The only problem with not answering calls from unknowns is that the unknown calling may actually be someone you need to speak to. For example this week I got two of those Microsoft scam calls, the second one was a "source of innocent merriment" He had a very heavy accent and was probably very new at the job. The call went in the following manner.
"I am calling from [garbled]". He repeated this but I thought I recognized who he said he was calling from.
"Are you calling from Microsoft?"
"Yes, Ma'am"
"It's Sir"
"Yes Ma'am"
"O.K. You're calling from Microsoft, now what's the next question you're supposed to ask me?"
"Are you having a computer?"
"No."
"I am sorry I am disturbing you Ma'am, goodby"
A few minutes later another call came from Silver Springs MD and a telephone number was shown, but no identifying information. I picked the phone up in a negative state of mind, but it turned out to be a FEMA representative about my request for a review of my flood insurance claim. My phone ringer was only on because I wanted to hear from FEMA and the electrician, and the ringer will stay on until my FEMA request is settled. At which time I'll turn the ringer back off, the answering machine back off, only check the answering machine when a little red light goes on, and only check the voice mail when I pick up my phone and the dial tone stutters. Until then I'm stuck answering for any unknown caller where a location and phone number is shown. Unless it's area code 632, and those I don't pick up, I delete them as soon as the phone stops ringing.
"I am calling from [garbled]". He repeated this but I thought I recognized who he said he was calling from.
"Are you calling from Microsoft?"
"Yes, Ma'am"
"It's Sir"
"Yes Ma'am"
"O.K. You're calling from Microsoft, now what's the next question you're supposed to ask me?"
"Are you having a computer?"
"No."
"I am sorry I am disturbing you Ma'am, goodby"
A few minutes later another call came from Silver Springs MD and a telephone number was shown, but no identifying information. I picked the phone up in a negative state of mind, but it turned out to be a FEMA representative about my request for a review of my flood insurance claim. My phone ringer was only on because I wanted to hear from FEMA and the electrician, and the ringer will stay on until my FEMA request is settled. At which time I'll turn the ringer back off, the answering machine back off, only check the answering machine when a little red light goes on, and only check the voice mail when I pick up my phone and the dial tone stutters. Until then I'm stuck answering for any unknown caller where a location and phone number is shown. Unless it's area code 632, and those I don't pick up, I delete them as soon as the phone stops ringing.
