Malicious Calls

Although malicious and nuisance calls are relatively rare, we now know that when they do occur they sometimes upset the recipient. They can range in style, silent calls, abusive, threatening, annoying or offensive. Here are a couple of precautions you can take to try and tackle the problem.

Step 1

Never Answer any questions on the phone unless you know exactly who it is.

Step 2

When recording your voicemail try not to provide too much information with regard to your location. Sometimes using a male voice on your voicemail can deter nuisance calls. (Female mobile users)

Step 3

Stay calm. Most malicious or nuisance callers seek and emotional response from the person they call. It's better you remain calm and show no emotion.

Step 4

Don't respond. If the call becomes offensive or unpleasant, say nothing. Either hang up at once or put down the Mobile phone and leave it for a few minutes before hanging up. If they call again, try not answer the phone.

Step 5

Go ex-directory.

Step 6

Contact the Gardai. The Gardai can follow various procedures including requesting Meteor to trace the source of the calls.

The making of malicious and nuisance calls is a criminal offence under Section 13(1) of the Post Office (Amendment) Act, 1951 as amended by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983. The penalties can be severe.