One of the great ironies about telecommunication technology is that it was originally invented to increase the flexibility with which we communicate with others. Yet, telephone service providers continue to offer their customers useful ways to prevent unwanted calls from getting through. Caller identification (CID), blocking, and options to reject anonymous callers are placing more power into the hands of recipients. This is a significant benefit. Each of these services can be used to create obstacles for telemarketers, pranksters, and others who are not welcome on your residential telephone line.

Below, we’ll briefly explain how blocking technology works and how it is intertwined with the Caller ID option (most carriers offer both). We’ll also explain how savvy people try to get around the obstacle.

How The Technology Works

Over the last twenty years, telemarketers, survey companies, and others have become more aggressive in calling people at home (typically, during dinner). Phone companies have received waves of requests from customers who want options to block these organizations from calling. In response, carriers have developed a blocking service that works on the same underpinnings as CID technology.

CID is based on identifying the phone number of the caller. Call blocking simply takes that process one step further. Once a number has been identified, it is cross-referenced with the numbers that exist on a block list. If a match exists, the call is rejected and the person calling hears a message that explains the rejection.

What About The Do Not Call (DNC) List?

A lot of people have a mistaken impression about the Federal DNC List. They believe that placing their name on this list prevents them from receiving all unwanted telephone solicitations. Unfortunately, this is untrue. The DNC List only applies to telemarketers. That means you can (and likely, will) still receive solicitations from charities, political campaign workers, and survey takers. This is another reason why the blocking services offered by home telephone carriers are valuable. You can block any person or organization you wish.

How People Get Around The Obstacle

The technology that identifies and blocks callers is not infallible. There are ways in which savvy operators can get around it. The most direct path is for them to use a *67 to prevent their number from being identified. Of course, the recipient may be less inclined to answer if they are unable to see the number. Another technique is to use spoofing. This transmits a different number than the one from which the call is made.

Caller identification and blocking services allow us to screen calls and avoid those which are unwelcome. Whether due to harassment, sales solicitations, or any other unsolicited efforts, these services help remove the annoyances that would otherwise consume our time.

It is your right to accept or deny calls, and with these tips you should be able to field the shaky waters of telemarketers and other such callers with confidence and ease. If an individual or company manages to get around your blocks, it is totally acceptable for you to contact the authorities – that type of behavior can be construed as harassment.