Unwanted calls at home come from a variety of sources, such as telemarketers or prank callers. These calls can be an occasional annoyance or a constant disruption to your life at home. Fortunately, there are several ways to stop receiving bothersome or harassing phone calls. It is possible to screen the calls you receive or block calls from certain phone numbers. Some of these methods are free, while your phone company may charge you a small fee for others.
Step 1
Go to the National Do Not Call Registry website if you want telemarketers to stop calling you. Enter your home telephone number and an email address. Most telemarketers will not call you after your number has been listed here for 31 days.
Step 2
Sign up for caller ID service. Your home phone company will likely charge you a monthly fee for the service. If you have a caller ID device, you are able to see the phone number of the person calling you. You can choose whether or not to answer the call.
Step 3
Get an answering machine. Some phones come with a built-in answering machine that you can use to monitor calls. Ask family, friends and co-workers to leave a message when they call. If the caller doesn't leave a message, do not answer the phone. Many people, especially telemarketers, will stop calling if you do not pick up the phone.
Step 4
Use the call-screen feature, if your phone company offers it. With call screen, you dial *60 on your home phone, then enter the number of the call you want to block. Some phone companies may allow you to block the number of the last person who called you, even if you do not know the phone number. This service generally costs a small fee every month.
Step 5
Get an inbound call-blocking device. This device allows only those who know a certain code to call you. Anyone who does not know the code cannot make a call to your home.
Tips & Warnings
- If you are getting repeated harassing or threatening phone calls, contact your phone company and ask that a trace or trap be placed on your line. If the harassing caller is identified, the information can be given to the police.
References
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Fact Sheet 3: How to Put an End to Unwanted or Harassing Phone Calls
- FCC: Unwanted Telephone Marketing Calls
Resources
- National Do Not Call Registry: Home
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images