Getting the Right Number

Here are some tips for dealing with harassing or suspicious phone callers. Police recommend that you handle such calls with extreme caution and take threats seriously. They point out that criminals often use telephones to bilk unsuspecting people.

* Do not admit to a stranger that you are alone. Also, instruct your children, when alone, to say that mom or dad is busy and to ask the caller to leave a message or call back.

* Consider having an unlisted telephone number.

* Avoid giving out your home phone number to strangers.

* If you are asked for your phone number in a check or credit card transaction, furnish a work number instead of your home number. Also, if your home number is printed on your personal checks, request that it be removed when reordering a new supply.

* If you must be listed in the telephone directory, ask that your address and first name be removed. Your first initial and last name should be sufficient.

* Hang up immediately on obscene callers or strangers who ask questions about private matters. Many such callers are seeking an emotional response and will discontinue their harassment if you avoid a reaction of fear or anger.

* Allow your answering machine to screen your calls. Tell your friends and relatives that you will pick up the phone when you hear them talking into the machine. Your outgoing message should not reveal your identity or that you are away. Change the recording or use the voice of a friend, if necessary.

* If you begin receiving repeated harassing or obscene phone calls, make note of the date and time of each incident and the characteristics of the call. Include details such as specific wording, the caller’s voice and background sounds. Avoid conversing with the caller or lingering on the phone, however.

* Report chronic harassing phone calls to the police. Consider changing your telephone number and carefully screening who you provide with your new number.

* Never give out personal financial information or credit card numbers during unsolicited telephone calls from people you don’t know.

* Some organizations and charities solicit funds by telephone. If you are interested in supporting a particular cause described by a phone solicitor, ask that additional details and a pledge card be sent to you by mail.

Source: Ventura Police Department