OBiTALK Community

General Support => Day-to-Day Use => Topic started by: Robert.Thompson on May 28, 2012, 04:52:49 PM

Title: [S]Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: Robert.Thompson on May 28, 2012, 04:52:49 PM
The subject basically says it all.

Once a caller is identified as a telephone marketer, I would like to block their number from ringing.

Is that possible?

Thanks,

Rob.
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: pc44 on May 28, 2012, 05:02:23 PM
Hi Rob,

Are you using Google Voice with your OBI?  If so, you can easily block that caller from inside Google Voice.  See this for more information: 

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1347.msg8515#msg8515

Let us know if that's not what you needed,
pc44
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: pc44 on May 28, 2012, 05:10:32 PM
Hi Rob, (again :D)

I just noticed your signature line says that you're using Anveo.  If that is the case, try this link for Anveo-specific instructions on how to block callers:

http://www.anveo.com/features.asp?code=blockcallers

Hope it helps,
pc44
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: Stewart on May 28, 2012, 05:28:06 PM
IMO, blacklists are largely a waste of time.  The majority of spammers will call only once, but you will be continually adding numbers to the list.

Instead, you might set up a whitelist of wanted callers, sending others to voicemail at night, and to a "if you are human, press 7" prompt by day, which should eliminate most of the junk callers.
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: pc44 on May 28, 2012, 07:25:55 PM
Quote from: Stewart on May 28, 2012, 05:28:06 PM
IMO, blacklists are largely a waste of time.  The majority of spammers will call only once, but you will be continually adding numbers to the list.

Instead, you might set up a whitelist of wanted callers, sending others to voicemail at night, and to a "if you are human, press 7" prompt by day, which should eliminate most of the junk callers.

Hi Stewart,

Valid point.  I couldn't find a whitelist option at Anveo, but I did not dig very deeply.  They also reference a Call Flow option which would allow for some form of call screening.  Either way, I do see your point about ever-growing blacklists.  Oh for a world with no telemarketers or spammers... utopia!

pc44
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: Stewart on May 29, 2012, 12:50:37 AM
See http://www.anveo.com/consumer/features.asp?code=ivrcallflow for an example (more complex than what you need).  You could start with a simple flow where friends/family/associates ring your phone, and others go directly to voicemail.  If you miss too many wanted calls, you might add the ability for others to reach you during daytime hours, by pressing a key.
Title: Re: Is there a way to block certain incoming calls from ringing at all?
Post by: Robert.Thompson on May 29, 2012, 03:26:30 PM
Thanks guys!