How Blocking Incoming Calls Works

People with landlines have many options for blocking unwanted phone calls. Phone companies now offer their customers a variety of services such ascall blocking,anonymous call rejectionandpriority ringingto help them deal with unwanted calls. Electronics stores also carry devices that can be attached to phones and that perform similar functions. Many software downloads available on theInternetclaim to do the job as well.

The easiest way to find out what services your particular phone company offers is to call them or check the Web site.AT&T's site, for example, lists several ways to block unwanted calls. One of the most straightforward services iscall blocking(telephone code*60); subscribers simply specify the numbers they want blocked, and when those numbers call, the phone doesn't ring. Callers receive a message telling them that their call has been blocked.

Other options includeanonymous call blocking, which blocks any incoming unidentified number,personalized ring, which identifies preferred callers with a unique ring, andPrivacy Manager, which prompts unidentified callers to identify themselves before the phone rings so you can choose whether to answer. These same services are common to many phone companies, although sometimes by slightly different names, and they typically come with a monthly fee attached.

If you'd rather not pay more money to the phone company, external devices exist that perform many of the same functions described above.Inbound phone call blockers, for instance, only allow callers with a special code to get through to your number. You would only give this code to people you actually wanted to talk to. Of course, with this feature, that random hottie next door wouldn't be able to look you up in the book and reach you. Call-screening phone accessories like these are often sold in electronics stores and online by companies such as Privacy Corps and Digitone.

如果你想去免费的路线,you can download free software that claims to block unwanted calls. This software works by hooking up your phone to yourcomputerand letting the software screen incoming calls. Some of these downloads require you to have other hardware though.

Your options for silencing unwantedcell phone ringsare more limited. Depending on the particular phone and service you use, call blocking may not be possible. However, some wireless providers do offer possibilities. For example, AT&T's Smart Limits for Wireless program, though designed to set boundaries for young cell phone users, allows you to designate blocked numbers that won't be able to call in.Smart phonesalso offer ways to block incoming calls. Smart phone call blockers include free or for-purchase downloadable software that you can get online and in stores.

You're probably wondering how your phone can recognize the calls you want to block. Can it sense salespeople on the other end of the line? Find out on the next page.