How do you handle 'unknown number' calls?

[Padraig18]

I have caller ID, and some numbers come up as 'unknown number', normally cell phone callers, people with unlisted numbers and outbound WATS lines (telemarketers, usually).

How do those of you with Caller ID handle those calls?

[TXlib]

1. I never answer anonymous calls

They're nearly always telemarketers. If the caller knows me, and starts to leave a message on the machine, I'll pick up, or return the call.

But if it's an anonymous call, and they can't be bothered to leave a message, fuck 'em.

[Racenut20]

3. Never answer a call

Unless I know the number on caller ID, or know the voice if they start to leave a message. Last night I ignored a call from the gallop poll, the Chiefs game was on tv.

[JitterbugPerfume]

2. never used to answer them

till I found out grand daughters # came up like that for some reason Carissa said "gramma why are you never at home?"

[DoctorMyEyes]

8. awwwwww.....

That must have broken your heart....

I know if that happened to me I would change my "no answer" policy in a hurry, too!

[FlaGranny]

4. I have caller ID with

answering service on my phone. I look at caller ID and if I do not recognize the number, I let the answering service pick it up.

I also have privacy director which blocks unknown numbers and makes them leave their name to get through. This blocks many calls I don't want.

[Barney]

10. I have a similar service

Most of the telemarketers don't get through, but sometimes I get calls from those who do allow their numbers to be displayed, and I just don't pick up. They never leave a message.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[frylock]

6. i have the telezapper..

so rarely do I ever speak with a telemarketer.. the thing really works! Also, I don't have caller ID, but I screen a lot with my answering machine.

[Bozola]

11. Can you elaborate on this?

When I'm feeling really irritated by their constant calling, I'll tell them in very rude and no uncertain terms to remove me from their list, but I'm getting really, really tired of doing this. I'm also tired of them filling up my answering maching with clicks, "hellos", and recorded messages.

I'd love to hear a review of a telemarketer blocker.....

[Padraig18]

7. I'm a curmudgeon.

If I don't see a number, I won't answer at all. :evilgrin:

[uberotto]

9. Let the Answering Machine get it...

There have been a couple of occasions where it turned out to be someone I know.

Of course, I will usually let the answering machine answer all calls, even the ones from people I know.

[Hubert Flottz]

12. Yep if they are hiding things then they must be a repub!

I answer and then hang up!

[Braden]

13. no caller ID

I answer 'em all. Any autodialer calls are hung up on post haste.

[sleepyhead]

18. if you answer an autodialer call

it lets the computer or autodialer or whatever know that it has reached a working number, thus targeting you for even more calls (no matter how fast you can hang up, the computer is faster!). I screen *all* my calls. If it's not important enough for them to leave a message, I don't want to hear it anyway.

[Rowdyboy]

14. I have an answering machine...

Friends and family leave messages. Screw the others.

Caller ID is one of the finest inventions of the 20th century.

[madddog]

15. don't answer 'em...

and I even have that service that makes blocked or private numbers have to say their name/number...I get a special ring, and the choice to answer the call. It's pretty entertaining.

[amazona]

16. they can leave a message if they're for real...

...and I'll call back later. Maybe.

[supernova]

17. The only time I pick up

is if I:

- Recognize the number on caller ID

- if it's "Anonymous Caller". Usually it's my brother since he has his telephone # blocked from identifying.

- I make everybody else leave a message and I'll call back.

It's reall annoying because callbots are illegal here in NC, but we get them all the time. :grr:

[TrogL]

19. I love wierd calls

I love surveys so I can skew the result.

I love talking telemarketers to death.

I love preaching to fundies.

Wrong numbers can be sexy.

[arwalden]

20. We Have Caller-ID *ALONG WITH* Verizon's Do-Not-Disturb Feature

With the "Do Not Disturb" feature enabled, ALL CALLERS must enter a four-digit access number before the call will come through. Callers who don't know the access PIN will be detoured to voice mail.

One telemarketer in a thousand will actually leave a message. The rest hang up.

Folks who actually KNOW ME also KNOW MY PIN. Folks who might have a legitimate reason to call me but who don't know my pin may leave a message. I'm not TOTALLY out of touch... they can still reach me.

BUT, they reach me on MY TERMS. My phone is for MY convenience, not THEIRS.

-- Allen

P.S. Oh dear... I just re-read this message. I sounded awfully angry, didn't I? Sorry.