I've been dealing with a spoof caller who has sexually harassed me for the past seven years. The harassment started when I worked at a general store where the caller manipulated the phone to contact me directly. They would ask about products just to keep me on the line, eventually turning the conversation into horrifying grunts and noises. Despite reporting this to my workplace and the police, I received little help, as the authorities said there was nothing they could do unless the calls were threatening. After I left that job, the calls transitioned to my personal cell phone, including instances where they spoofed calls from my mom's caller ID. I was able to change my number three years ago, but now this harassment has returned. I'm keeping a log and filing police reports, but I'm worried this won't stop anytime soon. What other actions can I take to find out who this might be and put an end to it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
5 Answers
It definitely sounds like you’re dealing with someone you know. Think about anyone in your past who might have the technical skills to spoof a number and the motivation to harass you. Maybe even bring this list to the police so they can look into it further. Also, remember to contact your phone provider about the spoofing issue—they might be able to offer more help than you realize, especially if you mention the harassment.
Changing your number was a good move, but since you think they might still have your new number, consider using temporary numbers when needed or services that provide additional privacy. Keeping detailed records is key, and you might want to reach out for legal advice since this feels like harassment on a serious level.
I think your best bet is to contact your telecom provider. They may have resources for tracking or blocking those spoof calls. In one case I heard about, the provider was able to identify the device making the calls and block it without revealing too much information. Another tip is to start documenting every occurrence and consider recording the calls if you get any more. Just let the caller know that the call is being recorded – sometimes that can deter them instantly!
That's great advice! Keeping evidence can be crucial. You might also want to check if your provider offers any call blocking services for this kind of harassment.
Also consider using *57 after a call to trace it directly through your phone provider. It won't always work, but it's worth a shot!
Honestly, if the police aren't being helpful, it might be worth looking into hiring a private investigator. They can trace calls and may have more resources than you have access to.
Agreed! Creating a shortlist of potential suspects might help piece together who’s behind this, and involving the police again with more evidence could prompt them to take it seriously.