I am prompted to write my diaries on the basis of often small things that happen to me ‘out of the blue’. In other words, something jumps out at me.

Today’s diary came about because someone I spoke to recently said he would prefer that we contacted each other by email because he did not want to give his mobile number as he was trying to separate  he’s work from his private life. Fair comment.

The 141 prefix I will recommend to the friend who wanted to retain his privacy but like everything there are downsides (see below). I cannot call the person back. My attitude is that one way traffic is better than no traffic. 

Common UK Call Prefixes

• • 141 – Withhold your number (hides your caller ID for that call)
  • 1470 – Reveal your number (overrides a withheld number setting)
  • 1471 – Find out who last called you (landlines only)
  • 1475 – Delete the last number stored by 1471
  • #31# – Withhold your number (alternative to 141, works on many mobiles)
  • *31# – Show your number (if it’s normally hidden)

Bonus Tip for Android

You can also go into your Phone app settings > Calling accounts > Caller ID and set your number to always show, always hide, or use network default—no prefix needed. Not all networks support every prefix, so it’s worth testing or checking with your provider. Want help setting up a default caller ID preference on your phone?

When you click on say your call history it’s worth clicking on the three vertical dots at the top right because these are the settings. You can do a whole lot of things apart from the normal features. There is call blocking,  identity location information, or quick gestures.

Even if you don’t think you’re going to need extra features, one fine day you will have a need for one reason or another so just a thought, it’s worth checking what’s available so that if you do need it, particularly when you are under pressure, you don’t go into a panic.

One of the things I still have to do is to figure out what to do if I have lost my phone which I have no intention of doing but you’d be amazed how easily something can drop out of your pocket or be left on a table in a public place. 

When I carry my phone I always zip up my pocket although it does take a few seconds and this gives me the added security that I need. 

When I went to Barcelona a number of years ago with Francoise she had her passport stolen and that spoiled the best part of a day of our holiday while we reported it, dragged ourselves in  the boiling sun along to a police station to join a queue of those who had been mugged or had things stolen and it did not particularly add to the holiday.

What do you do when you get a —P— on your screen?

A downside of having  ——-P——- appear on your screen is that it could be someone that you don’t particularly want to talk to. My doctor sometimes uses this but if I’m not expecting a call from anyone I distrust it and will not answer it.  After all, they can leave a message if it’s really important.

What about call centres?

I remember a time when people used to call my landline but in the last couple of years, companies have started to major in on mobile phones which is a real nuisance since when I’m out and about I don’t want to be disturbed by anything other than calls from people who know me

I receive quite a few calls during the working week from people wanting to sell me something. I’m not talking about those automated mechanical female voices from ‘Bank Security’ who  are crooks.Their software calls 200 people at one time.

Nowadays calls are more likely to be from India or Pakistan.

The call centre industry in India is massive and still growing rapidly. As of 2024, the call and contact center outsourcing market in India generated around $3.86 billion USD in revenue and is projected to reach over $9 billion USD by 2030, growing at a 15.2% annual rate.

India’s broader call center market—including domestic and international services—is valued at approximately $33 billion USD, driven by demand from sectors like IT, telecom, banking, healthcare, and e-commerce. Major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR dominate the landscape due to their skilled, English-speaking workforce and strong tech infrastructure.

The industry is also a major employer, with hundreds of thousands of workers—many under 30—staffing customer service, tech support, and telemarketing roles. It’s not just about answering phones anymore: chat support, email handling, and AI-assisted services are all part of the mix.

I hate it when my bank or services like SKY TV base their call centres abroad. OK it ‘saves money’ but irritates me. 

Yes they do speak English but it is very formulaic and also they do not understand English nuances that we would take for granted, and you can forget English humour. Yes I can sometimes hear that someone is well trained and we do get through it somehow but I do feel a cultural gap and I do not enjoy it

A typical call centre conversation…

This is what normally happens with me

# I see a number which looks like any other local  mobile number, sometimes it is a landline, sometimes a number from abroad (not often).

# I answer the phone and there is a pause while the next available person picks up.

In the background I hear many people talking. 

Normally this is a huge red flag but at least I can have the pleasure of saying no to someone

# The next thing to happen is someone will say ‘ am I speaking to Mr Snellgrove?’ or ‘Mr Brian’ (Indian custom

# I reply cautiously  yes

The next few moments determine whether I put the phone down

# The next thing I hear is ‘ how are you today’

That is the kiss of death. Another formula phone call, one of hundreds this person has made during the course of their shift

# I then reply, still civilly, ‘how can I help you’ or if I’m feeling less magnanimous ‘what to do you want?’

# They then say this is Naresh from ……. company

# If I do not know them then I terminate the conversation straight away by ‘putting the phone down’

Slightly different tactics supply if someone is ringing from your energy company. There trying to sell me a Smart Meter which I do not want and will never have or some other upselling. I am more polite but still say no. 

A part of me is very conservative though you wouldn’t guess it.

If a supply company wants to change the terms and conditions I appreciate an email or, even better, a good old fashioned letter.

My Co-Op bank is very good at doing this. Their slogan “Ethical then, ethical now, ethical always.” rings true and I’m happy to be with them.

You the reader are welcome to share your stories. There must be some good ones out there.