[net.consumers] junk phone calls - my solutions

gef@invest.UUCP (Gene E. Fowler) (03/10/84)

<eat this>

Junk calls are quite a problem since I have a total of 8 phone
lines in my house. Here are some of my ways I prevent junk calls:

1) The directory listing in my name gives two phone numbers, the
first is connected to an auto answer modem. My friends know to
use the second listing.

2) One phone number is listed in the name of my now deceased pet
snake. When someone asks to speak to Mr. Python, I tell them in a
mournfull tone that he is dead. That usually ends the conversation.
Although a couple days back one person called right back asking for
Mrs. Python. Mr. Python receives much junk mail, even some saying
what an good credit rating he has.

3) A few months ago I began receiving several calls per week from the
Chicago Tribune asking if I were a subscriber (which I had been for years).
After about the tenth such call I called the Tribune public relations
department and informed them if I ever received one more such call
they could count me as a non-subscriber. The calls ceased.

4) Some of the lines are in rotary. I never answer line n+1 unless
line n is busy.

5) If I get a caller that is reading a long sales script,
I simply set the phone down and let them continue for several minutes
before they figure out that there is nobody listening.

I really can't tell how effective some  of these measures are, but
at least item 3 worked.
				Gene Fowler
				ihnp4!invest!gef