »

Call them back. You ?

No - I mean if you answer a call from someone who has mistakenly dialled your number. Do you give 'em hell?

E39MSport

I give up on this thread.

If you read the entire thread (even post #1) you'll see that it's informative.

coylemj

I got a call from them a few months back, very polite and professional. He asked me if it was convenient to talk, I said it was, he then asked me a few questions about some current affairs and it was all over in about 2 minutes, really can't see how people can have an issue with this.

Nobody walks around the street with a 'Don't stop me to do a survey' sticker on their jacket so I can't see why people have an issue with a legitimate research/polling company calling you.

Once they display an Irish number and identify the company name the instant you answer then I have no problem if they call me.

chewythefirst

thank you for informing me about this number, i just got a missed call from it and no credit to call them back so whent online for phone book listings and fell apon this thread.

i can understand the point that you are making in that you have a privet number and have it that way so that people and companies you dont know or dont want to know dont call you.

i have taken this thread in the way it was ment to be taken, as a informational thread only.:)

E39MSport

Thanks chewy

BnB

Life is wwaaaaaaay too short

angeldelight

Having worked for this company when I was in college I can confirm they do use totally random numbers - we used to get a huge number of out of service numbers that we would have to ring. Also they don't use autodiallers, we had regular phones and had to dial the numbers ourselves. The only modification was a headset in place of holding the phone! And also anybody requesting to be taken off our call list was done immediately

pleasant Co.

BnB wrote: »

Life is wwaaaaaaay too short

Get off boards and go live a full short life. Simples.

oggy8

As an ex-directory number, I also got an unsolicited call from these guy's a couple of months ago and in this instance the MRBI office was located in the UK. The information I elicited from conducting my own research during that telephone call was that MRBI were contracted to conduct market research for a well known Irish paper! Unfortunately however, they didnt manage to conduct their own research during that call:D!

It was quite funny, the supervisor told me that they randomly pick numbers, and if I wanted to opt out from being called for future research by this company, I had to give them my name an telephone number so that they could enter that information on their database!

I suppose it'd require too much work effort to compile a database of numbers from a telephone directory!!!

Our man in Havana

Nah, far easier to use random numbers.

Oryx

I got an unsolicited call from Think Marketing yesterday (they didnt say who they were, I checked the number out) wanting to know financial information about our business. We are on the opt out list for cold calls, and I told the guy there was no way I would discuss anything financial with a cold caller. And still, he continued to ask questions, so I hung up.

maxer68

oggy8 wrote: »

As an ex-directory number, I also got an unsolicited call from these guy's a couple of months ago and in this instance the MRBI office was located in the UK. The information I elicited from conducting my own research during that telephone call was that MRBI were contracted to conduct market research for a well known Irish paper! Unfortunately however, they didnt manage to conduct their own research during that call:D!

It was quite funny, the supervisor told me that they randomly pick numbers, and if I wanted to opt out from being called for future research by this company, I had to give them my name an telephone number so that they could enter that information on their database!

I suppose it'd require too much work effort to compile a database of numbers from a telephone directory!!!

Then its not a survey using randomly selected people.

By giving your details, a simple programme can omit your details from their system preventing you being called again.

I still don't see any problem / issue whatsoever here. If you don't want the calls, you tell them and they remove you.

Is there anything else they can do???

maxer68

Oryx wrote: »

I got an unsolicited call from Think Marketing yesterday (they didnt say who they were, I checked the number out) wanting to know financial information about our business. We are on the opt out list for cold calls, and I told the guy there was no way I would discuss anything financial with a cold caller. And still, he continued to ask questions, so I hung up.

The NDD (opt out directory) is for direct sales calls - it does not apply to comapanies that are updating information they already have about you.

If you're a business, some buiness info services like to keep their information updated - if you don't want it updated, then all you have to do is say so.

Oryx

maxer68 wrote: »

The NDD (opt out directory) is for direct sales calls - it does not apply to comapanies that are updating information they already have about you.

If you're a business, some buiness info services like to keep their information updated - if you don't want it updated, then all you have to do is say so.

Problem is, this company just said they wanted to discuss financial aspects of our business, without saying who they were or whether they represented anyone connected to us. Ive never dealt with them for anything before.

oggy8

maxer68 wrote: »

Then its not a survey using randomly selected people.

By giving your details, a simple programme can omit your details from their system preventing you being called again.

I still don't see any problem / issue whatsoever here. If you don't want the calls, you tell them and they remove you.

Is there anything else they can do???

The problem was that I was ex-directory, and one of the reasons why I chose to go ex-directory was that I did not want to receive any cold calls including for research purposes, and another reason was for privacy!

What can they do? They can start by compiling a database which means for future reference that they do not contact any person who actually is ex-directory! You know its part of inclusion/exclusion criteria;).

The telephone number was already on their records, if they called the number. I told them quite explicitly that I wanted to opt out of future research, and for the supervisor to do this, there was a pre-condition that I would have to give them my name and telephone number. Why would I have to tell them my name for them to do this???? You are correct, its not randomised and particularly so if there's no anonymity!

Maybe they operate by different ethics to the rest of us researchers!

wild_cat

oggy8 wrote: »

The telephone number was already on their records, if they called the number. I told them quite explicitly that I wanted to opt out of future research, and for the supervisor to do this, there was a pre-condition that I would have to give them my name and telephone number. Why would I have to tell them my name for them to do this???? You are correct, its not randomised and particularly so if there's no anonymity!

Maybe they operate by different ethics to the rest of us researchers!

I'm calling bluff on that they only need the number they dialled.

Oynx in future tell them its company policy not to take marketing calls (they should understand that this includes surveys)- They SHOULD take you off their list straight away and end the call.

Oryx

wild_cat wrote: »

I'm calling bluff on that they only need the number they dialled.

Oynx in future tell them its company policy not to take marketing calls (they should understand that this includes surveys)- They SHOULD take you off their list straight away and end the call.

When I told him I would not discuss anything, his response was 'but can I ask you one question....' No intention of ending the call, he was continuing with his script. God knows what they wanted.

looksee

I don't have a problem with MRBI calls. We are on the opt out list for cold calls and I don't engage with any other market research firms , but when you see a poll in the Irish Times etc, that's where they get their information. How often do you hear people saying 'well they never ask me for my opinion' in relation to polls?

parsi

looksee wrote: »

How often do you hear people saying 'well they never ask me for my opinion' in relation to polls?

I don't know. I suppose we could do a survey......

munkifisht

Thanks for posting. This was wrecking my head cos I missed a call from them earlier and thought it might be a recruiter trying to contact me. Took me ages to figure out it was these douche bags, the call just gets dumped before a connection is made.

Thanks for useful info - just got missed call from this number. For professional reasons very selective about who has ex-directory land line. Just good to know who called!

passive

I missed a few calls from a withheld number in the last week, before finally answering and finding it to be some market research crowd in London (IFS? IFF? ISF?), purporting to be working for DCU, doing a survey about work practices. I asked how they got my number and she said it was randomly selected by area code... Thing is, this is my mobile number, and I wasn't aware that was possible. Also, they were calling me at the strangest times (Sunday morning, tuesday 9pm)


I told them i didn't want to participate in any case, but does this all sound above board to those of you who know the law surrounding this?

Thanks!

PencilFan1

I got a call from these lads a while ago and they told me to meet them in Portlaoise woods. I got mugged and then they signed me up for Scientology and now I have to devote the next billion years of my life to Xenu. Cheers lads. SCAMMERS.

L1011

Locked lest anything else escape from the gate under the bridge...