Tip: Call Block / Call Screening
Call Block, also known as Call Screening or sometimes Call Rejection, allows you to block incoming calls from specific telephone numbers.
Before you can use Call Block, though, you must order it from your local telephone company. Call Block carries a monthly charge, usually between $3 to $5. Depending on the area where you live, you can block between 6 and 15 numbers.
Verizon and BellSouth call this feature Call Block, while SBC (now AT&T) calls it Call Screening in some states and Call Blocker in other states. Qwest calls this feature Call Rejection. MCI also calls this feature Call Screening.
To activate Call Block or add a telephone number to the rejection list, dial *60. If you don’t know the number to be blocked, dial *60 immediately after hanging up from the call. To turn off Call Block, dial *80. Call Block cannot block calls from some cellular phones, pay phones or business lines. It also cannot block most long distance numbers.
Using this service with a rotary phone is not recommended as you would have difficulty entering the numbers to be blocked.
People whom you have blocked will, when they try to call you, hear a recording stating that you are not accepting calls.
Unfortunately, the service is not available in all states, usually due to state regulations.
This service is also only rarely available on wireless phones. Contact your wireless provider if you would like to have this feature.
