National Do Not Call (NDNC) Registry service

Hi friends,

Last few weeks, we have been plagued by blank/crank calls in our phone. Surprisingly, the service providers turned a blind eye to this problem. Since our phone's service provider is different from the service provider of the phone numbers from where the calls were coming in, we were caught in a never-ending 'passing the buck' game. We were left with the option of lodging police complaint. And just as a last try, we had a 'sounding-rough on phone' guy to call that number and that put the matter to rest.

Recenty, it has started again with blank calls coming from a number registered under the name of a reputed bank. Prompted me to do some research to stop this menace and one thing that I have done is to register all our phones (landline and mobile) in the 'Do not call' registry. Giving some links here which allow you to do that.

Links below for registration under 'NDNC' registry. Don't know how seriously this will be taken by telemarketing people and the enforcing departments though. But a violation is an offence and one can take police action. Apparenty, it can take upto a few weeks to come into effect after registration.
Register Online for Do Not Call / Disturb Registry in India
BSNL Customer Care

Interestingly, we went through a mix of emotions during this period and it affected us more than we would like to admit. Especially, as we leave our younger daughter with the nanny alone during the daytime and that lady is left hassled (since we are in an apartment with security, there is no serious risk thankfully).

Some precautions which might help:

• Avoid giving phone bills as address proofs. Give bank statements instead or ration card, etc.
  Avoid writing phone numbers in visitors books, couriers, envelopes, etc.
  Avoid giving phone numbers at showrooms etc. Instead, you call them if the matter is important for you.
  Register in 'Do not call' service.
  If you face the problem of crank/blank calls, note down the number, avoid picking up the receiver and wait for a few days. The caller might get frustrated and stop calling. It it continues, try with the service providers to bar that call. If it does not help (most likely, it will not :<), call from a public phone to that number and leave a message that you are lodging a police complaint. Do lodge one if it continues. Police are helpful in these issues, in our experience.
  If you pick the call and there is a person on the other line, remain calm and tell clearly that you are lodging a police complaint if he does not stop calling. Dont get into conversation with the person and dont get angry and shout. He will most likely enjoy that and keep calling back.

Take care,

Cheers,
Sumathy