How To Deal With Abusive Or Malicious Telephone Calls

How To Deal With Abusive Or Malicious Telephone Calls

How To Deal With Abusive Or Malicious Telephone Calls: Not all telephone calls are welcome, so have a look at VideoJug's guide on dealing with abusive, nuisance or malicious calls, based on advice from Britain's Home Office.

---

Step 1:

Answering the phone

When answering the phone, it isn't necessary to give out your name, a simple 'Hello' will do. This leaves it up to the caller to introduce themselves.

In any telephone conversation, don't give out personal details unless you are absolutely sure of the person you are speaking to. And avoid answering any personal questions about yourself unless you are well acquainted.

---

Step 2:

Don't respond

If you receive a malicious or abusive call don't respond. Any type of strong reaction is what the caller is after.

Instead, leave the phone unattended for a short while, then simply hang up.

---

Step 3:

Keep records

If the calls persist make a record of when they occur to see if there is a pattern. It will also be useful when reporting the offence

Try the Call Return function on your telephone to trace the abusive calls. This can be done by dialing 1-4-7-1 in the UK, or star 69 in America or Canada. But it is likely that the caller has blocked their number to prevent identification.

---

Step 4:

Inform the authorities

Report any dodgy calls to your telephone service provider, they will have a policy for dealing with it. They may even be able to identify the number and bar it.

If the calls are persistently abusive, or if you service provider recommends it, notify the police. Abusive and malicious calls are a criminal offence and will be treated as such.

---

Step 5:

Prevention measures

If you are listed in a telephone directory give initials only.

Don't leave your name and number on your answering message. The caller should know who you are and will leave their details for you to return the call. And never give the impression you are away for your home for a long time, just that you are unavailable at the moment is a far safer option.