View Full Version : Can you trace a telephone number???
Kate Moss
28-01-08, 10:05 PM
I am being harassed by someone.:( The text messages have a number attached. I don't know if it's a landline or a mobile number.
Police have said that at this stage they will only ring the number and tell them to stop bothering me, but i want to know who it is. I have an idea but I want proof - is there any way of doing this?? Or any nice policeman that would like to help a lady in distress???
the_lone_wolf
28-01-08, 10:09 PM
can't you phone the number using 141, see who answers and then hang up, it'd appear to be a cold call or similar and you'd probably be able to work out who it is?
Yes you can contact the service provider and report the hassle. they will take it from there.
PM me the number and I will look it up cant promise outcome but dont mind looking.
Mobile numbers usually start with 07. From your mobile there might be an option to hide own number to call it but as has been said 141 from a BT landline will withhold your number or theres always the phone box option...
Kate Moss
28-01-08, 10:18 PM
i don want to have to change my number like the police suggested as i want to know what this person has to say!! I have suspicions but i need to be able to KNOW!
Kate Moss
28-01-08, 10:20 PM
Mobile numbers usually start with 07. From your mobile there might be an option to hide own number to call it but as has been said 141 from a BT landline will withhold your number or theres always the phone box option...
The police have been trying to call this number since Sunday night and all they are getting is an answering machine.
Im scared to call in case it gets me into more trouble!
dissuade
28-01-08, 10:21 PM
i'm sure there is an option to get certain numbers barred, it is definately possible for calls from withheld numbers.
the_runt69
28-01-08, 11:10 PM
Is it a mobile (start07) or a landline
wyrdness
29-01-08, 12:00 AM
If it's a land line, then you can easily find out which exchange it's connected to, which will give you a rough idea of the area. You can use this:
http://www.adslchecker.bt.com/pls/adsl/adslchecker.welcome
Occasionally, putting the number into Google can yield results, but normally only for business numbers.
yorkie_chris
29-01-08, 03:07 AM
Post the number up here and we'll play some games :-P
JamesMio
29-01-08, 08:16 AM
If you can find out which network it's on (a good way to do this would be to try phoning it with your number withheld at 4am, chances are it's going straight to voice mail, and if you're lucky it'll be the standard network message along the lines of "Welcome to the O2/Vodafone/T-Mobile/Orange Messaging Service".
Once you know the network, it's a case of finding someone (there's bound to be someone on here that works for each network) that doesn't mind 'accidentally' pulling up the account details for that number on their system.
The only snag might be if it's a Pay As You Talk number, but even then there's a medium-high chance that the number has been registered, and as such should give you the person's name.
For obvious reasons this method / information would breach the laws of Data Protection Act, and as such should be ignored and not used etc etc etc etc etc.........
Please don't post the number up here as a forum it is not for us to get involved, from a personal or legal point of view. Though you can PM each other and then it is not involved with the org, but I would follow the advice and try to trace what exchange it come from if it is not a mobile (07) that will give you a idea and I have in the post phoned the operator and they will even tell you right down to the street.
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 09:25 AM
Thank you for your advise. Don't worry I wont post the number up here. It's not my intention to get people "involved" just wondered what options I had.
If people want the number hey can pm me, but i don't want any games to be played with them!!
Blue_SV650S
29-01-08, 09:42 AM
Stick the number in google and see what comes up ... you never know ... :smt024
Thank you for your advise. Don't worry I wont post the number up here. It's not my intention to get people "involved" just wondered what options I had.
If people want the number hey can pm me, but i don't want any games to be played with them!!
Thanks, hope you get it sorted.
gettin2dizzy
29-01-08, 10:41 AM
if you have a suspicion can't you try and find out their number instead?
Direct Enquiries, facebook or something like that?
tomjones2
29-01-08, 10:48 AM
On this note, I have had a private number that rings me about once a week and hangs up as soon as I answer the phone. Any idea how to get rid of it, its been going on for about 6 months but if its going to take me ages I can't really be bothered.
On this note, I have had a private number that rings me about once a week and hangs up as soon as I answer the phone. Any idea how to get rid of it, its been going on for about 6 months but if its going to take me ages I can't really be bothered.
i think thats an automatic thing, just to see what time of day u are in, so they can call back:smt013
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 10:54 AM
I've cancelled my facebook account becuase apparantly i've been sending people horrible messages (needless to say i haven't) and im sick of it causing more trouble than its worth. I think i will change my number and just hope that they don't send any messages that could have been used as evidence.
Just spoken to a policeman and everytime he rings this number it goes directly to an o2 answer machine???
If you know the number select it and permently divert it to a random un used number.
missyburd
29-01-08, 11:14 AM
sounds like it's probably a change of number job :(
hope you get this sorted hun :smt056
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 11:26 AM
i hope it gets sorted too - think im just going to have to change my number and start again.
Pedro68
29-01-08, 11:32 AM
If you know the number select it and permently divert it to a random un used number.
Or simply divert it back to where it came if you know the number (can you do that? would be fun if you could ;-))
EDIT: of course, this wouldn't stop the text messages tho :(
gettin2dizzy
29-01-08, 11:37 AM
Anyone work in O2 ? ;)
If you want to find the area that it originates from, then use Streetmap and you can enter the dialing code. It will then confirm your suspisions, and the need to take it further. My girlfrind had to change her number because of harrassement from her Brothers new woman. I also had to change my number when i was being stalked by Angelina Jolie
I also had to change my number when i was being stalked by Angelina Jolie
Was that to make it easier for her to remember? ;)
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 12:10 PM
If you want to find the area that it originates from, then use Streetmap and you can enter the dialing code. It will then confirm your suspisions, and the need to take it further. My girlfrind had to change her number because of harrassement from her Brothers new woman. I also had to change my number when i was being stalked by Angelina Jolie
but if it's a mobile number??? which i think it must be if the answer machine is automate by o2
JamesMio
29-01-08, 12:17 PM
Anyone work in O2 ? ;)
There's your answer...
Either find someone that works at O2 who could 'accidentally' bring up the account details for that number, or... (and this is clever even if I do say so myself...)...
Phone O2 Customer Services, give them the rogue number, and when they ask to confirm your name give the name of the person you THINK it is. If they ask you any further security questions, you've got it right, if not just hang up and try again with any other names you think it might be.
This should probably be done from a Phonebox etc, just in case but I'd give that an 80% chance of success if you tried it.
Disclaimer - this is probably illegal and shouldn't be done etc etc blah blah....
;)
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 12:20 PM
There's your answer...
Either find someone that works at O2 who could 'accidentally' bring up the account details for that number, or... (and this is clever even if I do say so myself...)...
Phone O2 Customer Services, give them the rogue number, and when they ask to confirm your name give the name of the person you THINK it is. If they ask you any further security questions, you've got it right, if not just hang up and try again with any other names you think it might be.
This should probably be done from a Phonebox etc, just in case but I'd give that an 80% chance of success if you tried it.
Disclaimer - this is probably illegal and shouldn't be done etc etc blah blah....
;)
how very cunning! but i don't think i have the "balls" to do it!
how very cunning! but i don't think i have the "balls" to do it!
phil has:smt045
yorkie_chris
29-01-08, 12:25 PM
how very cunning! but i don't think i have the "balls" to do it!
You could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel.:D
Would phil be up for having a go?
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 12:31 PM
im sure phil has the balls...somewhere!! but the rogue is (i think) a woman so phil would have to practise his squeeky voice!!
im sure phil has the balls...somewhere!! but the rogue is (i think) a woman so phil would have to practise his squeeky voice!!
no practise needed:smt045
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 12:40 PM
no practise needed:smt045
we are talking about phil, not you!!!
plowsie
29-01-08, 12:47 PM
I'll ring them if you like, tell em to stop hassling you or i could ring it and do my usual, can I speak to trevor please, sorry you must have wrong number, oh sorry whose this? (says name) oh sorry about that.
gettin2dizzy
29-01-08, 01:14 PM
why do you have a suspicion, you had a falling out?
Pedro68
29-01-08, 01:33 PM
It doesn't matter whether you have a suspicion or not who it is, you know they are on O2, you have their mobile phone number, and they are HARASSING YOU!
Phone O2 Customer Services and ask them to investigate. If you have already reported this to the police also, then give O2 the "crime incident number" that the police gave you and O2 should sit up and take notice and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
It will stop you from worrying yourself sick over it :grouphug:
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 02:08 PM
It doesn't matter whether you have a suspicion or not who it is, you know they are on O2, you have their mobile phone number, and they are HARASSING YOU!
Phone O2 Customer Services and ask them to investigate. If you have already reported this to the police also, then give O2 the "crime incident number" that the police gave you and O2 should sit up and take notice and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
It will stop you from worrying yourself sick over it :grouphug:
even if they do know who it is, they can't tell me due to data protection act so im never going to know for sure unless i'm devious about it!
Maybe some double glazing calls need to be made!!
u know the number thats calling u ?
yes....
so..
dirvert it to the speaking clock....or your local police station...
actually the local nick would be better ..
not the 999 but the actual police station number..
jumjum_0214
29-01-08, 02:28 PM
My advice to you is just leave it alone and change your number.
Whoever it is probably wants to upset you and it sounds like its working.
If you make a record of the time day date and content of the call you could contact the Police and file an harrassment case. Then the Police can trace the number and as long as the phone is registered they will find the culprit.
phil24_7
29-01-08, 02:37 PM
how very cunning! but i don't think i have the "balls" to do it!
I do and it's fugging ingenious, will sort it tomorrow.
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 02:37 PM
My advice to you is just leave it alone and change your number.
Whoever it is probably wants to upset you and it sounds like its working.
If you make a record of the time day date and content of the call you could contact the Police and file an harrassment case. Then the Police can trace the number and as long as the phone is registered they will find the culprit.
The police have been informed. They have tried ringing the number and it goes straight to an o2 answering machine. They have said at this stage they wont trace the number or contact o2. It costs £150-250 apparantly to trace the number and they can't tell me who it is anyway because of data protection.
I think it will result in me changing my number. Be kinda nice to start again anyway and be more select with whom i give it to!
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 02:45 PM
I do and it's fugging ingenious, will sort it tomorrow.
*cough cough*
lets discuss before ye start making arrangements!!!
missyburd
29-01-08, 03:41 PM
They have said at this stage they wont trace the number or contact o2. It costs £150-250 apparantly to trace the number and they can't tell me who it is anyway because of data protection.
Why on earth do they charge so much for tracing a call? Blumin' extortion that. Can't use up that much effort on their part surely ](*,)
Biker Biggles
29-01-08, 03:51 PM
Doesnt this come under the "stalking" legislation?You shouldnt have to pay towards a police investigation into what is actually a criminal offense.If the police really wanted to trace the phone number Im sure they could ,especially given the hints you have given them as to who it is.Is it just a phone thing,or does the "suspect"actually know who you are and where you live?If there is anything more to it than a random anonymous phone thing I would think you should press the police to take it more seriously and investigate more aggressively.
Bluepete
29-01-08, 03:52 PM
Why on earth do they charge so much for tracing a call? Blumin' extortion that. Can't use up that much effort on their part surely ](*,)
It's a standard charge made by the networks to the Cops. That money comes out of the divisional budget for the year. I used to get loads of such complaints when I was on section and the Detective Inspector would never authorise payment. It's not "worth the cost" for what is considered a very minor nuisance. I used to hate that! People like our erstwhile thread starter begin to hate the sound of the phone ringing and their quality of life goes down. We were always told to advise a change of number too.
The only problem with the very clever and sneaky (I must remember those, very good!) methods described on here to try to ID the caller is, what do you REALLY (really, not want or wish you could) do when you find out? It won't stop and if you go around shouting the odds, I bet a pound to a pinch of poo that it gets worse. People like this are cowards and will feel more power over you if you rise to the bait.
I would contact your phone supplier, get the number barred and see what happens. If no joy, change the number with a divert on your old number to the new one, minus the barred problem number.
Failing that, iron bars rarely fail to offend. ;)
Pete.
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 04:03 PM
I called orange, my service provider, they said they can't barr numbers, they don't have the facility to do it.
The numpty doing this (or who i suspect is behind it) knows both Phil and I and knows a certain amount about us. We have moved so they no longer know where we live. Just scared of being followed home. And it infuriates me how people can get away with this - if i was a different kind of person i would be tempted to reply and cause some havoc of my own but i can't bring myself to do it *enter phil*!!!
They know what shifts phil will be working, so technically when im on my own - thats if it is who i think it is!!!!
I just have to put my trust in that one day they will get what they deserve.
Biker Biggles
29-01-08, 04:11 PM
I think thats a job for the police to take action on.
And I dont mean just ringing the number and giving up when no one answers.
Seriously,Id get on to them asap.
missyburd
29-01-08, 04:17 PM
They know what shifts phil will be working, so technically when im on my own - thats if it is who i think it is!!!!
That's not right and surely evidence enough for the police to pull their finger out. Any sort of harassment has the potential to develop into something bigger and whatever can be done should be carried out to avoid that happening.
Kate Moss
29-01-08, 04:41 PM
That's not right and surely evidence enough for the police to pull their finger out. Any sort of harassment has the potential to develop into something bigger and whatever can be done should be carried out to avoid that happening.
I think the police have bigger things to worry about than me. Just going to chage my number and hope for the best.
Meanwhile, may do some investigating of own and call in a few favours!!!
plowsie
29-01-08, 07:19 PM
Kate lemme call them...I will do my little trick. PMin you now!
Kate Moss
30-01-08, 12:07 PM
Kate lemme call them...I will do my little trick. PMin you now!
pm recieved and replied!!!
gettin2dizzy
30-01-08, 12:43 PM
If you think you know who it is.... get them within eyesight and then phone them.
Kate Moss
30-01-08, 12:55 PM
If you think you know who it is.... get them within eyesight and then phone them.
trouble is as it is off all the time, leads me to think that it is an old number which they only turn on every now and again! just to abuse me!
Anyway the texts have stopped, due to new number and the police have left a voicemail on their o2 messaging thingy warning them off!
Pedro68
30-01-08, 01:18 PM
Anyway the texts have stopped, due to new number and the police have left a voicemail on their o2 messaging thingy warning them off!
Good to hear that, now can you send me your new number so I can update my contact list? [-o<:mrgreen:
Waddya mean you've never given me your number?? :rolleyes: Haha!
Kate, seriously hope this is the end of it now ;-)
Kate Moss
30-01-08, 01:37 PM
now my colleague who also knows the rogue is getting with held calls and as soon as she answers they hang up - seriously whats the matter with people - are their lives so pathetic they have to get involved in other people's???
gettin2dizzy
30-01-08, 03:50 PM
Any idea why this person is doing it? They a bit creepy?
Call O2 and ask them about their policy regarding prank / nuisance / harassing calls coming from their network. Tell them the Police have already phoned the person and warned them to stop calling. Tell them that you have a list of the calls on your phone bill which they can link with the account of the person who ownes the SIM card. Tell them that if they don't prevent this person from continuing to harass you, you'll have to assume that O2 has no problem with being a safe-harbour for nuisance callers and you'd be more than happy to discuss what can be done to "protect yourself and others" from nuisance callers within O2's network with OFCOM, CrimeWatch and the press, maybe making reference to O2's brand a couple more times.
Nothing scares major companies more than bad publicity.
Kate Moss
30-01-08, 04:33 PM
Any idea why this person is doing it? They a bit creepy?
yep! but its a very loooooooooong story and not one for me to tell.
Needless to say they are sad people and obviously need me in their life to feel significant!!!!
phil24_7
30-01-08, 05:04 PM
I'm thinking I may have to go to the fridge and get the can-o-whoop-ass that I've been saving for a rainy day!!
I get text messages from a bloke I can’t even say dated but got together in my first year of uni. He texted me all the time when I was at uni even when he knew I was dating drew!!!! When I left uni I changed my number….new contract everything to get anyway from all the idiots there (another long story), however my number is registered with the uni alumni because you have to apparently. Well the uni promise that they won’t give out the number to anyone without your permission but this Richard head got my number from then just before or after Christmas (can’t really remember, and since then I have had about 10-20 texts a day from him….sometimes more. I wouldn’t mind too much if they were msg’s asking me how I am as we use to get on well, but they are not, they are quite disgusting and the type of language that even drew doesn’t text me.
I don’t know what type of msg’s you get but I fully understand why you are annoyed!!!!!!!! I get annoyed but I’m not changing my number, I am hoping that soon enough he gets the message that I’m not texting him back….
Good luck trying to sort yours out.
P.S I don’t know anybody who works for O2 (Sorry)
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.