I have caller I.D and from time to time i have had phone calls that say unknown, and when i pick up they hang up on me, it as happened more and more recently, and it drives me mad. I have heard that some people ring peoples homes to see if you are home, and if you do not answer the phone then they know you are not home and then break in and burgle you. Has anybody else any idea why this happens, or has it also happened to you?

Thanks

got the same many times over the last weeks from a phone number in sudan.

maybe some dead dictator's son is looking for a place to stash his cash?

2 rules, if you don't see the number, don't pick it up and if you do see the number and don't know it don't call it back.
If you see the phone number is being hidden then just let the answering machine pick it up. Also be aware that there are shady people out there calling and hanging up after one ring because they want you to call back as it's a number that costs tons of money per minute to call..!!

It does not show the phone number, or i would ring them back, they have kept there number hidden it is driving me mad.

It happens in the UK all the time, but it's to do with cold calling as soon as a customer service agent hangs up it automatically dials another number if the agent is busy they have to hang up. Hence why there is no one on the line when you pick up. I know in the UK you can speak to BT and have you number taken off these phone lists but not sure what happens in Switzerland. by be worth giving your phone provider a ring.

I think in many cases it is a computer calling to see if someone is there. If you answer the phone your phone number is then entered into a queue for a telemarketer to call knowing that someone is there.

The "unknown" is a blocked telephone number. Most likely from outside Switzerland.

See the next time if after you pick up the phone a certain time later you get a call from someone trying to sell something.

Thanks, but my husband and kids babysitter`s phone numbers are also hidden, so i have to pick up when the phone number is hidden. Good acvice ok i will not call anyone back who`s phone number i don`t recognise

Had a unknown phonecall at 5am the other day, when I answered the they put the phone down!

Ok will let you know if i get a telemarket phone call.

This is a shame since you can get Swisscom to reject all anonymous calls - it's a free service.

This has made a huge difference to the Comstock household.

Thanks i know, but my husband works in a bank and the number as to be hidden, and my babysitter as her reasons.

Ok... enough's enough. I'll come clean.

It was me.

You could just keep a whistle by the phone (Grandma Sandgrounder's solution when she felt a bit vulnerable after Grandad Sandgrounder popped his clogs and she got a couple of "what are you wearing" type phone calls) and give a mighty blast next time you get such a call.

Apparently it's not too pleasant for the person with their ear next to the handset...

I bet it's cecileg

LOL LEAVE ME ALONE i have had enough having to get up from my laptop to answer the phone only to have you hang up on me it takes too much time away from me being on the EF.

Try a little test. Check when your husband calls the next time. Does it mark something like "Private" or just "Unknown"?

I think that there might be a difference between Swiss numbers that are blocked (typically banks, law firms etc.) and ones that are unknown.

If there is a difference, you will know which one is which.

Brilliant idea my kids have got whistles somewhere hope i just don`t blow it down the phone at my husband

Did you not miss me peachy lol

There are other family members who live in the UK that also have there phone numbers hidden, so it is really confusing to try and find out who is calling. My other point was the person ringing to see if i was home, or not?

Be warned, only do this as a last resort to harrassment. Acoustic shock injury is very nasty:

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