[cavtrooper21]

First thing, what this "agent" did was on the border of very wrong....
1st: Purchase a tape recorder that can monitor your phone.
2nd: Be able to dupe that tape fast in case the "arrest
team" really is on the way and have a way to hide or secure both tapes seperatly.
3rd: Find a "gun owner friendly" lawyer and keep his number on you at all times.
4th: You have done nothing wrong. Do not get mad. Do not let scare tactics get to you. If this yutz calls again, make sure he ids himself clearly on tape before he tries to hassle you. Most important, never give any information to them. He may say he knows all, sees all and smells all, but that is an intimidation tactic. I know, I've used it.
Best wishes

[bvw]

Another technique would be to say to the "agent" -- "Sir, at this time I must inform you that I may record this call for reviewe by my attorney."

[Vigilant1]

ct21:
"1st: Purchase a tape recorder that can monitor your phone."

DO NOT DO THIS! IT IS ILLEGAL!!!

It is a serious misdemeanor in the state of Maryland to audio tape someone without their knowlege. It is a seperate and equally serious offense to play such a tape for anyone. Prosecutors have no sense of humor on this offense, and demand and get jail time for it.

[jiggyboy]

I always screen my calls via my answering machine. If, in the rare instance where somebody actually wants to talk to me instead of sell me something, the machine continues to record even after I pick up the phone anywhere in the house. (I can stop it by hitting a key on the phone.) If I were in this situation in MD, I would allow my machine to quietly make the recording, hide the tape after the call, and worry about the legality later.