Web- und App-Tipp: Silent Calls: Was gegen belästigende Anrufe hilft

Web- und App-Tipp: Silent Calls – What Helps Against Harassing Calls

Many call centers use automated dialing systems to make multiple phone calls simultaneously. When the first person picks up, the remaining calls are simply disconnected. This results in three potential outcomes: dropped calls, lost calls, and call back.

Dropped Calls occur when the phone rings fewer than three times and then ends abruptly. Lost Calls happen when the connection is made, but no one answers on the other end. Call backs occur when the caller's number is stored and dialed again later, sometimes multiple times.

Harassing calls can be technically blocked in several ways. On the device itself: smartphones, phones, phone systems or routers can often be set to block specific numbers. Through your telephone provider: many network operators offer the option to block individual phone numbers or entire number groups. Additionally, the Federal Network Agency can take action against "harassing call behavior."

This includes calls before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM on weekdays, advertising calls on Sundays or national holidays, and more than three calls in a day.

To take action, the Federal Network Agency requires a precise description of the situation. They provide a complaint form on their website. A detailed complaint increases the chances of intervention. The complaint should include information such as how many times the call was made, the time frame, and if the calls were made on weekends, Sundays, or holidays.

Importantly, if the caller's number is not displayed, the Federal Network Agency cannot intervene. Therefore, complaints are only possible when the caller's number is shown.

After receiving a complaint, the Federal Network Agency investigates possible violations and can take various measures against the perpetrator. These may include issuing warnings for minor violations, especially if they are voluntarily stopped. The agency can also disconnect the number, making it unreachable. It can also prevent the number from being transferred to another provider. A permanent fee may be imposed to enforce regulatory orders.