MALICIOUS TELEPHONE CALLS

Anyone can be the victim of harassing, annoying, obscene, or threatening telephone calls. These may include random calls by pranksters, calls at hours when you are sleeping, frequent pointless calls or those where the caller says nothing, obscene calls, calls from former romantic interests, or calls where some threat is made against you, those with whom you live, or your property. These calls are intended to upset you, either for revenge or to gratify the caller's personal urges. Most can be prevented or avoided by learning and using some simple techniques to decrease your potential for victimization.

2. Your telephone is for your use and service; always use it on your own terms. If the caller doesn't speak or if you simply don't feel comfortable talking to the caller, hang up. Remember that the telephone is under your control and you are not obligated to speak to anyone.

3. Ask for the caller's identity or affiliation. If the caller makes an improper response or does not respond immediately, hang up. Some "silent" callers are looking for a response and may want you to become scared or angry. Don't give them the satisfaction. If the caller asks, "who is this?" or "What number have I reached," don't give an answer. Instead ask, "whom do you want?" or "What number were you calling?" If the call is not legitimate, that will probably end it.

4. Don't give out any information to anyone you don't positively recognize or who fails to give satisfactory identification or affiliation. If the caller asks for your roommate or another member of your family, simply say that you'll be glad to take a message and have the call returned as promptly as possible. Under no circumstances should you give the names of others living with you to someone who doesn't already know them.

5. If you have children, instruct them not to talk to strangers on the telephone. Burglars or other criminals will sometimes attempt to obtain useful information from unsuspecting children. Teach your children to ask for the caller's name and number so someone can return the call later.

6. If a caller persists after you've made it clear you do not wish to talk, the simplest response is to hang up. Other techniques that may be useful in some circumstances include blowing a police whistle into the phone or tapping the disconnect button and stating "Operator, this is the call I wanted traced."

7. Remember, don't speak unless you want to, don't give out any information, and don't respond to questions.

THREATENING CALLS

Occasionally, a caller may make threats against you, those with whom you live, or your property. These are unusual and extreme incidents and should not be handled with the routine methods we've described above. Notify the University Police immediately. They'll work with the Missouri S&T Telecommunications office and/or United Telephone to put a stop to the calls.

IF YOU SHOULD BECOME A VICTIM

In spite of your best efforts, it is still possible that you could be the victim of a series of malicious telephone calls. If this should happen, it is important that you do several things to assist the University Police and Telecommunications office in resolving the problem.

2. Notify Missouri S&T PD immediately. Although subsequent actions may be coordinated with the Telecommunications office or possibly with other offices or vendors, your initial point of contact is the University Police.

3. Write information down and keep a record of the calls. This information can be invaluable in bringing your case to a prompt and successful resolution.

4. Notify others living with you of the problem. Avoid mentioning the calls to casual friends or in a public place, as the caller may receive gratification from your public distress. In addition, the caller may be put on guard by becoming aware that you have notified the police.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO END THE CALLS?

If there is a continuing series of calls, if the call is of an obscene or threatening nature, or there is reason to believe that the caller intends to inflict bodily harm or property damage, a device can be installed on your phone line to identify the telephone(s) where the calls originate.

It is usually possible to have your telephone number changed if you wish. This is accomplished by contacting the Telecommunications office.

ARE THERE OTHER PRECAUTIONS I CAN TAKE IN ADVANCE?

As a matter of personal safety and security, we recommend that you consider listing your first name by initial only. If yours is a common surname, you may consider listing it by both your first and middle initials. It is possible to request that your number be unlisted, but this may not be effective if others who live with you have their names listed and may inconvenience callers legitimately trying to reach you.

Electronic answering devices are available that service as a buffer, permitting you to hear the caller's voice and message in response to a tape-recorded greeting before you choose whether to override the device and answer the caller directly.

HOW DO I REACH THE UNIVERSITY POLICE?

If you are the victim of malicious calls or would like to request additional information on personal safety and security, contact the University Police at 341-4300.

The Telecommunications office is open during regular university business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. except holidays, and may be reached at 341-4306. You can avoid or end unwanted malicious calls. Missouri S&T PD will be pleased to help you!