Skype Query

[sophie]

Has anyone out there ever received a Skype call, in say UK, but on their land or mobile, and if so, what does the ring tone sound like. I'm trying to speak to an elderly lady in UK, but as advised by everyone, Age UK, etc she won't answer her phone if it's a number she doesn't recognise. Thanks

[erol]

as far as I know the ring tone on the receiving end on a landline will sound like any other. The number that is calling will be shown as 'withheld' unless you have bought an actual phone number from skype in which case this is the number that will display on the receiving end.

[Keithcaley]

Erol, I thought that you could set the 'caller ID' on Skype to that of, say, your mobile without buying a Skype number, provided that you have bought some Skype credit.
This doesn't allow people to ring your Skype account from a landline or basic mobile, of course, if they ring the number, it goes straight to the mobile number as a normal call.
A Skype number is an emtirely different thing which can allow someone in, say, UK, to make a normal 'phone call to a local (to them} number, and get through to you in a different Country - at least that is my understanding!

[erol]

Maybe you can Keith but off the top of my head that sounds like a license to 'spoof' your phone number with ease ? You could pretend to be anyone that way could you not ?

[Keithcaley]

If I remember correctly, they do send a text/code/message of some sort to the number that you specify so that you can verify that it's a number that you are entitled to use.

It's a long time since I did it

[sophie]

All suggestions welcome, provided they are simple enough to convey to someone who does not have a smart phone but can read a text I might send her but NOT involve her having to do anything her end in UK.

[erol]

@Keith you are correct. Details here

https://www.skype.com/en/features/calle ... ification/

Caller ID
Don’t be an unknown number. Let people know who’s calling with free Skype caller ID.

Here’s how it works:

Sign in to Skype.
Select the "Caller ID" tab and enter your mobile number. This will become your phone number identifier, and it will be shown when you make a call from Skype.
We’ll send you a text to set up and confirm your Caller ID.
Set up your Skype Caller ID. It's fast and free – and makes connecting with your friends, family, and clients easier.

@Sophie if you can set up a caller ID on your skype account as above and you can in some way inform the person in the UK you are trying to contact that this number is you, then that should allow you to call this persons landline number (if you have skype credit) via skype and it will display your number so the person can know it is you calling before they answer. Hope this is of some help.

[sophie]

I've plenty of credit but thankfully her daughter via WhatsApp has been in touch with me. Thanks guys for your help and I will certainly file the information for the future. Will also come in useful contacting banks etc in the UK in the future.

[Groucho]

When you set this up a verification text is sent to stop anyone spoofing telephone numbers... it's easy to set up and can toggle it on and off in the Skype settings>Caller id dialogue...

which can be found under '...' just to the right of your Skype name in the app.

[Keithcaley]

Don't forget to select the correct Country Code!


İf the person that you're ringing has got your number and name/nickname entered in their phone's memory, then when you ring, they'll know it's you, 'cos the display will say 'Droopy Drawers'


... Or whatever!

[sophie]

Such a pity I can't drive up and give you a hiding you naughty man. Never mind, Mr Trump says it will all be over by Easter Day so start the count down sunshine.

[Keithcaley]

Oh, please don't hurt me mistress, I've got a very low pain threshold

[Groucho]

Don't forget to select the correct Country Code!


İf the person that you're ringing has got your number and name/nickname entered in their phone's memory, then when you ring, they'll know it's you, 'cos the display will say 'Droopy Drawers'


... Or whatever!

so if I get a call from whatever I'll know it's you...

[Keithcaley]

NO, NO, NO,.................... yes