Need some help here.

[BonnieJW]

For the past 7 years, we've received a phone call at 1:59 AM every month. The phone numbers vary: 222-111-0000, or all zeroes, or all ones, they're all bogus. I've tried calling the numbers back and they just keep ringing. I've tried looking them up on Google and nothing. I've called the phone companies (we've had three different providers during that time) and they don't have any idea what this is or how to prevent it.

Does this happen to anyone out there? Do any of you know what this is and how to stop it? It's awful to be awakened at that hour since we have kids and I have a 95-year-old mother. Sometimes it takes me hours to fall back asleep. Any info anyone may have will be so appreciated.

[SoutherDem]

1. Some questions

I am guessing this is a house phone? Did you change your number when changing providers? Could you block the different variation of the number?

[BonnieJW]

5. It is a land line.

we did not change our phone number when we changed providers since it's such a pain to notify everyone. I don't know how to block a number; do you? Let me know.

[Aerows]

7. Phone company can block access

I think you are a victim of a bad number for either a security company router, or a RAS dial-in type router that has the wrong access number. They wouldn't be aware since your phone works, and they just use it for verification (wrongly).

[SoutherDem]

13. Check with your provider

I understand the pain of changing numbers.

I haven't had a house phone for a long time but years ago all it took was typing in the correct 3 digit code e.g. #85 or whatever then type the bad number. Your provider should have this info if they offer that service.

Also the next poster suggested an automated call by a security system or the like, which makes sense, no one is there, it is routine, and it is in the middle of the night all common to verifying phone connections.

I do find it odd though that you can't find who the numbers belong to. I would think you phone provider would be willing to contact the person/company even if they can't tell you who it is.

Good luck on solving this problem,

[Aerows]

2. Sounds like automated calls

That have gotten misrouted to your phone line. I suggest that you pursue it from that vantage point, and call the phone company to have that blocked. Additionally, you need to pursue with the phone company the device that is making these automated calls. A whiff of the word "lawsuit" for harassment will speed things along, I suspect.

EDIT: For more info, certain devices do this as a test to ensure that they can connect with a provider. Obviously, in this case, it is erroneous. I would suspect a security company with a bad number, a RAS dial-in that is on it's last legs, or something of the like.

[Politicalboi]

3. Happened to me last night

Around 2am I hear the phone ringing in the distance. It says Private name and number. I have call blocking, but not for these types of calls. It happens during the day too. If I answer it, there is no one at the other end. I usually just answer, and hit end call. Other than turning the ringer off or unplugging your phone, I don't see how to stop them.

[Aerows]

4. Are you two in the same area?

That could give a clue about which company is misdirecting these calls.

[BonnieJW]

6. I am in Northern Virginia

[Aerows]

8. I'd call the phone company

And state what you just stated here, and have them look at your phone records to see where these calls are coming from, then ask them to block access to your land line for these calls since they are an annoyance and are unwanted. They SHOULD do so without threats, but I would make certain I got verification of the number they were received from, since you should be allowed to know that.

Once you know, the telco either ends the calls or you have legal justification for going after both the telco and the company owned device making the calls.

[BonnieJW]

9. good idea

I've called the phone companies before, but I haven't asked them to look at my records to determine where the calls originate. Thanks everyone!

[Aerows]

11. If the phone company refuses

Report them to the police, who are obliged to take action against a harassment complaint. It shouldn't get that far, however, but if it does, you have that recourse to take, as well, since it is harassment at this point.

[RebelOne]

10. As I was reading this thread,

my phone rang and the caller alert said it was restricted, and when I answered there was no one on the other end.

[Aerows]

12. This is an ongoing situation

according to the OP that has been going on for several years. It's far more likely that it is a programming error on a communication device, nothing sinister, but she's right - it's a hassle and needs to stop.

[SoutherDem]

18. I agree

Automated communication devices are easily programed wrong.

But, never the less the phone provider should be able to help determine who has the calling phone number. A good company would help them out with this problem. It is possible this is also giving someone the false sense of security thinking an alarm system is working.

[Aerows]

19. Precisely

On both counts - invading her privacy and giving someone a false sense of security.

[SoutherDem]

15. When you say you have call blocking but not for these type of calls

Years ago when I had call blocking I had to load the specific number. If that number called I would never know and the caller got a message that the number you called has blocked calls from your number. Works great with ex's.

I think the private is where someone blocks caller ID. This was a different service.

[Aerows]

17. I don't think this can be solved

at the end phone level. This sounds like a telco issue for a multitude of reasons.

[bemildred]

14. Unplug it from the wall jack.

You can always plug it back in if you need to make a call, or in the morning.

[Aerows]

16. Nah

Something is screwed up somewhere and the problem needs to be taken care of at the telco level, and with whatever thing is calling once a month at precisely the same time.

[bemildred]

20. I think everything is probably working just like it's supposed to.

But you could be right, and it is good of you to care one way or another.

[Aerows]

21. I have experience in telecomm

I'm not just talking out of my behind, but thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt that I actually give a damn about fellow DUers and want to help them any way that I can