Dear Massi

The problem is I am getting unpleasant calls from someone. There is a man on the other end of the line but I can hear a woman in the background who seems to be telling him what to say.

We haven't given our number out to anyone....but I'm fearful it could be someone I used to know before.

I have called 1471 to try and get the number but the message says "the caller withheld the number". Some of the calls are really nasty, sometimes they are just silent. This person seems to know I am alone and is making my life a hell. I wish I had never left my parent's home. Is there anything I can do to stop this?

Y T

Blackburn

MASSI SAYS,

You certainly don't have to put up with this. There is a lot that can be done and thanks to the modern telephone systems, most abusive callers can be tracked down relatively quickly.

It is quite likely that the person calling you is committing a criminal act and could potentially be jailed for up to six months so contact the operator right away. BT does have a special free advice line on 0800 666 700 with recorded information, telling you what to do. The basic advice though is never give out your number - when someone calls, answer "hello" rather than with your name or number.

Respond calmly as most of the people who make these calls get a kick out of an emotional reaction. Don't enter into any kind of conversation, simply put the handset down and walk away, remembering to replace it a bit later.

As your calls have been going on a long time it may be helpful to the Police and to any prosecution of the caller if you keep a diary. Note down the date and time and anything you think might prove helpful. Remember that you may not be the only person receiving calls from this individual and by reporting it, you may be helping someone even more vulnerable than you are.