How to Deal With Harassing Cell Phone Calls

Cell phones are becoming the primary ways of communication, with 87 percent of Americans owning one, according to CTIA, The International Association for the Wireless Communications Industry. With an overwhelming increase in communications using cell phones, the chance of receiving unwanted or harassing calls has increased. Learn what steps to take to stop calls that can range from simply annoying to obscene or threatening.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Receiving phone calls that are threatening the safety of yourself or others are an immediate indicator to call the police. Never take a chance that a phone call is simply a prank. Remember as many details about the call as you can. Was the call from a man or woman? Was there any background noise? Did the call have an accent? Can you determine the approximate age of the caller? Was the caller incoherent, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol? These details are necessary when filing a police report. Your cell phone should automatically log the time and date of calls for future reference.

2. Recognize what harassment is. As of March 2009, 46 states have laws that explicitly include electronic forms of communication within stalking or harassment laws. Many times referred to as cyberstalking, the type of harassment can involve cell phones as well as Internet communication. Harassment is defined under U.S. Code as "a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose." Harassing phone calls do not have to include someone talking. Receiving repetitive hang up calls, or calls where there is silence on the line constitutes harassment.

3. There are several options besides contacting the police. If safety or property is not being threatened, you may feel the police do not need to be involved. First, don't answer the phone. A prank caller get satisfaction on making calls that evoke a strong response or reaction from someone. Let your voice mail pick up, and save the messages if you do need to contact law enforcement in the future. Get your phone company involved. Many times you can quickly determine where the call is coming from by setting up a "phone trap". This is something that your wireless carrier can assist you with determining where an "unavailable" call is coming from. Once identified, the caller's number can be blocked, stopping unwanted calls. Change your phone number, and remember to list your new number as private. Many times a phone company will assist you with a new number at no cost if you are a victim of harassing phone calls. Remember to be selective who receives your new number. Change your voice mail to a more generic message, or use someone else's voice on the greeting instead of your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Safety always comes first. If you or your property is threatened call the police.

[medphysinfo]

on 6/10/2009 Good article with excellent steps to stop harrassing phone calls.