who are Free Text? (making random unsolicited mobiles calls)

flywheel

i just got an automated call from 01 4888777 on my vodafone mobile

started telling me i'd been randomly selected and to press 1 in order to hear about scratch cards. i didn't want to hear and wasn't much impressed at being disturbed in the first place

i called the number back and it says, Welcome to Free Text this service lets you know my monthly sms when new and improved services become available on your mobile phone...

does anyone know who Free Text are, or who is behind it?

Thanks,
Brian G

sirlinux

This is what you submitted
STD / Access Code : 01
Specific Number : 4888777
Licensee : All
Location : All
Designation : All

STD / Access Code Start Range End Range Licensee Location Designation Status
01 4888000 4888999 Budget Telecom Dublin Central Geographic Allocated

mayhem#

Phone spam!

spongebob

They were the ones who had personal numbers with massive long menus (to make money of course) . Nobody used them because you couldn't do anything with the menu.

0700 numbers ISTR

M

Thanx 4 The Fish

Got a call from them the last day, pressed one and got a text message telling me I had one a €100 holiday. Just call this €2.50 a minute number and we will give you the details.

How do they get peoples numbers ??

The Corinthian

Originally posted by Thanx 4 The Fish
How do they get peoples numbers ??

The automated voice spam may well be just trying every permutation of mobile number. After all, a dud call doesn't call them anything.

Otherwise the most common way of harvesting mobile numbers is via free Web2SMS sites. Nothing is truly free, after all...

dahamsta

The automated voice spam may well be just trying every permutation of mobile number. After all, a dud call doesn't call them anything.

Automated diallers are illegal in the United States, aren't they illegal here?

"Greetings, friend. Do you wish to look as happy as me? Well, you've got the power inside you right now. So use it. And send one dollar to Happy Dude, 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield. Don't delay! Eternal happiness is just a dollar away."

The Corinthian

Originally posted by dahamsta
Automated diallers are illegal in the United States, aren't they illegal here?

AFAIK, no.

LoBo

if we all get an autodialler and use it to pimp boards.ie and say the IOFFL issues, I bet they get illegalised pretty quickly

Mutz

Contact your network and have the number barred from calling your number, or get them to take it further....

flywheel

i'll give it a try - see what Vodafone customer care make of it

Thanks, Brian G

DannyD

any update from Vodaphone ?

flywheel

nada I'm afraid - customer services person said they have a service to block numbers while roaming but nothing while at home

aside: the Vodafone theme tune really doesn't work as on-hold music, it doesn't transmit well on a GSM call it just sounds like a whole lot of noise - my poor ear! Greensleeves all is forgiven

Brian G

sirlinux

Actually ive noticed that you have to be getting the full EFR before that vodafone on hold music works, if it steps back at all it goes funny.

Mutz

DubWireless, I'd Call back if I were you because every phone network has the facility to block numbers from calling you - (Don't know about SMS)

You probably just got through to a lazy rep. Its actually within your rights

sceptre

Originally posted by dahamsta
Automated diallers are illegal in the United States, aren't they illegal here?

Supposedly not. Remember those automated calls before the last election?

Originally posted by DubWireless
aside: the Vodafone theme tune really doesn't work as on-hold music, it doesn't transmit well on a GSM call it just sounds like a whole lot of noise - my poor ear! Greensleeves all is forgiven

Sounds terrible. Puts you right off calling (though perhaps that's the idea)