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General Support => New to Using the OBi / VoIP => Topic started by: Chapbok on April 19, 2019, 01:05:35 AM

Title: OBi200 as robocall and spam filter device
Post by: Chapbok on April 19, 2019, 01:05:35 AM
Greetings,

I am looking to setup the OBi200 as a call blocker, possibly using Google Voice spam filtering or another free app that checks using an online blacklist. However, the phone service will be standard landline, with the OBi200 setup similar to how https://www.callcontrol.com/call-control-home device works.
Is this possible to accomplish?
If so, what would be the steps to setup the device in this fashion?

Thank you
Title: Re: OBi200 as robocall and spam filter device
Post by: drgeoff on April 19, 2019, 11:29:25 AM
Quote from: Chapbok on April 19, 2019, 01:05:35 AM
Greetings,

I am looking to setup the OBi200 as a call blocker, possibly using Google Voice spam filtering or another free app that checks using an online blacklist. However, the phone service will be standard landline, with the OBi200 setup similar to how https://www.callcontrol.com/call-control-home device works.
Is this possible to accomplish?
If so, what would be the steps to setup the device in this fashion?

Thank you
An OBi200 canot connect to a standard landline except by using the discontinued OBILINE accessory. Some OBiLINE users have been less than impressed by its performance. The OBi212 is the recommended unit which does connect to a landline.

While it is possible to implement some forms of call blocking using either of the above it is somewhat involved and doesn't readily lend itself to linking to external providers of filtering or automatic black list maintenance.

I would recommend that you use one of the "ready to go" boxes such as the one you linked to. There are others, possibly significantly cheaper. Search Amazon for 'CPR Call Blocker'.
Title: Re: OBi200 as robocall and spam filter device
Post by: azrobert on April 19, 2019, 12:38:46 PM
You can forward all calls to another service provider then use their call blocking feature. Just register your OBi200 to the service providing the call blocking. Google Voice and Callcentric have free accounts. Callcentric changes $1/month for an inbound DID. Obviously, this won't work if your service provider doesn't have a forwarding feature.

I don't think a conventional call blocking service can block spoofed robo calls. Some robo callers use the same exchange as the person called, thinking the call will be more likely answered. A Robo caller once spoofed my callerid to call me. Anyway, Callcentric has a different approach. They require the caller to enter a single digit code to complete the call. Robo calls are sent to an agent when the call is answered. The agent doesn't hear the instructions, so the call is blocked. You can setup a white list to bypass this procedure.

You can connect an OBi212 to your landline and use the Auto Attendant to block calls with a procedure similar to Callcentric. A white list can also be defined.