I can’t ignore a ringing phone–it might be an important message. I’m receiving quite a few calls in a day but I rarely talk to a person. Most are listed as potential spam or an unknown number from a faraway city. It’s annoying to have to check each one to be sure it isn’t someone I want to speak with. A message is usually left on my voice mail, which I have to clear, too. There used to be a number to call to be put on a do not call list but I haven’t seen anything about that for quite a while.
Some of my friends amuse themselves by answering and giving bogus information but I don’t want to waste my time that way.
The calls come in streaks. I’ll have a bunch and then respite for a short while. According to my limited, highly, unscientific survey, I believe that women are targeted. The men I’ve questioned don’t seem to be bothered. Perhaps the callers are hawking products used by females or they just think we are more gullible.
I wonder how they get my number. If I want to call a person who isn’t on my contact list, I have to go through a “six degrees from Kevin Bacon” ritual. Who do I know that might have the number I need or know someone who does?
It’s hard to believe that not long ago, telephone companies supplied customers with a book listing everyone’s name, address and phone number. To make a long distance call, I could contact an operator for the needed number and address.
Before phones identified the caller, I remember teenagers making anonymous calls asking innocuous questions such as, “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” referring to the popular pipe tobacco. After an affirmative reply, “Well, let him out–he can’t breathe.” Mobile devices have ended that nonsense.
Are you bothered by unwanted phone calls?