Failing To Withhold Outbound Caller ID...

[nssimpson]

Hi Everyone

I have a phone running Android v10. Android/EE allows users to dial 141 followed by the number so caller ID is withheld.

This has worked every time I've tested it by calling other mobiles, our home phone number and my business 0345 number (using VOIP).

Yesterday I called an online stationery shop (0333 number) and wanted to withhold my number. I dialled 141 followed by the number.

At the end of the call the shop read back my mobile number!

I called EE tech support yesterday and the chap I spoke to went away to check. He has just called me back but clearly didn't know for sure how this all works. He said that the shop I called must be using some kind of computer-based phone system that can circumvent me using 141 to withhold the number. WHAT?!?!?!

He then went on to suggest that going into the phone settings and withholding caller ID that way instead should work. Surely 141 should be just as reliable (or unreliable) as setting it permanently within the phone settings.

Can anyone on here explain to me why 141 doesn't always work when calling a regular number (it wasn't the emergency services after all)? Surely a message should play to say "caller ID can't be blocked" so I have the chance to hang up.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Nick

[bristolian]

This is how all telecoms networks operate.

CLI is always sent with all calls, but if you withhold your number, a "do not display number" flag is sent.

Legitimate users (i.e. emergency services & telecoms operators) can disregard that flag as per the ICO link I posted.

In this instance, the person you're calling, has their equipment configured incorrectly. You have valid cause for complaint (probably via the ICO I'd imagine), which should result in that misconfiguration being amended.

Edit: Following the ICO online complaints walkthrough, it seems you should contact the company/organisation in writing, and they have one month to respond. If you're not satisfied, you can then escalate to the ICO.

[nssimpson]

Thanks for all your help.

I guess it's the shop's phone provider at fault but I'd have to complain to the shop so they can deal with it.

[Anon0303]

Hi Nick

I've just had a very similar problem, called a 0333 number prefixed by 141, during the conversation the call centre I rang read my number back.

I've spoken to both ICO and Ofcom because the responsibility is for the number to be withheld by the telecoms provider at the other end and we as individuals have no way of knowing who that is.

The only exceptions to the number being withheld are if its going to the emergency services and as mentioned by others were there is clear case of abusive calls and then the number should only be released to the appropriate authorities not a shop or call centre!!   

Did you get any further or have any repeat of the problem, or did you register a complaint with Ofcom? (0300 123 3333)

Ofcom are looking at the problem but the more information they have the better. Seems strange that of all the calls I've made and probably yourself it was only to 0333 that this happened.