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You may receive some strange calls from time to time.

I keep receiving calls, and no one is on the line. Who is calling me, and why?

These calls may be from telemarketers. At the time you pick up the phone, a telemarketer may not actually be available to speak to you, due to the telemarketing firm’s use of predictive dialers. Consider putting your phone number on the national do not call list.

I received a call, but the Caller ID said “Unknown.” Who is calling?

This happens if for some reason the telephone network was not able to send the caller’s ID to your phone. This may happen when the call is carried over certain older long distance lines, if the call originated overseas, or in some cases if the call originated from a business line or VoIP line.

I am receiving harassing or threatening phone calls. What can I do?

You have several options for dealing with harassing or threatening phone calls. Contact your local telephone company for information regarding the Annoyance Call Bureau and Call Trace, which can help you report these calls to law enforcement agencies. Also, some phone companies will change your telephone number at no charge if you are receiving these types of calls.