If a prank caller continues to call over time, it can be very annoying.Threatening, obscene, or harassing calls can be a serious problem.You can identify a prank caller with a few easy steps.
Step 1: You can contact the police.
It may violate local or state laws if the call is threatening.If the call is threatening and not just annoying, contact your local police department.
Step 2: Call your phone company.
The offices of many phone companies are devoted to nuisance calls.If you want to manage prank calls, you should check with your phone company.The AT&T page has information and policies.There is information on the Unlawful Call Center page.
Step 3: You should screen your calls.
If you want to avoid talking to a prank caller, use an answering machine, voicemail, or caller ID.
Step 4: To find out who is calling, use a phone company service.
A phone company can help you figure out who is making a prank call.The cost and availability of these services are not the same.The phone company can use a "trap" to determine the number of a prank caller.When a trap is set, you record the times and dates of calls so that the phone company can find the caller.A trace can be used to find the last caller to your phone.After you receive a prank call, dial *57 (1157 forpulse phones) and listen to the recorded message from your phone company.You can set up caller ID to see who calls you as soon as the phone rings.To find out what equipment and costs are required to use Caller ID, check with your phone company.Privacy Manager is a service that can help you find blocked numbers or prevent them from calling.These services require callers to reveal their phone number in order to make a call.The service requires the caller to state their name before allowing the call to ring your phone line.
Step 5: Put a stop to the prank calls.
If you know the number of the prank caller, you can use a phone company service to prevent them from calling again.Call block is a service that allows you to block some numbers from calling your phone line.Call your phone company to set it up or dial *60 to use the service.
Step 6: Contact the police if you have any questions.
Local or state laws may be violated if the call is threatening or harassing.If the call is threatening, contact your local police department.Electronic communications harassment laws can cover harassing calls to a cell phone.
Step 7: You can screen your calls.
The phone number of the prank caller should be displayed on your phone.Don't answer calls from that number.
Step 8: prank calls to voicemail
You can get the prank caller's number by making a contact in your phone.Many mobile phones have options in the contact list to change the result of an incoming call, including assigning a different ringtone or sending calls straight to voicemail.If your phone doesn't have an option to send calls from a contact to voicemail, set the ringtone for the prank caller's contact so calls will not ring.
Step 9: Put a stop to the prank calls.
While mobile phone companies do not offer the same Call Block or Call Screen services, you may be able to have the calls from a particular number blocked.The ability to prevent specific numbers from calling the phone is one of the services offered by many companies.
Step 10: Use an app.
Call blocking and call management can be found in the app store.Many free apps can be used to block calls from a particular number.