Cell phone calls question

[Strawboss]

OK, cell phone semi- illiterate here. I have a non contract cell phone. I've had it for almost 5 years. I only recently gave out the number to one or two places as a way to get me if you really need to get me, COG being the second place. I have never answered a call that wasn't someone I know. I know there is something called a robo call. Now, my question. I'm getting regular one or two calls and messages a day from places all over the country asking for the same guy. I never answered. Then, I thought, well, maybe since I have my number on the COG handbook, maybe its someone asking to stay at my place while riding around. I listened to one message, a man with a foreign accent asking for Terry. Tried another message, asking for Terry. Calls with area codes from NYC, DC, NC, all over, asking for Terry. Next call, I answered in German, asked who they were and what they wanted, hang up. Next will be French, just to see if they talk. Calls continue. I ignore them now and reject them. Is this common?

[T Cro ®]

No and neither are you..... 

Answering in German and now French.... LMAO

More than like your number has somehow become "mistakingly" tied to this Terry person; he may have wrote the wrong number down in a dating service, etc.

[Strawboss]

When we crossed the border from Maine into Canada on a two lane road a few years back in a scene straight out of the movie "Stripes", I started to converse with my rudimentary French to the border guard. My wife sat there with her mouth open not knowing what to say because I never told her I could do that. She now thinks I'm some sort of double agent with the Surete du Quebec.

[MrPepsi]

There are only so many numbers in the world, and cell phone companies only have rights to a set amount, so numbers are recycled. You happen to have a number that was probably recycled to quickly.

[Strawboss]

I understand. But, why numbers from all over the country asking for the same guy? And to keep calling over and over when asked to stop?

[Tarheelbob]

I understand. But, why numbers from all over the country asking for the same guy? And to keep calling over and over when asked to stop?

Four words: Internet gay escort service. 

[Strawboss]

Is Terry considered a gay name? Or is this some sort of code?

[MAN OF BLUES]

we have that issue currently with our Time Warner driven home phone.
A year ago, when we got the line and service, we began getting calls for the same person, over and over again, somtimes 4 a night.
These calls continue still today, a year later.
Seems this low lif e had a ton of bills and credit he skipped on.....and his number was recycled to me after he defaulted on that also.....
no matter how many times we tell these people the person they are looking for no longer has this number, it never ceases.
Some have stopped, after a hundred times of me cursing them out, but it still goes on.
Interesting thing is he hasn't been paying for his kids lunch bills at the highschool, that is actaully my alma-mater.....so he is still local...
My wife won't let me go to the school and querry them about his address.....(and at this time it wouldn't be prudent in the least),
  :doublepuke:I just want to find this guy and tell him how much aggravation he has caused us.

if you have had the same number for 5 years, and the calls are just beginning, it isn't a recycled thing....it was generated by a bot call, that was answered once, even it it was voice mail. the number has been placed on a "used currently" list.

sorry bro, smash the phone..

[Conrad]

Is Terry considered a gay name? Or is this some sort of code?

Maybe if it was spelled Terri.   

[Son of Pappy]

1-888-382-1222
This is the Do Not Call registry number.  Give it a shot, seems to work to an extent.

[Conrad]

1-888-382-1222
This is the Do Not Call registry number.  Give it a shot, seems to work to an extent.

It'll work for 'legal' companies anyways. These companyes who are trying to rip you off don't care about the do not call liist.

[Strawboss]

These are not companies or businesses, not recordings or machines, these are private phone calls from actual people asking for the same guy that originate, according to the area codes listed, from all over this country.

[Rhino]

I recently got a strange call looking for a woman that was my son's girl friend about 7 years ago. Seems she had lost her wallet and the person was trying to get it back to her. I had an old cell number for her and tried calling. No answer. Then I tried texting and I got a response saying that No this is NOT Lindsey's number and please stop calling or texting for Lindsey. and that they have been getting calls and texts for Lindsey for the last 5 years. I'm guessing your number used to be "Terry's" number and your still getting calls for Terry.

[gPink]

Makes one wonder what kind of game 'Terry' was running on a nationwide scale.

[Strawboss]

Trac-fone is nation wide. Buy/steal a boat load from all over, hand them out to your people you have all over. One time use, chat and chuck/trigger/detonate, untraceable. Terry most likely gave out the wrong number by a digit, I've had this phone and number for almost 5 years.

[CIG4R]

I understand. But, why numbers from all over the country asking for the same guy? And to keep calling over and over when asked to stop?

Whom ever is calling could be using Skype or some other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calling service, these services own numbers all over the US not just a number from your area code.

Unless the caller has a actual phone subscription where he is assigned a phone number with one of the VoIP providers his phone number will not show on your caller ID (because he does not actually have a phone number just a computer). My guess is he just has an account and any random open phone line is used to complete the call.

Not saying you phone number has anything to do with VoIP, just someone is calling you using VoIP.

I'm guessing you've hit redial and the call just rang no one answered?

[2fast]

You should be able to contact your provider and request a number that is better aged. Just tell em what is happening and stick to your guns. They'll do it. Ask me how I know.

[SteveJ.]

You should be able to contact your provider and request a number that is better aged. Just tell em what is happening and stick to your guns. They'll do it. Ask me how I know.

Sure, I'll bite. Brian, how do you know?   

[2fast]

Dang it Steve.....you had to ask.......stay right here, I'll be back in just a second

[JP]

I might be able to help...... what is the number you're having trouble with?