What I don’t understand about stories like these - who answers their phone anymore? Everyone I know either uses caller ID, screens through an answering machine or does not even have a land line at all (cell phone only).
I have to keep a land line where I live. I was getting up to six calls a DAY from people wanting money. I now screen calls through the answering machine. Most money grubbers don’t last through the first couple of words. I know I’m probably missing calls I’d like to take but they will eventually leave a message.
I answer the phone every time it rings, and answer with "This is John". If I don't want to talk to someone, I can just hang up. I never saw the point in hiding or running away.
/johnny
collection agencies intentionally obscure their caller ID signature.
They seek out “out of area” or obscure designations.
(ie, ABC inc.)
Believe it or not, there are still some rotary phones in use. My husband’s widowed aunt has one - we made sure she wasn’t still RENTING it! No caller-id and no answering machine.