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First I bought a really nice digital answering machine cordless combo and I keep it set to three rings, I use the generic computerized message that comes with the machine and I screen ALL calls.

When I give my phone number to anyone, friends etc… I tell them up front I do not answer the phone for them to speak into the machine and I’ll pick up… they do and I do. Works like a charm.

If its someone like the Doctors office, work or legitimate business matter such as my credit card company calling me to let me know of unusual activity on my card etc… they will leave a message anyway and I can pick up the phone or just call them back on my time.

At bedtime the phone ringer goes off and my pager is on my bed stand for emergencies work etc…

I’ve been doing this for two or three years now and I’ve yet to tangle with a telemarketer. They do call but most just hang up when the answering machine picks up.

Here in NJ (notorious for a LOT of telemarketing calls), we do the same - screen all calls. Anyone we want to talk to knows we do it, and anyone else like drs as you said will leave a message. Our phone hardly rings at all anymore. One thing we do that is different is have it set to a higher number of rings. Telemarketers usually hang up BEFORE our machine comes on because they get sick of listening to the phone ring.

I did answer the phone the other day because I was expecting a call and lo and behold, it was a DNC call fundraising for Lautenberg! :)