How to Deal with Obscene Phone Calls (Including Repeated Ones)

Getting an obscene phone call can be very upsetting and unnerving, perhaps even more so for someone living alone. Of course it is even worse if the one phone call turns into many. If you understand the nature of such calls, and understand what to do when you get them, they almost always stop very quickly and never repeat themselves, at least not from the same person. This article shows you the steps to take when you get an obscene phone call.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. There are several different types of obscene phone calls. The first is where the caller says nothing at all, but you know they are on the line. In such cases, wait a few seconds, and then very calmly say "Hello" just once more. Make sure that the tone in your voice is completely neutral. The caller is simply attempting to get a reaction of out you, and if your second "Hello" has overtones of anxiety or frustration, s/he will have achieved his/her goal. If the person continues to just hold the line, wait a few more seconds and then very calmly and quietly hang up the phone. As described above, do this in a completely neutral manner.

2. If the caller breathes heavily into the phone, do not even go as far as saying "Hello" a second time. Even if you are convinced that the caller is a friend of yours who is playing a prank, just calmly hang up the phone as described above. By doing so, there is a high probability that the call will not repeat itself, whereas doing anything else will likely result in more of such calls.

3. If the caller says anything sexual in nature, such as "Hey baby" or "What are you wearing?," simply hang up the phone in a calm fashion as described above. Resist the temptation to say, "Who is this?" or threaten any type of legal action.

4. Resist the temptation to remind the caller that you have his/her number on caller ID. Resist the temptation to slam down the phone, or sigh in frustration, or anything similar. Certainly resist the temptation to indulge the caller in any way, no matter how bored or lonely you might be, or no matter much you consider the matter to be a funny joke.

5. If any of the above scenarios repeat themselves in a second call, don't answer on the first ring. This shows that you were waiting by the phone, which could be part of what the caller is getting a kick out of. Similarly, don't just let the call go to voice mail, because then the caller might be getting a rise out of envisioning you trembling in the corner afraid to go to the phone.
   
   Wait for the third or fourth ring just before voice mail would pick up, and answer with a calm "Hello," no differently than you normally would. Follow the above steps if it is obviously the same caller who has called back. If s/he calls back yet again, repeat this step. At no time should you express any type of anxiety or anger, as this will satisfy the caller.

6. If the caller says something that is extremely obscene, resist the temptation to respond in any way. Just follow the above steps. That may be very difficult if you are the type of person who would normally say, "Good Heavens, Sir! Someone ought to wash out your filthy mouth with soap!" Just follow the above steps exactly.

7. Note that if the caller makes any very specific threats of any type, then you need to handle the call differently. Continue to follow the advice in the steps above. However, write down anything that the person says, transcribing it as accurately as you can. Don't embellish it in an effort to paint a better picture of how the call made you feel. If the person calls back again, consider allowing the call to go to voice mail. If the caller is dumb enough to leave a message, that of course is something that could be played for the police, or potentially in court if it came to that.

8. In the case of threatening phone calls, you'll have to use your best judgment. If you have reason to believe that the caller can and would follow through on any threats, simply call your local police precinct, and they will tell you what to do. Follow their instructions carefully and precisely, and certainly don't lie about the situation at all. From the standpoint of the police, there is a big difference between the caller saying that s/he is going to rape and kill you, and saying that s/he is going to make sweet love to you in the basking glow of the warm fireplace.
   
   Just tell the police exactly what was said. If you do have a recording on voice mail, tell them that it is available. Also tell them whether or not you have the caller's phone number on caller ID, and whether you have any idea as to who the caller could be.

9. That's all you need to know. If you follow these steps, there is an excellent chance that the caller will simply move on to someone else who will unknowingly indulge him/her in his/her little sick fantasy. Good luck.

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[Teachforever]

on 8/8/2009 Great article. Your free ebook was awesome.Thanks. Harassing calls from telemarketers are just as bad. 5*****

[lighthouse1958]

on 7/9/2009 Your gave very good information. I'm sure the way this world is today there is a lot of girls out there that could use this information. Thanks for writing it. 5* and rec.

[tnpos]

on 7/1/2009 This a Goodie! Alot of great suggestion! 5 and rec! PAL

[cherry67]

on 6/30/2009 funny pic!