Tired of having your dinner or family gathering interrupted by annoying telemarketers? Do you get an insulting or threatening phone call and don't know how to stop it? While ending all unwanted calls is almost impossible to do, you can try your best. There are a few easy steps so you can relax at home.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Prevent Certain Callers
Step 1. Use the caller ID facility (caller detection)
You can recognize the caller before picking up the call. If the caller is someone you don't want, decline the call or switch to voice mail.
Step 2. Block a specific phone number
Almost all telecommunications companies provide a way to block calls from certain numbers. In some companies, you can activate it by entering a code with the number you want to block. Check with your communications service provider to learn about their prescribed procedures.
Step 3. Set up the "trap"
With the "trap", incoming phone calls will be traced to the source (not like a robotic telephone service with a caller ID system), so that they can be blocked at a later date. This trap system is offered by various private companies and many modern-day telecommunications service providers.
Step 4. If you live in the US, ask to have your phone number listed on the Do Not Call list (so you don't get called)
Although many people already know about this list, private companies in the US are also required to screen their telephone lists and remove those whose numbers are on the Do Not Call list. Just like the national Do Not Call list, you should always update your phone number inclusion request every five years.
Step 5. Contact your telephone company's support service
If your phone company fails to protect you from unwanted calls, ask to be connected to support the next time you call them. Most companies have a department dedicated to handling customer complaints about uncomfortable calls.
Method 2 of 2: Minimizing All Incoming Calls
Step 1. Register your phone number with the Do Not Call service (if you live in the US)
While this may not stop your current business (eg if you are in debt and are being chased by collectors/non-profit organizations), it will reduce phone calls by telemarketers to your number considerably. The project is led by the US federal trade commission and is posted online at www.donotcall.gov. You can also join state-of-the-art programs online.
Step 2. Request activation of the anonymous call rejection service from your telco
Most telephone companies these days will allow you to reject calls that are anonymous, or read as "Private." This will significantly reduce telemarketing calls.
Step 3. Assign a specific dial tone for all your contacts
Some phones have a feature that allows you to assign a special dial tone to a specific number calling. Choose a different dial tone than your usual dial tone. When you hear this special dial tone, pick up and immediately lower (hang up) your phone. This way, you don't have to talk to the caller (or, you can set up a machine to answer).
Step 4. Buy a phone with silent function
Alternatively, you can buy a phone that is made for people with hearing loss. Phones like this have a blinking light (and can be muted) to signal an incoming call.
Step 5. Delete all your phone numbers in the public list
Phonebooks are usually out of date, but there are plenty of phone lists online, and companies will make the most of these lists. Tell your telephone company that you no longer want your number listed publicly, but that it should be considered a private/unpublished number, even through directory services.
Step 6. Switch to cell phones only
This is a last resort, but can be very effective. Most cell phones can easily be set up to block multiple parties, and you can also download some additional apps so that all calls from outside parties (those not in your contact list) will immediately go to voicemail. In addition, in the US, the federal government prohibits the use of automatic callers. This automatic caller is the device that most telemarketing firms use to call cell phones.
