Blocking incoming calls

[Howard Barlow]

Do you know of any phone systems, software, or whatever, that will allow you to block certain numbers from even ringing in? I am so tired of even listening to all the scam ringers, I don't even want to have to look to see if it's them. I'm talking about incoming calls to landlines.

[bondarnes]

My phone company (Verizon) allows you to block calls. There is a monthly fee to do it, but it isn't very expensive. It was offered to me in a package with call waiting, speed dial, call block, caller ID, etc.

[Howard Barlow]

Thanks, Don. I'll check with ATT.

[revjvegas]

Also, FYI, if you are on ATT wireless, you can call them and ask that they turn off SMS text messaging to your phone.

I don't text, I email, and all I was starting to get spam text and at .99 a pop, that can add up quick.

Not sure about setting up calling hours on the land line, but you'd think they could as I do it with my work phone but it is on an Avaya system.

[toverman]

We finally shut off our land line and have a much more peaceful existence (still have AT&T DSL Internet service and wireless phones). Now, if someone knows of a good way to keep door-to-door solicitors off the front porch (legally and as friendly as possible), I'd like to hear suggestions!

[Pikachu]

Originally Posted by toverman

We finally shut off our land line and have a much more peaceful existence (still have AT&T DSL Internet service and wireless phones). Now, if someone knows of a good way to keep door-to-door solicitors off the front porch (legally and as friendly as possible), I'd like to hear suggestions!

I don't know about Ft. Worth, but here in Coppell there is an anti-soliciting ordinance that sets out very strict guidelines for solicitors, including permits and background checks. They aren't allowed to contact you, or put anything on your door at all if you have a "No Solicitors" sign posted, but just the background check requirement has gotten rid of most of them.

[Howard Barlow]

No, my ATT is a landline. Do they offer a business wireless? Rates about the same as land? I guess I could call them and ask.

I stayed with them, as I could not get a Vonage number in the book. Vonage said YP had to do it, YP said Vonage had to do it. Rock, meet hard spot.

[Todd Lambert]

Not too much help after the fact, but Google Voice offers great blocking, separate ringing, etc.. Very cool features, for free.

Problem is, you need to use the GV number, not the one you already have. Of course you can forward the GV number to your existing number, but whoever you want to stop calling, already has your "direct" line... but something to think about moving forward?

I use mine to filter all of my calls to my cell phone. I only give out my actual cell phone to my wife and parents. That's it. Everyone else has the Google number.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Pikachu

I don't know about Ft. Worth, but here in Coppell there is an anti-soliciting ordinance that sets out very strict guidelines for solicitors, including permits and background checks. They aren't allowed to contact you, or put anything on your door at all if you have a "No Solicitors" sign posted, but just the background check requirement has gotten rid of most of them.

My city (near Fort Worth) does have a similar ordinance. Solicitors must submit to background checks before being granted permits (exemptions include charities, religious groups/churches, political candidates, scouts and clubs). Main problem is that my older neighborhood, where half my neighbors are elderly, we are a frequent target of many groups and businesses. Here, handbills or materials left on doors are not prohibited when there's a "no soliciting" sign, unfortunately! But I don't currently have a sign, as I can't find something that's not ugly.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

Thanks, Don. I'll check with ATT.

ATT has Call Blocker. It's part of the package that I currently have.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by toverman

We finally shut off our land line and have a much more peaceful existence (still have AT&T DSL Internet service and wireless phones). Now, if someone knows of a good way to keep door-to-door solicitors off the front porch (legally and as friendly as possible), I'd like to hear suggestions!

Sometimes a "No Soliciting" sign works. Sometimes it doesn't. You can find them in the signs display at Home Depot and Lowe's.

[TxLerman]

I know how you feel about the telemarketers. This is the greatest telemarketing call I've ever heard.

Vinovo Video: The Greatest Prank Call Ever - Tom Mabe Pranks A Telemarketer

[toverman]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Sometimes a "No Soliciting" sign works. Sometimes it doesn't. You can find them in the signs display at Home Depot and Lowe's.

Yes, but the signs there are ugly! My house needs all the help I can get. A nicer-looking sign, unfortunately, probably wouldn't get noticed anyhow. Need something that goes well with my "welcome" mat at the front door with just a hint of irony.

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by toverman

We finally shut off our land line and have a much more peaceful existence (still have AT&T DSL Internet service and wireless phones). Now, if someone knows of a good way to keep door-to-door solicitors off the front porch (legally and as friendly as possible), I'd like to hear suggestions!

I don't know if you'd consider it "friendly", but I'm considering a strategically placed sprinkler head near the front door hooked up to a remote control.

[toverman]

^ I like the way you think, John. My wife would rather just build a moat around our house, but the city won't give us a permit.