I received this tip from Jack Peckham from The Cyberspace Society:
Want to know who's behind that blocked call? If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile,
or Verizon user you're in luck (other services will follow soon). This
system is based on military-level counterintelligence technology - but it's
easy as pie to use.
Once you set up your account, whenever you get a blocked call on your cell
phone just click the magic button and your called ID will light up with the
caller's information. Then you can make the decision to take the call or
trash it if you wish.
There is no software to install. The basic service is on the house and
there are some other interesting counter intelligence features available at
a modest cost.
I like it.... and I don't like it. I want to know, yet I think it is scary that folks can find this stuff out. I usually do not answer blocked caller Id's, yet if I knew, I probably wouldn't answer anyway. I'm amazed at what we are up to....kind of like the Jetsons, Dick Tracy, and The Twilight Zone all rolled into one.
What do you think? Does the average person know too much, or spend too much time thinking up this stuff?
Dick Beals
Hi Dick,
Hmm, wonder if it's available on Alltell -- Verizon has bought (or in the process of buying them out). I always assume blocked calls are "telemarking" though that is not always the case as I found out from a prospect. Would I check to see who is calling if I had the capability? Yes, you bet I would
But isn't the whole point of "blocked numbers" supposed to be that the caller's number doesn't appear. Why bother to have call blocking if the recipients can just block the blocking??
I don't answer blocked calls either because I have found if it is important, they will leave a message, but 99% of the time it is a telemarketer.