How do you block phone numbers?

Question

Level 2

185 points

How do you block phone numbers?

I have this idiot calling multiple times a week at all times. Nobody is there if you answer and there's no way to get them to stop. I have the number (301 882-9976) and they're some collection agency back north (I've been debt free for 10 years). It's outright harassment because I can't talk to a real person and tell them where to get off.

Called at&t and they said this is a Apple issue. Some phones have the ability others don't. So does anyone know if there's a ability to block a number from even ringing, or even have the phone answer and read a custom message to them telling them to remove the number from there list, allowing me to sleep in peace. I'm starting to miss my afternoon siestas. 🙂

Until then I'll add a address book entry and do a custom zero volume ringtone. Of course it doesn't help as I have vibrate on as well, nor will it help if I'm on the other line and switch over without looking.

Thanks for any help. Still on hold with Apple 25 mins in...

iPhone 3G, MacPro Xeon 2.66's (retired: SE/30, IIci, Q800, 8500, 9500, G3, G4, G5 2.7s), Mac OS X (10.5.4), 10GB Ram, 3TB, some externals, eyeTV hybrid, AirPort Express etc...

Posted on Jul 14, 2008 10:23 AM

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Answer 1

gdgmacguy

Level 7

21,885 points

Jul 14, 2008 10:29 AM in response to TigerSSMac

Apple will be of no assistance to you. Blocking numbers is done via the phone company. You'll need to call AT&T for that.

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Answer 2

Jul 14, 2008 10:33 AM in response to TigerSSMac

If you know the number and can put it in your contact list and then assign a ring tone that's silent.

You'll still receive the call, but at least your phone won't ring.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9676441-1.html?hhTest=1

Matt

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Answer 3

TigerSSMac Author

Level 2

185 points

Jul 14, 2008 11:36 AM in response to gdgmacguy

Nope already called at&t (as I said in my 1st post), they said that is a phone specific item not a provider side item. Said they don't offer a service for blocking numbers according to the rep I talked to. She did offer to change my number. I like my number as it is.

PS: She did say some phones had the ability she was just unsure if the iPhone did and referred me to Apple.

Message was edited by: TigerSSMac

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Answer 4

TigerSSMac Author

Level 2

185 points

Jul 14, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Matthew Morgan

Matthew, now isn't that unhelpful as heck? I already mentioned the silent thing. 1st post. What good is a reply if your not bringing anything to the table? And the link was just more of the same... ????

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Answer 5

BHEAR

Level 1

5 points

Jul 14, 2008 11:44 AM in response to TigerSSMac

att is right... they cannot block the number from calling you... but apple cant either... try that link the other guy gave you... other than that maybe you can turn a call fowarding thing on for just that number... i used to have a phone that i could do that on... dont know if the iphone can or not...

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Answer 6

Jul 14, 2008 11:51 AM in response to TigerSSMac

Hi TigerSSMac;

Since you appear to know who the business is, why not attack from the other direction by turning them in to the Better Business for harassment? Back in the good days before cell phone, I had a very similar problem. Once I called BBB all of the calls stopped.

Allan

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Answer 7

Jul 14, 2008 11:53 AM in response to Allan Eckert

who is BBB ?

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Answer 8

Jul 14, 2008 11:55 AM in response to One Apple a Day

Hi One Apple a Day;

BBB = Better Business Bureau

Allan

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Answer 9

Jul 14, 2008 12:54 PM in response to TigerSSMac

Sign your cell number up on the Federal Do Not Call list. www.donotcall.gov
Once you have been on the list for 30days, report them every time they call, they wont last a week. I know it's not an immediate solution, but it will work in the long run. I've had the same problems in the past with the auto dialer collection agency looking for someone who is not me. Apparently I have a number that someone a few years ago had and they must have skipped on alot of debt. I get a new company about once every month or two. All the same thing, a recorded message saying if I am so and so, then I need to call them back at some number, that noone ever answers. I don't even bother anymore and just report them right away.

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Answer 10

JMaine

Level 1

5 points

Jul 14, 2008 1:45 PM in response to TigerSSMac

Hey Man-

AT&T has this feature called Smart Limits. Its kind of like Parental Control for yourself. Its 4.99 a month. You add the number to the list and it blocks them from calling you along with receiving text from that number. I've been using it, trying to get rid of a crazy heifer. IT WORKS & WORTH THE PENNIES. -JM

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Answer 11

Jul 14, 2008 2:27 PM in response to TigerSSMac

Turns out that's no the link I meant to post.

It's this one:

http://blog.ringtonefeeder.com/2008/05/28/47/

And I post this for others who may be wondering how to go about it. Since you already know how, you may ignore it.

Forgive me for attempting to be of any help to you in the first place, it won't likely ever happen again.

Regards,

Matt

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Answer 12

TigerSSMac Author

Level 2

185 points

Jul 15, 2008 4:30 AM in response to Matthew Morgan

Matthew Morgan wrote:
Turns out that's no the link I meant to post.

It's this one: http://blog.ringtonefeeder.com/2008/05/28/47/

I posted what I did because it seem the first article you linked to brought nothing new to answer my issue. The second link though provided a link to the Silent Running file d/l. Thanks, saved me from having to create one myself.

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Answer 13

bewindo

Level 1

0 points

Aug 5, 2008 8:02 AM in response to BHEAR

Why not offer a software to block some incoming calls on the iPhone?? A shareware already exist for that purpose but is not sold in the iTunes Stores... why? Do I need to "unlock" my iPhone to be able to use a software blocking calls? It is called MCleaner. Why can't we find that app in the Store?? Here in Canada, Fido can't block calls like At&T. So if you have unwanted calls, you cannot do anything except to put a silent ringtone! I want that my iPhone stop to vibrate when there calls (telemarketing) try to reach me.

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Answer 14

gordymac

Level 1

95 points

Aug 5, 2008 12:01 PM in response to TigerSSMac

AT&T is at issue here, not phone manufacturers. After all, it's their network. The problem is that they won't do anything until they are forced to--like thay had to do with landlines.

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Answer 15

bewindo

Level 1

0 points

Aug 5, 2008 1:06 PM in response to TigerSSMac

Why not offer a software to block some incoming calls on the iPhone?? A shareware already exist for that purpose but is not sold in the iTunes Stores... why? Do I need to "unlock" my iPhone to be able to use a software blocking calls? It is called MCleaner. Why can't we find that app in the Store?? Here in Canada, Fido can't block calls like At&T. So if you have unwanted calls, you cannot do anything except to put a silent ringtone! I want that my iPhone stop to vibrate when there calls (telemarketing) try to reach me.

Reply